Electronic Candle in a Mourner's Home

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Question

Is it permissible to light an electronic candle in a mourner's home, instead of a wax candle?

Answer

One should light a candle made of wax or olive oil. It is not appropriate to light an electronic candle, but in a pressing situation where no other candle is available, leniency can be applied.

Source

In the responsa "Chatam Sofer" part 4 (Even HaEzer 2) sign 85, it is written that a charity for the deceased lights a candle of olive oil.

In "Leket Yosher" part 1 (Orach Chaim) page 49, matter 4, it is written: "But on Shabbat in the synagogue or on the day his father died, it is preferable to light a wax candle."

In "Rabbeinu Bachya" in the section Terumah, it is written that the soul enjoys the lighting of candles, etc., therefore Solomon, peace be upon him, compared the soul to a candle, saying: "The candle of the Lord is the soul of man."

And since we do not know what benefits or harms the souls of our loved ones, we have nothing but what our teachers have taught us, and it is preferable to light a candle of wax or olive oil.

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