Although there is no Biblical prohibition against starting a flame on Yom Tov^[1], nevertheless, it is Rabbinically forbidden to ignite a spark or start a flame on Yom Tov whether through use of wood, stones, or a magnifying glass.^[2] It is however permitted to light an item from a pre-exiting flame [for purposes to be explained].^[3]

For what purpose may one extend a flame?^[4] One may only light an item from a pre-exiting flame for the purpose of using the flame for [cooking] something that could not have been done [i.e. cooked] before Yom Tov without loss or diminishing of quality.^[5] [If however, the food could have been cooked before Yom Tov without any diminishing of quality or loss, then it may only be lit with an irregularity.^[6] In general, we assume that foods would diminish in quality if cooked before Yom Tov.^[7]] One may likewise extend a flame for the purpose of giving light to one’s home^[8], or to heat water to bathe minority of one’s body^[9], or for the sake of a Mitzvah, such as to increase lights in a Shul.^[10] It is however forbidden to extend a flame on Yom Tov if one does not need to use the flame at all for any purpose, such as he does not need it either for cooking, or for lighting one’s home, or for a Mitzvah.^[11]

Lighting a candle:^[12] It is permitted to light a candle on Yom Tov for the sake of using its light^[13], or for the sake of a Mitzvah^[14], such as to light candles in a Shul.^[15] It is permitted to light candles in a Shul even after the last prayer of Mincha on the afternoon of Yom Tov, and even if there is no one [else] in Shul.^[16] It is likewise permitted to light candles at home in honor of Yom Tov. Thus, even if one already said the blessing on the Yom Tov candles, he can light more candles if his intent is to do so in honor of Yom Tov.  It is however forbidden to light a candle on Yom Tov if one does not need to use the flame at all for any purpose and he has no intent at all to do so for the honor of Yom Tov.^[17] Such a candle is called a Ner Shel Batala. Thus, one may not light candles for the sake of showing off one’s wealth and generosity.^[18] [See Q&A regarding a Yartzite or Yizkor candle!]

If one transgressed and ignited a new flame on Yom Tov may he benefit from the flame?^[19] If one transgressed and started a flame on Yom Tov he may nevertheless use the flame on Yom Tov.^[20]

Melting wax:^[21] It is forbidden to melt wax, such as in order to stick a candle onto a surface. [Thus, when preparing the candles on the second night of Yom Tov, one must be careful not to attach the candles to the holder through melting the wax.]

 

