Anonymous

Kosher Oil, Wicks, and Candles for Chanuka: Difference between revisions

From Halachipedia

Kosher Oil, Wicks, and Candles for Chanuka (view source)

Revision as of 21:14, 2 December 2018

1,048 bytes added ,  2 December 2018
→‎The wicks that are Kosher
(3 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 7: Line 7:
# Where necessary, one may use oil one day and candles the next <ref> Sefer Hilchos Chanukah pg. 12</ref>
# Where necessary, one may use oil one day and candles the next <ref> Sefer Hilchos Chanukah pg. 12</ref>
# Someone involved in sticking wax candles to the Chanukia and then finds oil, should switch to use oil. If one started the bracha on the wax candles one can’t switch to oil. <ref> Sh”t Shevut Yacov 1:37 says once one sticks the wax candles to the Chanukia one began the mitzvah and shouldn’t change to oil. Sh”t Chacham Tzvi 45 argues that that isn’t called starting the mitzvah. Sh”t Shevut Yacov defends himself in [[teshuva]] 2:30 and agrees even though one started the mitzvah one doesn’t have to change to oil but can if he wants to be strict. Most of the Achronim hold like the Chacham Tzvi including:Sh”t Shaar Yosef 8, Birkei Yosef 673:3, Sh”t Yad Eliyahu Melublin 42, Sh”t Tiferet Yosef O”C 36, Sh”t Nachalat Binyamin O”C 132, Sh”t Shelat Shalom (Kama 113), and Kol Sinai (Kislev 5725). Shaarei Teshuva 673:1 and Aruch HaShulchan 673:6 say that once one begins the bracha one can’t change to oil at all. </ref>
# Someone involved in sticking wax candles to the Chanukia and then finds oil, should switch to use oil. If one started the bracha on the wax candles one can’t switch to oil. <ref> Sh”t Shevut Yacov 1:37 says once one sticks the wax candles to the Chanukia one began the mitzvah and shouldn’t change to oil. Sh”t Chacham Tzvi 45 argues that that isn’t called starting the mitzvah. Sh”t Shevut Yacov defends himself in [[teshuva]] 2:30 and agrees even though one started the mitzvah one doesn’t have to change to oil but can if he wants to be strict. Most of the Achronim hold like the Chacham Tzvi including:Sh”t Shaar Yosef 8, Birkei Yosef 673:3, Sh”t Yad Eliyahu Melublin 42, Sh”t Tiferet Yosef O”C 36, Sh”t Nachalat Binyamin O”C 132, Sh”t Shelat Shalom (Kama 113), and Kol Sinai (Kislev 5725). Shaarei Teshuva 673:1 and Aruch HaShulchan 673:6 say that once one begins the bracha one can’t change to oil at all. </ref>
# One can’t use an electric light (because it lacks oil and wick) or a gas flame (because it lacks a wick) for [[Chanukah]] candles. If one has nothing else one should turn it on without a bracha (whether one can get benefit from it, see later on).If one later gets a candle he should light with a bracha. According to some Ashkenazic poskim he can eat recite a bracha. <ref> Rav Ovadyah Yosef in Sh”t Yacheve Daat 4:38, Yabia Omer O”C 2:17(12),3:35, 10:54(19), Chazon Ovadyah ([[Chanukah]] pg 93), Sh”t Bet Yitzchak Y”D 120, doesn’t allow electric or gas lights. Yalkut Yosef Chanuka 673:6 p. 289 agrees. Rav Shlomo Zalman Aurbach in Halichot Shlomo (Moadim 283), and Rav Elyashiv in Kovetz Teshuvot 3:103 say if there’s nothing else available if the lights are set up so it’s recognizable that it’s [[Chanukah]] candles one can light (and seemingly make a bracha).  
