Shamash for the Chanukiah: Oil or Wax

Place and order of lighting Hanukkah candles

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Question

I know that one must light the shamash, but it is unclear whether it must be done specifically in the tall oil cup of the Chanukiah, or if one can light a candle sold as a shamash, and if both are possible, which is preferable?

Answer

Both fulfill the custom of the shamash, but the Rema wrote that if one lights the candles with the shamash, it is preferable, as this demonstrates that the shamash is not counted among the candles.

Source

Shulchan Aruch and Rema (Orach Chaim, Siman 673, Paragraph 1); Azmera Lishmecha (Issue 118).

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