Q&A May one turn on the gas on the stove on Yom Tov if doing so releases a spark which ignites the flame?[22] No. Accordingly, it is incumbent to remove the plug from the outlet prior to the start of Yom Tov, otherwise one will not be allowed to turn on the flame even if he has a pre-existing flame available. [However, if one forgot to do so, then one may turn it on if he places a flame next to the gas in a way that it will light from the flame and not from the spark.[23]]   May one light the flame of a modern stove which contains a safety feature to prevent the gas from being on when there is no flame?[24] Yes.[25]   If one was unable to light a flame before Yom Tov, or if one’s flame extinguished on Yom may one ignite a flame on Yom Tov?[26] No.[27]   May one ask a gentile on Yom Tov to ignite a flame?[28] In a time of need, it is permitted to ask a gentile to ignite a flame on Yom Tov, for the sake of Simchas Yom Tov.   May one ask a child on Yom Tov to ignite a flame? Some Poskim[29] rule that in a time of need one may ask a child that has not reached the age of Chinuch, to light a flame for the sake of Simchas Yom Tov.   May one raise the flame of one’s gas stove on Yom Tov?[30] Yes.[31]   May one burn the sides of a Matzah on Yom Tov for the sake of making it a Shaleim? It is disputed amongst Poskim[32] whether one may do so on Yom Tov itself. Practically, many are accustomed to being lenient to burn the edges of the Matzah on Yom Tov for the sake of making it a Shaleim.[33] Those who do so must beware not to extinguish the fire if it ignites onto the Matzah.[34] When Yom Tov falls on Shabbos, according to all it is forbidden to burn the sides of the Matzah for the sake of making it a Shaleim.[35]   May one strike a match? No.   May one light a match by placing it by a flame?[36] Yes. Electricity Electricity on Yom Tov:[37] It is forbidden to use electricity on Yom Tov just as is the law on Shabbos.[38]   May one raise the temperature of an electric oven or stove on Yom Tov?[39] No, unless one knows for certain that doing so will not extinguish any current currents and will not ignite any new currents of heat. However, some Poskim[40] are stringent even in such a case.   May one use ovens freely on Yom Tov even if they are thermostat based without Shabbos mode?[41] Yes.[42]   May one ask a gentile on Yom Tov to turn on the electricity/light?[43] It is permitted to ask a gentile to turn on a light on Yom Tov for the sake of a Mitzvah, or in a time of great need.[44] It is forbidden to do so if it does not involve a Mitzvah or great need.   May one ask a child on Yom Tov to turn on the electricity? Some Poskim[45] rule that in a time of need one may ask a child that has not reached the age of Chinuch, to turn on the electricity for the sake of Simchas Yom Tov.   If one transgressed and turned on the electricity on Yom Tov may he benefit from it? Yes, just as we rule regarding fire.   May one set up an electric oven to turn on, on Yom Tov, using a timer?[46] Yes. It is permitted to cook/bake in an electric oven that was turned on before Yom Tov or that was turned on using a timer. From the Rav’s Desk 1.     Question: [Monday, 15th Tishreiy, 5783] The electricity of my home suddenly shut off in middle of our meal in the sukkah on the night of Yom Tov. We tried looking for a gentile in our neighborhood to turn it back on but could not find one. Is there any Halachic solution for us to do to turn the electricity back on? All of our food for Yom Tov, as well as all of the food in the freezer will go to waste, not to mention that our entire house and Sukkah is pitch black.   Answer: In a time of need, if there is no gentile available, one may ask a child [preferably one that has not reached the age of Chinuch, if available], to turn on the electricity for the sake of Simchas Yom Tov.   Explanation: The lighting of a fire on Yom Tov is only a rabbinical prohibition according to Admur and most Poskim, and hence it is permitted to ask a gentile to light a new fire on Yom Tov in a time of need, as is always the rule that we permit Shevus Deshevus. Furthermore, some Poskim in a time of need even permit for a Jew to directly light a new fire on Yom Tov for the sake of Simchas Yom Tov. Now, while we do not rule like this opinion, nevertheless one may rely on this opinion in a time of need to ask a child to turn on the electricity, as aside for this opinion, there is also a debate in Poskim as to whether turning on electricity is forbidden on Yom Tov or not   Sources: See regarding the prohibition of lighting a fire on Yom  Tov: Admur 502:1; Michaber 502:1; Taz 502:1; See regarding its Rabbinical versus Biblical status of prohibition: Admur 502:1; 495:2; Kuntrus Achron 495:1-2; M”A 518:1; Maggid Mishneh on Rambam 1:4; Taz ibid; M”B 502:1 See regarding lighting a fire on Yom Tov in a time of need: Lenient: Birkey Yosef 502:1 in name of his grandfather the Chesed Leavraham based on Tosafus and Beis