Privacy Policy
Bais Yaakov Candlelighting Times — Privacy Policy
Effective August 26, 2026 · Operated by Bais Yaakov of the Twin Cities
Overview
Bais Yaakov Candlelighting Times is a free SMS reminder service operated by Bais Yaakov of the Twin Cities ("BYTC," "we," "us"). Each week, subscribers receive a text message with the local candle-lighting time for Shabbos, calculated for the location they provide when they sign up.
This policy explains what information we collect through the sign-up form and text messages, how we use it, and the choices you have. It applies only to this SMS service, not to BYTC's website or other programs generally.
Information we collect
Phone number — required to send you text reminders.
Location (city, zip code, or similar) — used to calculate the correct candle-lighting and Havdalah times for where you live.
Message activity — whether a message was delivered, and keyword replies like STOP or HELP, which our messaging provider (Twilio) records for compliance and delivery purposes.
We do not ask for or knowingly collect your name, email address, or any other personal details through this service unless you choose to provide them separately (for example, when arranging a weekly sponsorship).
How we use your information
To calculate and send your weekly candle-lighting (and, where applicable, Havdalah) time by text message.
To send a one-time welcome message confirming your signup and explaining how to get help or opt out.
To respond to HELP requests and process STOP opt-outs.
To keep basic delivery records so we can troubleshoot missed or failed messages.
Message frequency & cost
You will typically receive one text message per week, plus a one-time confirmation message when you first sign up. Some weekly messages may include a short note that the week has been sponsored, occasionally with a link to sponsor or donate — this does not add extra messages.
Message and data rates may apply. Charges depend on your mobile carrier and plan, not on us.
Sharing of information
We do not sell, rent, or share your mobile phone number with third parties for their marketing or promotional purposes. Your number and location are used solely to operate this reminder service.
We share information only with the service providers that help us run the service — currently Twilio (SMS delivery), Zapier (automation), and Google Sheets (subscriber list storage) — and only to the extent needed to send your messages. We may also disclose information if required by law or to protect the safety of our subscribers or community.
Data retention
We keep your phone number and location for as long as you remain subscribed. If you opt out or ask us to remove your information, we delete it from our active subscriber list within a reasonable time, except where we need to retain minimal records (such as an opt-out request) to comply with messaging regulations.
Your choices
Opt out — reply STOP to any message at any time to stop receiving texts.
Get help — reply HELP for support, or use the contact details below.
Update or delete your information — contact us and we will update your location or remove your number from our list.
Children's privacy
This service is intended for use by adults signing up on behalf of themselves or their household. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe a child has signed up without appropriate permission, please contact us and we will remove the information.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in the service. The "Effective" date at the top will always show the latest revision. Continued use of the service after an update means you accept the revised policy.
Contact us
Questions about this policy or your information can be sent to [contact email to be added] or by mail to:
Bais Yaakov of the Twin Cities, 4509 Minnetonka Blvd, Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
Terms & Conditions
Bais Yaakov Candlelighting Times — Terms & Conditions
Effective August 26, 2026 · Operated by Bais Yaakov of the Twin Cities
Acceptance of terms
By submitting your phone number to receive Bais Yaakov Candlelighting Times text messages, you agree to these Terms & Conditions and to our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not sign up.
Description of service
Bais Yaakov Candlelighting Times is a free SMS service operated by Bais Yaakov of the Twin Cities ("BYTC," "we," "us") that sends subscribers a weekly text with the local Shabbos candle-lighting time — and, where applicable, the following week's Havdalah time — for the location they provide. Messages may occasionally note that a given week has been sponsored, sometimes with a link to sponsor or donate.
Eligibility
You must be the owner of the mobile number you provide, or have that person's permission, to sign up. By signing up, you confirm that you have the authority to consent to receiving text messages at that number.
Message frequency & fees
Subscribers can expect one text message per week, plus a one-time welcome message upon signup. There is no charge from BYTC for this service.
Message and data rates may apply from your wireless carrier. Contact your carrier for details about your text and data plan.
Opt-in and opt-out
You opt in by submitting your phone number and location through our online sign-up form. You may opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message — you will receive one confirmation that you've been unsubscribed, and no further messages will be sent. Reply HELP at any time for support, or see the contact details below.
Sponsorships & donations
Subscribers may optionally sponsor a given week's reminder as a charitable dedication (for example, in honor or memory of someone). Sponsorship is entirely optional, is not required to receive the weekly reminder, and is arranged separately from text messaging. Any donation made in connection with a sponsorship is made to Bais Yaakov of the Twin Cities and is non-refundable except as required by law.
Accuracy of candle-lighting times
Candle-lighting and Havdalah times are calculated using the HebCal API based on the location you provide, and are intended as a convenient reminder only. Times can be affected by an incorrect or imprecise location, local rabbinic custom, or technical error. For questions about the correct time to observe Shabbos or Yom Tov, please consult your local Rabbi or an authoritative published source rather than relying solely on this service.
Disclaimer of warranties
This service is provided "as is" and "as available," without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including as to timeliness, accuracy, or uninterrupted delivery. Text message delivery depends on third-party carriers and networks outside of our control, and we cannot guarantee that every message will arrive.
Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, BYTC and its officers, employees, and volunteers will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of, or inability to use, this service, including a missed or delayed candle-lighting reminder.
Changes to these terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. The "Effective" date at the top of this page will always reflect the most recent version. Continuing to use the service after an update means you accept the revised Terms.
Governing law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to its conflict-of-law principles.
Contact us
Questions about these Terms can be sent to office@bytcschool.org or by mail to:
Bais Yaakov of the Twin Cities, 4509 Minnetonka Blvd, Saint Louis Park, MN 55416