# One can’t use an electric light (because it lacks oil and wick) or a gas flame (because it lacks a wick) for [[Chanukah]] candles. If one has nothing else one should turn it on without a bracha (whether one can get benefit from it, see later on).If one later gets a candle he should light with a bracha. According to some Ashkenazic poskim he can eat recite a bracha. <ref> Rav Ovadyah Yosef in Sh”t Yacheve Daat 4:38, Yabia Omer O”C 2:17(12),3:35, 10:54(19), Chazon Ovadyah ([[Chanukah]] pg 93), Sh”t Bet Yitzchak Y”D 120, doesn’t allow electric or gas lights. Yalkut Yosef Chanuka 673:6 p. 289 agrees. Rav Nissim Karelitz (cited by Piskei Shemuot p. 107) holds that one can light electric candles without a bracha. Rav Shlomo Zalman Aurbach in Halichot Shlomo (Moadim 283), and Rav Elyashiv in Kovetz Teshuvot 3:103 say if there’s nothing else available if the lights are set up so it’s recognizable that it’s [[Chanukah]] candles one can light with a bracha.  
* Gas: Pitchei Sharim ([[Shabbat]] 21a) and Sh”t Yad HaLevi O”C 116 forbid the use of gas bulbs. Sh”t Yam Hagadol 32 allows gas but not electric lights.[Atret Zekenim 673 quotes Maharal of Prague who forbids even wax because the miracle happened with oil.]  
* Gas: Pitchei Sharim ([[Shabbat]] 21a) and Sh”t Yad HaLevi O”C 116 forbid the use of gas bulbs. Sh”t Yam Hagadol 32 allows gas but not electric lights.[Atret Zekenim 673 quotes Maharal of Prague who forbids even wax because the miracle happened with oil.]  
* Electric: Ashel Avrham Nemark ([[Shabbat]] 22a), Sh”t Mayim Chaim Mashash 279, Or [[Chadash]] 5665 pg 36, Sh”t Ohel Yitzchak Posek in name of Rabbi Yachanon Fershel, and Sh”t Kochavei Yitzchak 5-8 allow electric lights. However, Sh”t Levushei Mordechai Winkler ([[Tallit]]a O”C 59, Mehudra Batra 19), Sh”t Har Tzvi O”C 2:114, Sh”t Bear Moshe 6:59, Sh”t Ohel Yitzchak Posek 3, Sh”t Darkei Shalom Leiter 63(5), Pedukat Elazar 23, Sh”t Eliyahu Kalsakin 63, Sh”t Dvar Eliyahu 63, Sh”t Mishpatei Uziel O”C 1:7(2), Sh”t Mahargash 2:107, Kaf HaChaim 673:19, Sh”t Mishnat Sachir 2:203, Even Yisrael 9 pg 127b, Sh”t Yashkil Avdi O”C 2:9(8), 3:17, Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 1:20(12), and Sh”t Shevet Hakehati 3:199 forbid the use of electric lights.  
* Electric: Ashel Avrham Nemark ([[Shabbat]] 22a), Sh”t Mayim Chaim Mashash 279, Or [[Chadash]] 5665 pg 36, Sh”t Ohel Yitzchak Posek in name of Rabbi Yachanon Fershel, and Sh”t Kochavei Yitzchak 5-8 allow electric lights. However, Sh”t Levushei Mordechai Winkler ([[Tallit]]a O”C 59, Mehudra Batra 19), Sh”t Har Tzvi O”C 2:114, Sh”t Bear Moshe 6:59, Sh”t Ohel Yitzchak Posek 3, Sh”t Darkei Shalom Leiter 63(5), Pedukat Elazar 23, Sh”t Eliyahu Kalsakin 63, Sh”t Dvar Eliyahu 63, Sh”t Mishpatei Uziel O”C 1:7(2), Sh”t Mahargash 2:107, Kaf HaChaim 673:19, Sh”t Mishnat Sachir 2:203, Even Yisrael 9 pg 127b, Sh”t Yashkil Avdi O”C 2:9(8), 3:17, Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 1:20(12), and Sh”t Shevet Hakehati 3:199 forbid the use of electric lights.  
