Shabbat is the most commonly occurring occasion when candle holders are used. According to tradition, two candles, usually in separate candlesticks, are lit each Shabbat eve. One candle represents the commandment to keep the Sabbath holy with the second to remember the Sabbath. Some families light candles in a multi-branched candelabrum instead of two individual candles, while others light one candle for each member of their family.

Regardless of which tradition is followed, all candle holders bear some sort of decoration, ranging from simple to elaborate designs. Most candle holders are silver or silver-plated. The older holders, made in the 17th and 18th centuries, are often large and unbalanced, and some have square bases. In the nineteenth century, candle holders became somewhat smaller and lighter. Many were etched with images of foliage or animals.

Candelabra, with between two and seven branches (those with eight branches are called Hanukiahs) have a similar history. Over time, their design became more refined, as well, and they were designed to be less bulky. Candlesticks and candelabra today often have less detail than their predecessors. They are overall less spectacular, usually silver or brass plated.

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