May a Havdalah Candle Be Used for the Shamash?
Question:
I have a very beautiful, pure beeswax Havdalah candle available, and I would like to know if it’s permitted for it to be used as the shamash by the menorah?
Answer:
In my opinion, it is permitted to do so.
Explanation:
Regarding the lighting of the actual candles of the menorah (excluding the shamash), we find it ruled that it is forbidden for them to be lit using a torch. A Havdalah candle would be invalid for this purpose because a candle implies a single flame, while a torch or bonfire is customarily used for personal heat and lighting up a room and if one were to light with it, it would not be recognizable that one is doing so to commemorate the miracle. Likewise, using a torch or bonfire is invalid as it does not commemorate the original miracle which took place with a single wick candle.
Now, regarding whether this restriction applies to the shamash: the entire reason for lighting a shamash is to ensure that one does not make use of the other candles and to make it recognizable that the other candles were lit for the sake of a mitzvah. Accordingly, not only should it be permitted to use a torch for the shamash, but on the contrary, it could even be considered preferable. By doing so, you make a clear distinction between the candles of obligation and the shamash. Additionally, it provides more light than regular candles.
This conclusion is supported by the fact that there is no source limiting or regulating the type of candle to use for the shamash. Furthermore, the Shulchan Aruch rules that if there is already a torch in the room, you do not need to use a shamash—implying that a torch can serve as the shamash. The only counterargument might be based on tradition or Kabbalah, suggesting it should only be a single-wick candle, but I have not found any source to support this. Therefore, the conclusion remains that you may use the Havdalah candle.
Sources:
See regarding the invalidation of a torch for the candles: Michaber and Rama 671:4; Rambam Chanukah 4:4; Shabbos 23b; Rashi ibid [Ner excludes Madurah]; Levush 671 [Does not commemorate miracle]; Encyclopedia Talmudit Vol. 16 Erech Chanukah p. 335
See regarding the purpose of the Shamash: Michaber 671:5; Michaber and Rama 673:1; Rambam Chanukah 4:8; Shabbos 21b; M”A 671:5 “From this came the custom to light a Shamash”; 673:4-5; Machatzis Hashekel 673:1; Levushei Serud 673:2; P”M 671 A”A 5; Encyclopedia Talmudit Vol. 16 Erech Chanukah p. 341
See regarding the lack of obligation to have a Shamash if a torch is present in the room: Michaber 671:5; Rambam Chanukah 4:8; Shabbos 21b; Encyclopedia Talmudit Vol. 16 Erech Chanukah p. 341
See regarding the concept of making the Shamash different than the other candles: Michaber and Rama 673:1; Rabbeinu Yerucham; Hagahos Maharil; Sefer Haminhagim p. 157 [English]; Darkei Chaim Veshalom 814; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 673:7 footnote 37