Moed, brought in Zechor Leavraham 10, Mikra Kodesh Likkutei Rima 2 and Kaf Hachaim 502:2; Pnei Yehoshua Beitza 33; See Nitei Gavriel 20:3; Stringent: Kerem Shlomo; Orchos Chaim 502:1; Minchas Yitzchak 4:99;; See regarding doing so through a gentile: P”M in Magidos 110; Maharsham 4:143; Shevet Halevi 8:121; Beir Moshe 6 Elektri 27; Az Nidbaru 12:37; Piskeiy Teshuvos 502:1; Nitei Gavriel 20: 24; Yabia Omer 2:26 See regarding doing so through a child: Beir Moshe 8:166; Piskeiy Teshuvos 502:1-2; Shearim Hametzuyanim Behalacha 98:16; Avnei Derech 388 See regarding the status of electricity on Yom Tov: Tzitz Eliezer 1:20-6; Achiezer 3:60; Keren Ledavid 144; Tzafbnas Paneiach 1:273; Chazon Nachum 30; Michzeh Avraham 1:42; Maharshag 1:64; Levushei Mordechai Tinyana 91; Chelkas Yaakov 1:51; Even Yikarah 3:168; Sarei Hameiah 5:114; Matzor Devash 10; Mishpitei Uziel 1:19; Piskeiy Teshuvos 502:2; Or Yitzchak 2:17   Grama and Pesik Reishei May one indirectly cause a flame to ignite on Yom Tov [Gram Havarah]? Some Poskim[47] rule it is permitted to do so. Other Poskim[48] rule it is forbidden. Some[49]write that according to all one may not perform Gram Havarah on a steady basis. One may however be lenient to do so through a gentile.[50] Examples: May one enter a plug into a timer on Yom Tov, if the timer will only turn on later? May one shorten the time of a Shabbos clock? May one use an electric boiler that does not have Shabbos mode?   May one adjust a Shabbos clock on Yom Tov? This follows the same law as Shabbos in which the law is that one may lengthen the current status of the timer but not shorten it.  However see the previous Q&A regarding those Poskim who would allow even shortening the current activity due to Gram Havara.    May one open the hot water tap on Yom Tov?[51] Electric boiler: Many Poskim[52] rule it is permitted to open the hot water tap even if cold water enters into the boiler in the process[53], and even if doing so will eventually cause the boiler to turn on due to loss of temperature.[54] Some Poskim[55] however rule it is forbidden if doing so will eventually cause the boiler to turn on. According to all, it is forbidden to open the tap if doing so will cause the boiler to activate immediately upon opening the hot water knob. In such a case it is forbidden for it to be opened or closed even on Yom Tov. Solar boiler-Dud Shemesh: Is permitted to be used freely for washing dishes, hands and the like. It is allowed to be done even if cold water enters into the boiler in the process.[56]   Yartzite/Yizkar candle: It is customary to have a candle lit on the occasion of a Yartzite of a parent.[57] Likewise, many are accustomed to have a Yizkor candle lit during the days that Yizkor is recited.[58] When to light it:[59] It is forbidden to light a candle on Yom Tov unless its light is needed for the room.[60] Therefore, those who have a Yartzite on Yom Tov are to light the Yartzite candle before Yom Tov.[61] Likewise, those who light a Yizkor candle, are to light it before Yom Tov. [Accordingly, in Eretz Yisrael, a 24-hour candle is to be lit before Yom Tov, while in the Diaspora a 48 hour candle is to be lit before Yom Tov.] Lighting in Shul if one did not light the candle before Yom Tov: One who did not light the Yartzite/Yizkor candle before Yom Tov may light it on Yom Tov inside an active Shul, [in the room where the prayer takes place[62]].[63] One is not to light the candle in one’s home on Yom Tov, unless it is lit in an area that is dark and one intends to also use the light in order to see in the room.[64] Lighting at home if one cannot light in Shul: In a case that one did not light the candle before Yom Tov and one is unable to light the candle in Shul, some Poskim[65] rule it is permitted to light the Yartzite candle at home, even if there is enough light in the room without the candle. Nonetheless, initially in such a case, one is to light it near one’s dining room table prior to the night meal, thus giving it a use for one’s meal. However, if this too is not possible, then one may light it in any area that he desires.[66] Other Poskim[67] however argue and rule one may never light a candle at home if one does not need its light. [Practically, one may be lenient in a time of need regarding a Yartzite candle, for one who has a Yartzite of a parent on Yom Tov. However, a Yizkor candle should not be lit on Yom Tov.[68]] Asking a gentile to light the candle:[69] In all cases that one did not light a Yartzite or Yizkor candle before Yom Tov, it is permitted to ask a gentile to light it for him. Lighting a candle for other relatives: The above leniency of lighting a Yartzite/Yizkor candle on Yom Tov in one’s home only applies towards one’s the Yartzite or Yizkor of one’s parents, and not other relatives. It is forbidden to light candles on behalf of other relatives inside one’s home, if one does not need the light.[70] Even in Shul, one is not to light too many candles.[71]