Line 14: Line 14:
# All wicks and oils are kosher for [[Chanukah]] candles even the wicks and oils that are unfit for [[Shabbat]] candles such as wicks of cotton, hair or silk, and oils of castor oil or pitch (See Hilchot [[Shabbat]] Candles), which the wicks don’t draw well from the oil. <ref> [[Shabbat]] 21a brings a dispute in the Amoraim. We hold that these wicks and oils are permitted for [[Chanukah]]. It’s only a potential issue on Friday afternoon and even then it’s permitted since we are not afraid that on [[Shabbat]] you’ll fix the wick (to draw better) because the [[Chanukah]] candles are forbidden to benefit from their light and if they go out one donesn’t have to relight them. Rambam ([[Chanukah]] 4:6), Tur and S”A 673:1. </ref>
# All wicks and oils are kosher for [[Chanukah]] candles even the wicks and oils that are unfit for [[Shabbat]] candles such as wicks of cotton, hair or silk, and oils of castor oil or pitch (See Hilchot [[Shabbat]] Candles), which the wicks don’t draw well from the oil. <ref> [[Shabbat]] 21a brings a dispute in the Amoraim. We hold that these wicks and oils are permitted for [[Chanukah]]. It’s only a potential issue on Friday afternoon and even then it’s permitted since we are not afraid that on [[Shabbat]] you’ll fix the wick (to draw better) because the [[Chanukah]] candles are forbidden to benefit from their light and if they go out one donesn’t have to relight them. Rambam ([[Chanukah]] 4:6), Tur and S”A 673:1. </ref>
# On Friday afternoon if one puts in the exact measure required, enough oil for a half hour after Tzet, he can use the unfit wicks and oils (wicks and oils unfit for [[Shabbat]] candles). However if he puts in a lot of oil to last longer than the half hour after Tzet, he may not use the unfit wicks and oils (wicks and oils unfit for [[Shabbat]] candles).The Shamash on Friday afternoon can’t be lit with the unfit wicks and oils. <ref> Meiri([[Shabbat]] 21b), Sh”t Rashba 1:170, Bet Yosef 673, Rama 673:1 say this difference by Friday afternoon. S”A 672:2 rules that if the oil lasts longer than the required half hour it’s permitted for benefit. Therefore, the Bach 673, Pri [[Chadash]] 673, Eliyah Raba 673:5, Pri Megadim M”Z 673:2, and Mishna Brurah 673:6 write that there’s a concern that one will fix the wick to draw better and violate [[Shabbat]]. Similarly the Bach 673, Shaarei Knesset Hagedolah 673:5, Magen Avraham 673:1, Eliyah Raba 673:3, and Pri [[Chadash]] 673 write that the Shamash can’t be lit with unfit wicks and oils because it’s permitted for benefit and there’s an issue of fixing it to improve it. </ref>
# On Friday afternoon if one puts in the exact measure required, enough oil for a half hour after Tzet, he can use the unfit wicks and oils (wicks and oils unfit for [[Shabbat]] candles). However if he puts in a lot of oil to last longer than the half hour after Tzet, he may not use the unfit wicks and oils (wicks and oils unfit for [[Shabbat]] candles).The Shamash on Friday afternoon can’t be lit with the unfit wicks and oils. <ref> Meiri([[Shabbat]] 21b), Sh”t Rashba 1:170, Bet Yosef 673, Rama 673:1 say this difference by Friday afternoon. S”A 672:2 rules that if the oil lasts longer than the required half hour it’s permitted for benefit. Therefore, the Bach 673, Pri [[Chadash]] 673, Eliyah Raba 673:5, Pri Megadim M”Z 673:2, and Mishna Brurah 673:6 write that there’s a concern that one will fix the wick to draw better and violate [[Shabbat]]. Similarly the Bach 673, Shaarei Knesset Hagedolah 673:5, Magen Avraham 673:1, Eliyah Raba 673:3, and Pri [[Chadash]] 673 write that the Shamash can’t be lit with unfit wicks and oils because it’s permitted for benefit and there’s an issue of fixing it to improve it. </ref>
# Some have the Minhag to add some water to the oil as long as the wick is immersed in the oil so that it’s able to light. <Ref> Yafeh Lelev 2, 671:2. </ref>
# Some have the Minhag to add some water to the oil as long as the wick is immersed in the oil so that it’s able to light. <Ref> Yafeh Lelev 2, 671:2. </ref>
# One is allowed to light with oil of the Shemittah year. <Ref> Rav Mordechai Eliyahu in Techumin (Vol 21 pg 11-15) </ref>
# One is allowed to light with oil of the Shemittah year. <Ref> Rav Mordechai Eliyahu in Techumin (Vol 21 pg 11-15) </ref>
# [[Chanukah]] oil that was left under a bed should preferably not be used for [[Chanukah]] candles but if there’s no other oil available one can use that oil. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 663:5 </ref>
# [[Chanukah]] oil that was left under a bed should preferably not be used for [[Chanukah]] candles but if there’s no other oil available one can use that oil. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 663:5 </ref>
# Oil which is inedible, according to most opinions is totally fit and permissible to be used for [[Chanukah]] candles, however, some say that it’s preferable to use edible oil. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 673:5, Shevut Yitzchak (vol 5) in name of Rav Elyashiv </ref>
# Oil which is inedible, according to most opinions is totally fit and permissible to be used for [[Chanukah]] candles, however, some say that it’s preferable to use edible oil. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 673:5, Shevut Yitzchak (vol 5) in name of Rav Elyashiv </ref>
# Some say that using congealed solid olive oil has the added level of using olive oil, while some say it isn't the highest level.<ref>Piskei Shemuot 673:1 p. 103 quotes Rav Wosner as holding that congealed olive oil is perfectly acceptable for chanuka candles and is like olive oil. However, he quotes Rav Nissim Karelitz that it isn't considered the added level of olive oil since it might not be valid for oil in the beit hamikdash and chanuka candles are to remember the candles in the beit hamikdash.</ref>


== The wicks that are Kosher==
== The wicks that are Kosher==
Line 23: Line 24:
# One doesn’t need to replace the wicks until it’s used up. Some specifically don’t because wicks already lit catch faster, but some replace them as a reminder of the wicks in the Bet HaMikdash. <ref> Masechet Soferim 20:4, Orchot Chaim ([[Chanukah]] 6), Shibolei HaLeket 185, Rabbi David Avudraham in name of Rashi ([[Seder]] Tefilat [[Chanukah]]), Tur 677 and S”A 673:4 say that wicks can be reused until they’re used up. Orchot Chaim 5, Kol Bo 44, Ohel Moed ([[Chanukah]] 2), Meiri ([[Shabbat]] 21a says that it’s just a Hidur), Leket Yosher ([[Chanukah]] pg 152), Darkei Moshe 673:6 says that it’s the practice to use new wicks. Levush 673 and Mishna Brurah 673:31 say that reusing the wicks is better because it lights faster. </ref>
# One doesn’t need to replace the wicks until it’s used up. Some specifically don’t because wicks already lit catch faster, but some replace them as a reminder of the wicks in the Bet HaMikdash. <ref> Masechet Soferim 20:4, Orchot Chaim ([[Chanukah]] 6), Shibolei HaLeket 185, Rabbi David Avudraham in name of Rashi ([[Seder]] Tefilat [[Chanukah]]), Tur 677 and S”A 673:4 say that wicks can be reused until they’re used up. Orchot Chaim 5, Kol Bo 44, Ohel Moed ([[Chanukah]] 2), Meiri ([[Shabbat]] 21a says that it’s just a Hidur), Leket Yosher ([[Chanukah]] pg 152), Darkei Moshe 673:6 says that it’s the practice to use new wicks. Levush 673 and Mishna Brurah 673:31 say that reusing the wicks is better because it lights faster. </ref>
# A candle with two wicks counts for two candles. Nowadays when everyone lights according to the number of the night someone seeing a candle with two wicks will think it’s the second night and so it can’t be used for two people. One can be lenient nowadays to light on two sides of a chanukia for two people. <ref> [[Shabbat]] 23b says that a candle with two wicks can count for two people. Magen Avraham 673:2 says it’s not used nowadays for 2 people because everyone lights according to the number of the night. Chaye Adam 154:11 and Mishna Brurah 673:12 are lenient by two sides of a Chanukia. [The cases to which it applies: Rashi explains that it applies to those who do the Mehadrin and light per person in the house. So explains the Rabbenu Chananel, Ritva, Ravyah 3:843, Itur 2 [[Chanukah]] pg 116d, Or Zaruh 2:326, and Shibolei HaLeket 185.However Tosfot ([[Shabbat]] 21b s.v. Mitzvah) explains that it refers to 2 people with a common front courtyard. So explains Rabbenu Yerucham 9:1, and Ran. [[Maggid]] Mishna ([[Chanukah]] 4:4) quotes the case of Rashi, Tosfot and adds also the cases of 2 people who live in one house who split their funds for food, and 2 houses with doorways within a [[Tefach]]. Tur 