The Shabbat lights do not have to be candles, but they certainly should be whenever possible. Using an electric light as shabbat candles should only be done where an open flame is not possible, such as when in the hospital.
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Anne
September 26, 2021
Thank you for providing guidance on flameless candles. I live in accomodation where open flames are prohibited such as oil lamps and candles, so I purchased flameless wax candles which are operated by battery. Reply
Samantha
March 23, 2018
The bit about the fake candles in particular is a relief, because I'm actually on a hospital ward right now. Reply
Stella H Howell
Wokingham, United Kingdom
June 11, 2010
Shabbat candles Candles are a fantastic way to monitor the level of ones prayer. When one prays from the heart, the flame is fantastic to watch. One can see the vigorous energy. The flame also splits (if anyone can tell me the meaning, please!!!) rises to an extreme unnatural height etc. hence truly rewarding. I do not know, at this stage, how an electric light will transmit the same 'feed-back'. Reply
Is it permissible to turn off a battery Shabbat candle after Shabbat has finished as the battery will last longer than the 25 hours of Shabbat?
Yes, once Shabbat has ended in your location, you can turn the battery off.