____________________________

[1] Admur 495:2; See Kuntrus Achron 495:1-2

The reason it is not Biblically forbidden: The Melacha of lighting [or extending] a fire is not done with the actual food, as even if in the end of the day its purpose is for the sake of food, as it ignites the wood which is then used to cook, [it nevertheless is not done with the food itself, but with the wood, and therefore the question arises as to why it is considered Ochel Nefesh and not Machshirei Ochel Nefesh]. The reason it is nevertheless permitted to be done on Yom Tov is because the fire fixes the food, and is thus included in the category of Ochel Nefesh. In other words, the entire Melacha of making a fire involves igniting the fire or extending the fire [and not burning the wood-Kuntrus Achron 495:2], and this actual fire which was ignited or extended fixes and cooks the food, and is therefore considered Ochel Nefesh. [Admur 495:2; See Kuntrus Achron 495:1-2; M”A 518:1; Maggid Mishneh on Rambam 1:4] In other words, Machshirei Ochel Nefesh is only when the item of Melacha does not directly contribute to the food, such as a skewer, and is only secondary to another matter which contributes. However, if the Melacha directly contributes to the food, even though it initially was not performed with food, then it is considered Ochel Nefesh.

Alternative reasons: Other Poskim suggest lighting a fire is Biblically permitted as the Torah states “Do not light a fire on Shabbos,” from which we exclude Yom Tov. [Maggid Mishneh on Rambam ¼, brought in M”A 518:1; M”A ibid negates this explanation; Admur ibid omits it] Other Poskim suggest that fire is considered actual Ochel Nefesh being one benefits from the wood to warm his body. [M”A ibid in name of Ran 17b; The M”A ibid questions this reason and it is likewise negated in Admur KU”A ibid]

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that creating a fire on Yom Tov is Biblically forbidden as it was never included within the allowance of Ochel Nefesh, since it could have been lit the day before. [Taz 502:1; See next footnote] The Taz ibid explains as follows: The Torah never permitted one to create a new item for a Melacha, and only permitted to make use of a Melacha that already existed. Accordingly, it should be Biblically forbidden to even extend a fire. However, since the Torah permitted one to cook, one must say it permitted the lighting of a fire. However, this only justifies the extending of a fire, and not the new creation of a fire, which could have been done the day before.

[2] The reason it is nevertheless Rabbinically forbidden: As a spark is a new creation and is thus slightly similar to performing a Melacha. Now since it was possible to create this spark and flame from before Yom Tov, it is therefore forbidden to do so on Yom Tov. [Admur ibid; Rambam; M”B 502:1]

[3] Admur 495:2

The reason it is not Biblically forbidden: See previous footnote!

[4] Admur 495:5

[5] Admur 495:5

[6] Vetzaruch Iyun as to what the definition of an irregularity is when extending a flame. Admur ibid does not give this oPiskeiy Teshuvosion of irregularity in his example of flame extension even though it was mentioned regarding the regular rule of Melacha that could have been done before Yom Tov.

[7] See Admur 495:5 “One cannot compare the taste of food that was cooked today to the taste of food that was cooked the day before.”

[8] Admur 495:5

[9] Admur 511:1

[10] Admur 514:14

[11] Admur 514:13-14; Michaber 514:5

[12] Admur 514:13-14; Michaber 514:5

[13] Admur 495:4-5

[14] Admur 514:14; Rosh 2:22

[15] Admur 514:14; M”A 514:14; Michaber 514:5; Rosh ibid

[16] Admur ibid; Michaber ibid; Rosh 5:8

The reason: The candle of a Shul is not considered Ner Shel Batala, and it is not considered that one is preparing on Yom Tov for the weekday when lighting it towards the end of the day, as there is a Mitzvah involved in having it lit even for that remaining hour, as it gives honor to Hashem when one lights a candle before Him, as the verse [Yeshaya 24:15] states “Al Kein Beurim Kavdu Hashem.” [Admur ibid] 

[17] Admur 514:13; Michaber 514:5; Rosh 2:22; Yerushalmi 5:2

The reason: As the Torah only permitted making a fire for non-food related purposes, if it has some necessity for Yom Tov. [Admur ibid]

[18] Admur ibid; M”A 514:12; Rashal 2:35

[19] Admur 502:1; M”A 502:1; Maggid Mishneh; Ateres Zekeinim 502

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that creating a fire on Yom Tov is Biblically forbidden and hence if one transgressed and ignited a fire it is forbidden in benefit, and if one used it to cook food, the food is forbidden. [Taz 502:1]

[20] The reason: As the Sages did not fine one who performed a Melacha on Yom Tov to the same extent they gave a fine to one who did a Melacha on Shabbos, which is more severe. [Admur ibid and 503:13 “The Sages did not desire to give a fine on Yom Tov prohibitions which are light, and rather only did so for Shabbos prohibitions which are severe.”; Beis Yosef 503 in name of Rashba;]

[21] Admur 514:11; M”A 514

[22] Chazon Nachum 30; Maharshag 1:64; Tzafnas Paneiach 1:276; Bachatzitzros Beis Hashem [Rozen] p. 237; Many Poskim in Nitei Gavriel 20:9

