Halocho #1104 - Candles or Oil for Shabbat?

This Shabbat morning we will read the weekly portion of בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ which begins with the Mitzva of the Cohen lighting the Menora in the Bet Hamikdash every afternoon with pure olive oil. 

The popular custom is to light Shabbat candles on Friday afternoon. However, a Hidur Mitzva (a "deluxe" way of performing the Mitzva) is to use olive oil. 

Whatever one decides to use, it has to create a flame that burns steadily without flickering or spluttering and does not generate an unpleasant odor. 

The Mishna lists wicks and oils that are disqualified, e.g. wicks from silk or seaweed as well as cottonseed oil. 

We already learned that one may not use a 7 branched candelabra. 

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 75:3, Mishna Shabbat, Ch. 2

Shabbat Shalom,

- Danny
Thursday, 14 Sivan 5773

Please daven for the complete recovery of a little boy diagnosed with lymphoma:

יוֹנָתָן-שִׂמְחָה בֶּן לֵאָה-רִבְקָה