Havdalah: Difference between revisions

# Some poskim allow one to use an electric light in place of a Havdala candle in a time of need.>ref> Shaarim Metzuyanim Behalachah 96:6, Az Nidberu 8:2, Rivevot Ephraim 3:599. see also Mishpitei Uziel OC 1:9 </ref>  In fact, it is reported that Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky would always use an electric bulb for Havdala in order to demonstrate how strongly he felt that electricity is to be treated exactly like fire from the perspective of halacha.<ref> Shaarim Metzuyanim Behalachah 96:6. Sh"t Nachalat Shimon 15 says this was the practice of Rav Chaim Soloveitchik </ref>  

Nevertheless, there are those authorities who discourage the use of an electric light for Havdala. Among their opposition to is the fact that the blessing recited upon the Havdala candle includes the word "fire" which seems to imply the need for actual fire, not merely light. As such a light bulb would not be acceptable according to this view.<ref> Har Tzvi 2:114, Sh"t Yechave Daat 2:39, Maharshag 2:107, Kitzur S"A of Rabbi Raphael Baruch Toledano pg. 323 </ref>  Even among the authorities who permit the use of electric lighting when needed many would disqualify the use of fluorescent bulbs as they work differently than standard light bulbs. <ref> Hachashmal L’or Hahalacha 3:88 </ref>