This wood engraving was produced to illustrate the article 'Jews in England', that appeared in the magazine 'Once a Week' in August 1862. In the article the author attempts to summarise Jewish religious practices for a largely non-Jewish audience aided by three illustrations after designs by Solomon (see also 1978P554.3). This illustration depicts the custom of lighting the lamps before the start of the Sabbath on a Friday evening. It shows a woman lighting a two-tier nineteenth century ceiling lamp surrounded by her family. On the table in front of her are the prayer book and wine used at the start of the Sabbath.

This illustration, along with nine others by Solomon of 'the ceremonies of modern Jewish ritual, domestic and ecclesiastical,' was published in a series of photographs in 1862 by Coundall, Downes & Co. (Gleeson White, 'English illustration in the Sixties,' p. 83). The same designs were republished as wood engravings in 1866 in the periodical 'Leisure Hour' (vol. 15) as 'Illustrations of Jewish Customs.'

Solomon was born into an observant Jewish family, and produced many works directly or indirectly connected with the Jewish faith. During his early career these were primarily subjects from the Old Testament and more rarely, as here, scenes of contemporary life. However, he became increasingly interested in the emotional, spiritual and aesthetic aspects of the practice of faith, moving towards images which capture religious fervour rather than accurately depicting religious practices.