Havdala on Yom Tov

Question: When Yom Tov falls on Motzaei Shabbos, can one use the Yom Tov candles for havdala?

Answer: The Gemara (Pesachim 103b) teaches that one should ideally use an avuka for havdala. The Maggid Mishne (Shabbos 29:26) translates this as a multi-wicked candle. The Ran (Pesachim 21a) explains that the beracha of borei meorei haeish is written in the plural form as Hashem created multiple luminaries. Thus, the Shulchan Aruch (OC 298:2) writes that it is ideal to use an avuka, though one may use a single candle if necessary.

The Mishna Berura (Biur Halacha 514:5) writes that one should ideally light a yahrzeit candle before Yom Tov, rather than on Yom Tov itself. Thus, R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (quoted in Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa 62:n31) questioned whether one may light a havdala candle on Yom Tov just for havdala.

The Shulchan Aruch (OC 514:2) writes that one must not tip a candle in order to drip the wax, nor remove a lit wick from a flame, as doing so is considered kibui, extinguishing. The Rema adds that one may, however, add a wick to an existing flame, even though it will burn quicker. Nonetheless, R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 5:20:30) writes that one may hold two candles together for havdala as one has no intention of making the candles burn quicker.

The Rema (OC 502:2) writes that one may move a burning wood from a fire and place it elsewhere as one is not intending on extinguishing the flame. Nonetheless, the Shulchan Aruch Harav (OC 502:7) and Mishna Berura (502:20) write that one should ideally not separate two wicks from the same flame. Accordingly, one could not place two candles together to make one flame and then separate them. Nonetheless, R’ Moshe Stern (Baer Moshe 8:184) and R’ Menashe Klein (Mishne Halachos 8:217) write that we follow the Rema in allowing us to separate the candles.

R’ Benzion Abba Shaul (Ohr Letzion 3:18:6) writes that one can use one’s regular Yom Tov candles for havdala. One does not need to move or hold them. Likewise, R’ Yaakov Kamenetsky (Emes L’yaakov OC 514:n476) maintained that one must not allow the candles to touch (see Dirshu Mishna Berura 3:18:n6).

In conclusion, there are different practices as to how to make havdala on Yom Tov. One without a specific minhag should ideally not place the candles together.