Lighting candles on Motzei Shabbos

Lighting candles on Motzei Shabbos:[1]

Some are accustomed to light more candles on Motzei Shabbos than they are accustomed to light during the regular weeknights. This is done in order to escort the Shabbos after its leave just as it is customary for one to escort the King upon him leaving the city.[2] [This is similar to Shabbos candle lighting which occurs before Shabbos.[3] These candles should be placed on or near the table during the Melaveh Malka meal.[4]]

When to light and how many candles to light: Some are accustomed to light two candles before Havdalah.[5] Others are accustomed to light the candles after Havdalah. Some light four candles in honor of Melaveh Malka.[6]

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[1] Admur 300:2; Mateh Moshe 512; Olas Shabbos 300:1; Shelah Shabbos Ner Mitzvah 58; Tzeida Laderech Mamar 4 1:7; Chemdas Yamim 1:18-54; Machtzis Hashekel 300; Chayeh Adam 8:35; Elya Raba 299 end; Tosefes Shabbos 300:1; Siddur Yaavetz; Kaf Hachaim Falagi 31:60; Kitzur SHU”A 96:12; Ben Ish Chaiy in Mikabtziel Vayeitzei 2:68;  M”B 295:7; 300:3

[2] See Admur 330:1-2; Taz 300; Likkutei Sichos 36:72

[3] Mateh Moshe ibid

[4] M”B 300:3

[5] Luach Dvar Yom Beyomo

[6] The Imreiy Eish writes in the name of the Baal Shem Tov that one is to light four candles in honor of the meal