When we say Havdala on Saturday night (Motzei Shabbat Pesach), can we just bring the existing flame, which is a single wick, to the table, or do we need two wicks together?
Single Wick or Two Wicks for Havdala on Motzei Shabbat Pesach
Question
Answer
It is better to have two wicks.
Sources
The Gemara quotes Rava that using a torch (avukah) for Havdala is the choicest way to do the mitzvah. The Shulchan Aruch rules the same: the optimal way is to make the blessing on a torch. The Rema adds that a candle with two wicks counts as a torch. So a single wick is acceptable, but two wicks are better.
The Mishnah Berurah explains how this works with our candles. Several wicks inside one candle act like one thick wick and do not count as an avukah. But candles braided together, or two candles held together at the time of the blessing so their flames reach each other, do count as an avukah.
- Gemara Pesachim 8a — Rava: a torch for Havdala is the choicest way to do the mitzvah
- Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 298:2 — it is best to make the blessing on a torch; Rema: a candle with two wicks is called a torch
- Mishnah Berurah 298:8 — two flames that reach each other, such as braided candles or two candles held together, count as an avukah
Author
Rabbi Shay Tahan
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