673:3 writes that it can count for 2 candles on the second night and on. Bet Yosef explains that the Tur was excluding the case of Rashi because he holds that Mahadrin Min Mahadrin is done with one per house independent on the number of people in the house. Eliyah Raba 673:2 infers from the Tur that lighting for two people with one candle won’t work.] </ref>
# A candle with two wicks counts for two candles. Nowadays when everyone lights according to the number of the night someone seeing a candle with two wicks will think it’s the second night and so it can’t be used for two people. One can be lenient nowadays to light on two sides of a chanukia for two people. <ref> [[Shabbat]] 23b says that a candle with two wicks can count for two people. Magen Avraham 673:2 says it’s not used nowadays for 2 people because everyone lights according to the number of the night. Chaye Adam 154:11 and Mishna Brurah 673:12 are lenient by two sides of a Chanukia. [The cases to which it applies: Rashi explains that it applies to those who do the Mehadrin and light per person in the house. So explains the Rabbenu Chananel, Ritva, Ravyah 3:843, Itur 2 [[Chanukah]] pg 116d, Or Zaruh 2:326, and Shibolei HaLeket 185.However Tosfot ([[Shabbat]] 21b s.v. Mitzvah) explains that it refers to 2 people with a common front courtyard. So explains Rabbenu Yerucham 9:1, and Ran. [[Maggid]] Mishna ([[Chanukah]] 4:4) quotes the case of Rashi, Tosfot and adds also the cases of 2 people who live in one house who split their funds for food, and 2 houses with doorways within a [[Tefach]]. Tur 673:3 writes that it can count for 2 candles on the second night and on. Bet Yosef explains that the Tur was excluding the case of Rashi because he holds that Mahadrin Min Mahadrin is done with one per house independent on the number of people in the house. Eliyah Raba 673:2 infers from the Tur that lighting for two people with one candle won’t work.] </ref>
# One can light oil candles with wicks that are covered with wax and it is considered as though one lit with oil.<ref>Rav Shlomo Zalman (Halichot Shlomo ch. 15, Piskei Shemuot p. 107) and Rav Wosner (Piskei Shemuot p. 107) hold that one can use wicks wrapped with wax since the wax is considered one unit with the wick. Also, it burns off momentarily.</ref>
==Chanukia For Chanukah Candles==
==Chanukia For Chanukah Candles==
# Preferably, one should use a chanukia and not just stick wax candles on top of a counter and light them as such. <Ref> Chacham Tzvi 45 holds that sticking wax candles without a chanukia is fine. Mishna Brurah 671:18 clearly implies this way as well. Yalkut Yosef 671:15 writes that one should be strict to use a chanukia because some hold that it is absolutely necessary. Avnei Nezer OC 2:500 quotes that the Chessed L’avraham who says that this is a requirement. Rav Hershel Schachter (“Bava Metsia Shiur 35” min. 17-9) strongly recommended using a chanukia, but mentioned that on occasion Rav Soloveitchik would light wax candles directly on a window sill. </ref>
# Preferably, one should use a chanukia and not just stick wax candles on top of a counter and light them as such. <Ref> Chacham Tzvi 45 holds that sticking wax candles without a chanukia is fine. Mishna Brurah 671:18 clearly implies this way as well. Yalkut Yosef 671:15 writes that one should be strict to use a chanukia because some hold that it is absolutely necessary. Avnei Nezer OC 2:500 quotes that the Chessed L’avraham who says that this is a requirement. Rav Hershel Schachter (“Bava Metsia Shiur 35” min. 17-9) strongly recommended using a chanukia, but mentioned that on occasion Rav Soloveitchik would light wax candles directly on a window sill. </ref>
Line 29: Line 32:


==Links==
==Links==
* [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/56810 Yalkut Yosef Hilchot Chanukah (Hebrew 5773)]
* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/785058/rabbi-shay-schachter/chanukah-olive-oil/wax-candles-and-more-/ Chanukah: Olive Oil, Wax Candles and More] by Rabbi Shay Schachter
* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/785058/rabbi-shay-schachter/chanukah-olive-oil/wax-candles-and-more-/ Chanukah: Olive Oil, Wax Candles and More] by Rabbi Shay Schachter


Retrieved from "http://localhost:80/index.php?title=Special:MobileDiff/19925...22040"