Chanukah: Types of Oil

Q. Are there any types of oils which should not be used for Neiros Chanukah?

A. The Mechaber (OC 673:1) writes that “all oils…are kosher for Ner Chanukah.” However, as the Mechaber himself explains (ibid.), this means only that oils which are disqualified for Shabbos, because they are not drawn properly by the wick, may nevertheless be used for Chanukah.” (See the reason for this distinction in MB ibid.).

There are in fact oils which may not be used for Chanukah: One should not use oils which are isurei hanaah, from which benefit may not be derived, e.g., orlah (Be’er Heitev OC 673:1) or something which is prohibited because of basar b’chalav, meat and dairy cooked together (Mishna Berura OC 673:2). One may not nullify the basar b’chalav in 60 parts in order to use it for Neiros Chanukah (MB ibid. in the name of the Pri Megadim). Oil of Shemita, produce of Eretz Yisroel from the seventh year, should not be used (Sefer Hilchos Chanukah, p. 12). If a mouse was found in the oil it may not be used because it is repugnant (MB ibid:3).

If a person lit with stolen oil it is questionable whether he has fulfilled his mitzvah (MB ibid:2).

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.