Is any candle kosher for Shabbat candle-lighting?

Jewish law discusses different kinds of fuels and wicks which are invalid for use on the Shabbat, because the flame that they produce is jumpy and unstable. Therefore, there is the concern that perhaps one will try to adjust the flame to stabilize it - and this is forbidden on Shabbat.

All candles which are manufactured today emit a clean, stable flame, and are therefore kosher for Shabbat candles, even if they contain non-kosher (for eating) ingredients.

By Naftali Silberberg

Rabbi Silberberg resides in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife, Chaya Mushka, and their three children.

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41 Comments

Martha Gordon Columbus, IN November 30, 2024

If a woman is a widow, then how many candles does she light? Reply

Chabad.org Staff December 3, 2024

in response to Martha Gordon:

Very sorry for your loss! A widow continues to light the same amount of candles she lit during her marriage. In Judaism there is a concept of not reducing light. Reply

Joshua Sternbuch Zürich March 17, 2024

We extinguish our Havdala candle in wine which was overflowing from the cup into the plate on which the cup is standing. Can you assume that the wax is kosher and the plate therefore remains kosher? What if the wax is treife (much of the candle wax is made from fat remaining in the slaughter houses of the non-Jews), does the plate become treif, since it touched the plate in a hot state? Is it advisable to buy kosher candles? Are these available? Reply

Rabbi EK for Chabad.org March 21, 2024

in response to Joshua Sternbuch:

To render a utensil unkosher, a transfer of taste must occur, which happens when the utensil comes into contact with heat at a temperature of 43 degrees Celsius or higher. However, in this particular scenario, the fire is being put directly into the liquid, which means that the required heat is not present.

Therefore, even if the candle is not kosher, the plate remains unaffected. Reply

question January 13, 2024

do the candles have to be made by a jew Reply

Eliezer Zalmanov for Chabad.org January 15, 2024

in response to question:

No, they do not. Reply

esty ny June 24, 2022

Question about kosher or non kosher candles is:
1.Can you wash candlesticks in kosher sink with hot water
2.Candles may leave non kosher grease on hands . Reply

Eliezer Zalmanov for Chabad.org June 26, 2022

in response to esty:

If you know for sure that the candles contain non-kosher ingredients, then it is certainly better to wash them in a sink other than in the kitchen, and then to wash your hands well before handling food. Reply

Carolyn Canada October 10, 2020

Can I gift a candle made with beeswax and cotton wick to Jewish people? Will they be able to use it? Reply

David Feuer USA October 27, 2023

in response to Carolyn:

Absolutely, and that would be a lovely gift. Obviously avoid any candle decorated with symbols of another religion. Reply

Anonymous August 25, 2020

Is there any kabbalistic difference of the effect using tea lights would have versus using a different type of candle, or are they all equal? Reply

Miguel Mafla Bloomington August 27, 2020

in response to Anonymous :

That is an interesting question. Reply

Akiva Schild July 3, 2020

Can scented havdalah candles be used and does it matter if the wicks are touching? Reply

Anonymous May 27, 2020

What type of wax is used for shabbat candles?? Paraffin?? Reply

Miguel Mafla Bloomington August 24, 2019

What is the custom for tea lights used as Shabbat candles? Meaning, what happens to them afterwards? I don't have a sacred place to throw them away, if that's what needed. Reply

Chabad.org Staff August 25, 2019

in response to Miguel Mafla:

Those tea lights can be discarded in a regular trash can. Reply

Anonymous August 5, 2019

Going back to a question asked but not answered. Can a person put out shabbos candles or do they have to burn out on their own accord? If they put them out, can they be kindled again on the next shabbos? Reply

Chabad.org Staff August 5, 2019

in response to Anonymous:

One may not extinguish Shabbos candles as one may not extinguish a flame on Shabbos. Reply

Michele Mission Viejo August 5, 2019

Can the candles for shabbat be colored or twisted like hannukah? Reply

Simcha Bart for Chabad.org August 5, 2019

in response to Michele:

Though it is customary to use white candles any candles can be used, provided they burn long enough - which may make Chanukah (or birthday) candles unfit for use as most of those candles are not designed to burn very long. Reply

Anonymous Missouri February 4, 2019

Shabbat Candles Do you light a 2nd candle for Saturday or not? Is any candle holder acceptable? Reply

Chabad.org Staff February 5, 2019

in response to Anonymous:

After Shabbat has ended on Saturday night we light a candle for the havdalah ceremony. Reply

Brandon June 1, 2018

Can you relight candles that have been lit before? Reply

Anonymous Hamaoui April 24, 2018

Are scented havdalah candles allowed, if so is it allowed to be used instead of cinnamon Reply

Rabbi EK for Chabad.org April 27, 2018

in response to Anonymous:

A scented candle is good to use for the blessing of the candles as long as there is more than one wick. As for the blessing of the spices, one should try to have actual fragrant leaves that one may recite the blessing according to all opinions.
To explain:
If the smell is to deodorize the room one may not recite a blessing over such a smell. Fragrant leaves are enjoyable on their own and on such things we recite the blessing.
A scented candle can be subject to debate what they are intended for and as such, we enter the realm of doubt and one may not recite the name of Hashem when in doubt. Therefore it is best to use a spice or leaf that we are certain one may recite the blessing over. Reply

Anonymous October 7, 2016

24hr Is a 24hr candle also allowed? Reply

Eliezer Zalmanov for Chabad.org September 7, 2016

To Mendy Yes, an electric light may be used when a real candle is not an option. Reply

Mendy Brooklyn September 6, 2016

what if someone can"t light a real candle, e.g. in prison or hospital, can they use electric? Reply

Anonymous Florida September 12, 2014

May I vary the oils from week to week that I use for lighting Shabbos Licht? I heard that if one uses olive oil, there is a question whether you may afterwards go back to using other oils. Reply

Mike Cole El Dorado Springs MO November 8, 2013

Shabbat candles Do you burn the candle all the way down or do you ever blow it out and use it for next shabbat Reply

Rochel Chein for chabad.org July 4, 2013

Re: beeswax candles All candles and oils are kosher for use as Shabbat candles, as long as they burn cleanly. The candles can be colored, and any shape. Scented candles are fine (but not preferred), as long as they were not specifically intended for use by another religion. The candles should be large enough to burn until after nightfall; ideally, they should burn until after the Friday night meal has concluded. Reply

Hana lipko June 11, 2017

in response to Rochel Chein for chabad.org:

Hi so ingredients don't have to be kosher? Reply

Joseph levy Nyc December 23, 2021

in response to Rochel Chein for chabad.org:

When you say any shape you mean that a candle can have a shape of a teddy bear or human figure? I want to know the halacha on that I personally forbid it but what does the Halacha say? Reply

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