[23] Igros Moshe O.C. 1:115; Nitei Gavriel 20:10

[24] Koveitz Hamayan Tishreiy 5772 p. 17; Halichos Chaim Yom Tov 16:11; Sefer Vayakhel Moshe 2:225; Bachatzitzros Beis Hashem [Rozen] p. 237

[25] The reason: As a) It is Gerama, b) of a rabbinical prohibition, c) one has no intent to do so, d) its Machshirei Ochel Nefesh which could not be done beforehand. [Poskim ibid]

[26] Kaf Hachaim 502:2; Orchos Chaim 502:1; Minchas Yitzchak 4:99

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that in such a case it is permitted to ignite a new flame on Yom Tov. [Birkey Yosef 502:1 in name of his grandfather the Chesed Leavraham, brought in Kaf Hachaim ibid; Pnei Yehoshua Beitza 33]

[27] The reason: As making a spark is considered a completely new Melacha , and is similar to Tikkun Keli which was not permitted to be performed even for the sake of food. [Minchas Yitzchak ibid]

[28] P”M in Magidos 110; Maharsham 4:143; Shevet Halevi 8:121; Beir Moshe 6 Elektri 27; Az Nidbaru 12:37; Piskeiy Teshuvos 502:1

[29] Beir Moshe 8:166; Piskeiy Teshuvos 502:1

[30] Kesav Sofer O.C. 67; M”B 502:4; Nitei Gavriel 20:11

[31] As one is simply adding more fuel to the flame, and it is permitted to extend a flame on Yom Tov.

[32] Some Poskim rule it is permitted to do so on Yom Tov, and there is no prohibition involved of Tikkun Keli. This especially applies if the missing area that needs to be burnt is very minuscule, and is hence in any event valid accoridng to some opinions. [Hilchos Hamoadim 4:7; Nishmas Shabbos 2; Koveitz Beis Aaron Viyisrael] Other Poskim rule it is forbidden to do so due to Tikkun Keli. [Rav SZ”A in Maor Hashabbos 1 Michtav 9:11; SSH”K 55 footnote 35] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 274:10; 506:7

[33] Piskeiy Teshuvos 506 footnote 33

[34] Piskeiy Teshuvos 274:9 footnote 113

[35] Piskeiy Teshuvos 274:10 due to the cooking prohibition of hardening a soft item; See Admur 318:7; Shoel Umeishiv 2:20; Kaf Hachaim 318:78; Har Tzevi “Ofeh” p.262; SSH”K 1:62; Shabbos Kehalacha Vol. 1 p. 179; Daas Torah 318:5

[36] Kesav Sofer O.C. 60; M”B 502:4; Igros Moshe Y.D. 2:75; Az Nidbaru 3:1; Orchos Rabbeinu 2:104; Nitei Gavriel 20:5

[37] See Tzitz Eliezer 1:20-6; Achiezer 3:60; Keren Ledavid 144; Tzafbnas Paneiach 1:273; Chazon Nachum 30; Michzeh Avraham 1:42; Maharshag 1:64; Levushei Mordechai Tinyana 91; Chelkas Yaakov 1:51; Piskeiy Teshuvos 502:2

Other opinions: Some Poskim, due to lack of knowledge of the working of electricity mistakenly ruled that it may be used on Yom Tov. [See Even Yikarah 3:168; Sarei Hameiah 5:114; Matzor Devash 10; Mishpitei Uziel 1:19

[38] The reason: As it creates a new fire.

[39] Piskeiy Teshuvos 502:2; Nitei Gavriel 20:11

[40] Beir Moshe 8:139; Rav Yaakov Yosef says it adds a new current and is thus forbidden.

[41] SSH”K 1:30

[42] The reason: As even if one causes the fire to extinguish [by closing the oven door] or turn on [by opening the oven door] this is an indirect action, Grama, and by a Psik Reishei of Gram Kibuiy or Havara one may be lenient. [Rav SZ”A ibid footnote 80]

[43] Minchas Yitzchak 3:37; Or Letziyon 20:6; Yom Tov Kehilchaso 22:8

[44] The reason: As doing so is a Shevus Deshvus on Yom Tov, being electricity is forbidden due to igniting a flame, which is only Rabbinically forbidden on Yom Tov.

