The Shabbat lamp is a rabbinic enactment with two reasons: honoring Shabbat and domestic peace. Understand who lights, when, and what happens when Shabbat and Chanukah lights compete.
The Mishnah in "Bameh Madlikin" (Shabbat ch. 2) deals with fit oils and wicks. The Gemara (Shabbat כ״ג ע״ב (23b)) rules: the household lamp takes precedence over the Chanukah lamp, because of domestic peace.
Proof for the "domestic peace" basis: when one cannot afford both, the Shabbat lamp comes first - even before daytime wine.
One lights before sunset, and it is customary to accept Shabbat a few minutes earlier. Per Ashkenazi custom (Rema OC 263:5) the woman lighting blesses after lighting and covers her eyes, since the blessing is her acceptance of Shabbat.
A study framework only - for a practical question, ask a rabbi.
Look up the candle-lighting time in your city and its gap from sunset.
The lamp is the bridge between weekday and Shabbat - lit so the home enters Shabbat in peace.
Test yourself before marking the lesson complete.
What main reason does the Gemara give for the Shabbat lamp?
