#28: What Types of Lights Should be Used for Shabbat?

Rabbi Eli Ozarowski
  1. The Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 264:4-6) writes that one may use any type of oil for candle lighting with a wick that is soft and absorbent, except for certain ones listed there (most of which don’t light well). Nevertheless, the best way to fulfill the mitzva is with olive oil because it is easily drawn into the wick and its light is clear and pure.
  2. The Mishnah Berurah (264:23) writes that while oil is generally preferable to wax or other candles, it really depends on how well the candles light and the quality of the flame. Today, wax candles are commonly used by many and produce a nice, clear, quality flame, and therefore, it is considered just as good as olive oil (Peninei Halachah 4:3; Az Nidberu 3:4).

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.