[45] Beir Moshe 8:166; Piskeiy Teshuvos 502:2

[46] Nitei Gavriel 9:16

[47] Achiezer 3:60; Klei Chemda Vaykhel; Chasam Sofer Even Haezer 1:20; Chelkas Yaakov 1:50; Yabia Omer 3:17; SSH”K 13:27

[48] Michzeh Avraham 41-43; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 502 footnote 14

[49] Rav SZ”A in SSH”K 13 footnote 58; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 502 footnote 15

[50] Piskeiy Teshuvos 502:3

The reason: As whenever there is a dispute if something is permitted one may do so through a gentile. [Tehila Ledavid 336:4]

[51] Piskeiy Teshuvos 511:3; SSH”K 2:7 based on ruling Of Rav SZ”A

[52] SSH”K ibid; Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid; Beir Moshe 8 [see appendix]

[53] As it is not possible to remove the hot water without having the cold water enter, and hence also the cooking of this cold water is considered a Yom Tov need. [ibid]

[54] As this is a mere Grama with electricity on Yom Tov. [ibid]

[55] See Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid

[56] As it is not possible to remove the hot water without having the cold water enter, and hence also the cooking of this cold water is considered a Yom Tov need. [SSH”K ibid]

[57] Kesav Sofer 75; Biur Halacha 514:5 “Neir”; Kaf Hachaim 514:79; Sefer Haminhagim p. 180

[58] See Aruch Hashulchan 514:19; Betzel Hachochma 4:29; Sefer Hachaim Hanitzchiyim 12:2

The Chabad custom: It is not the Chabad custom to light a candle for Yizkor. The Rebbe and Rebbe Rayatz did not light Yizkor candles. [Hamelech Bemisibo 1:321 [printed in Shulchan Menachem 2:250]; Heard from Rav Leibal Groner; However, in Luach Kolel Chabad it says to light it]

[59] See Admur 514:13-14; Biur Halacha 514:5 “Ner”; Kaf Hachaim 514:79; Piskeiy Teshuvos 514:14; Nitei Gavriel 55:2

[60] Admur 514:13; Michaber 514:5

[61] Biur Halacha ibid; Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid footnote 70; Nitei Gavriel ibid; See SSH”K 13 footnote 27

The reason: As it is forbidden to light a Ner Shel Batala on Yom Tov. [Admur 514:13; Michaber 514:5]

[62] Nitei Gavriel ibid

[63] Admur 514:14; Michaber 514:4; P”M 132 M”Z 2; Kesav Zofer 75; Biur Halacha ibid; Kaf Hachaim ibid;  Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid; Nitei Gavriel ibid

The reason: One may light any candle in Shul, as it is considered a Neir Shel Mitzvah, as it gives honor to the Shul. [Admur 514:14; Michaber 514:4]

Other Opinions: Some Poskim rule one may never light a Yartzite candle on Yom Tov, even in Shul. [Daas Torah 514 in name of Imrei Eish] Some rule one may only do so through a gentile. [Kitzur SHU”A 98:1]

[64] P”M 132 M”Z 2; Daas Torah 514 in name of Imrei Eish 40; Kitzur SHU”A 98:1; Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid

The reason: As it does not add any light to the house even at night being that we have electricity. Thus, it may not be lit as it is considered a light that serves no purpose which is forbidden to be lit on Yom Tov. [Admur 514:13; Michaber 514:5; P”M ibid]

[65] Kesav Sofer 75; Biur Halacha 514:5 “Neir”; Kaf Hachaim 514:79

[66] Kesav Sofer ibid; Biur Halacha ibid; Kaf Hachaim ibid; Nitei Gavriel ibid

The reason: As it is permitted to light a Ner Shel Mitzvah [Admur 514:14; Michaber 514:5] and a Yartzite candle can be considered a Ner Shel Mitzvah, being that it is lit for the honor of one’s parents. [Kesav Sofer ibid; Biur Halacha ibid; Kaf hachaim ibid] 

[67] P”M 132 M”Z 2; Daas Torah ibid; Kitzur SHU”A ibid

[68] The reason: As the custom of lighting a Yizkor candle is not very clear, and many even initially are not accustomed to do so. Nevertheless, one who is in great anguish that a candle is not lit and is doing so in honor of a parent, seemingly may be lenient if there is no other alternative of lighting it.

[69] Kitzur SHU”A ibid

[70] See Nitei Gavriel 56:5

The reason: As there is no Mitzvah of honoring these other relatives, and hence the candle is not considered a Ner Shel Mitzvah, but rather a Ner Shel Batala.

[71] Aruch Hashulchan 514:19; Nitei Gavriel 56:6

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