You shall kindle no fire throughout your houses upon the sabbath day.
All Commentaries on Exodus 35:3 Go To Exodus 35
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
No fire, to dress meat. The Rabbins say it is lawful to light a fire, to warm oneself, or for light. But they generally employ some other to do it for them. The Samaritans and Caraites look upon this as an evasion. (Calmet)
It was customary to light candles and dress meat before sun-set on Friday. On other festivals, even the greatest, this was not required, as they were not instituted chiefly in memory of God's rest, as the sabbath was, chap. xii. 16. (Haydock)