#188: The Havdalah Candle (Part 7)
1. Poskim debate whether, in principle, electric lights may be used as a fire. Some forbid it because the light must not be covered (Ohr L’tzion), while others permit if the bulb is incandescent and transparent, and one can see the light (R. Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky, cited in Ohr Elchanan, p.286).
2. Today, it is recommended not to use any electric lights for Havdalah so as not to cause confusion as to which lights may be permitted by some and which are not according to all opinions (R. Mordechai Willig, quoted at www.koltorah.org/halachah/electricity-and-positive-mitzvot-part-2-by-rabbi-chaim-jachter). In addition, all agree that LED and fluorescent lights, which have become the standard type of light bulb used in most places, may not be used because they do not constitute fire (Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchatah 61:32).
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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.
