Electricity on Shabbat - Revision history

IvduEsHashemBsimcha: /* Water Coolers and Water Fountains */

2025-06-08T20:31:02Z

Water Coolers and Water Fountains

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:31, 8 June 2025
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	===Water Coolers and Water Fountains===		===Water Coolers and Water Fountains===
	[[File:Water Cooler.jpg\|100px\|right]]		[[File:Water Cooler.jpg\|100px\|right]]
	# A water fountain that is mechanically operated and the button itself isn't electric may be used on Shabbat as long as the motor for the compressor to cool the water isn't triggered when one is using it. The amount of water one can remove in one time without triggering the motor depends on the water fountain.<ref>[http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/742318/Rabbi_Mordechai_I_Willig/Halacha_Engages_Modernity_-_Part_8_-_Electrical_Appliances_(Part_1) Rabbi Willig (min 33-35)] says that using a water fountain on [[Shabbat]] depends on how long it takes for the motor to turn on. He mentions that one shouldn't use a water fountain which clearly will have the motor go on with a single regular use. However, he did not say this as a definitive ruling but in passing. Note that this wouldn't apply to an electric water fountain that triggers a circuit. Regarding Rav Schachter's opinion, see [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures~~/lecture.cfm~~/924745~~/Rabbi%20Ike%20Sultan/Using%20YU%20Water%20Fountains%20on%20Shabbos~~ R' Sultan's note about water fountains at YU].</ref>		# A water fountain that is mechanically operated and the button itself isn't electric may be used on Shabbat as long as the motor for the compressor to cool the water isn't triggered when one is using it. The amount of water one can remove in one time without triggering the motor depends on the water fountain.<ref>[http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/742318/Rabbi_Mordechai_I_Willig/Halacha_Engages_Modernity_-_Part_8_-_Electrical_Appliances_(Part_1) Rabbi Willig (min 33-35)] says that using a water fountain on [[Shabbat]] depends on how long it takes for the motor to turn on. He mentions that one shouldn't use a water fountain which clearly will have the motor go on with a single regular use. However, he did not say this as a definitive ruling but in passing. Note that this wouldn't apply to an electric water fountain that triggers a circuit. Regarding Rav Schachter's opinion, see [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/924745 R' Sultan's note about water fountains at YU].</ref>
	# A water cooler is essentially similar to a refrigerator. If the water is only cooled at certain intervals when the water becomes warm it is permitted to be used. If the water is cooled immediately upon pressing the button it is forbidden.<ref>[https://revach.net/ask/article.php?id=173 revach.net], [https://dinonline.org/2010/05/03/water-cooler-on-shabbos/ dinonline.com], [https://www.zomet.org.il/eng/?CategoryID=250&ArticleID=102]. Zomet also offers a product to </ref>		# A water cooler is essentially similar to a refrigerator. If the water is only cooled at certain intervals when the water becomes warm it is permitted to be used. If the water is cooled immediately upon pressing the button it is forbidden.<ref>[https://revach.net/ask/article.php?id=173 revach.net], [https://dinonline.org/2010/05/03/water-cooler-on-shabbos/ dinonline.com], [https://www.zomet.org.il/eng/?CategoryID=250&ArticleID=102]. Zomet also offers a product to </ref>

IvduEsHashemBsimcha: /* Automatic Doors, Doorbells, and Door Chimes */

2025-06-08T20:29:27Z

Automatic Doors, Doorbells, and Door Chimes

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:29, 8 June 2025
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	#It is forbidden to press an electric doorbell on [[Shabbat]].<ref>Menuchat Ahava 24:14 </ref>		#It is forbidden to press an electric doorbell on [[Shabbat]].<ref>Menuchat Ahava 24:14 </ref>
	#Some say that it is forbidden to open a door that will cause an electric chime or bell to go off.<ref>Chelkat Yakov 1:78 writes that it is forbidden to enter a door that will cause an electric chime to go off. He explains that even though it is a Shinuy, Melacha Sheino Tzaricha Lgufa, and a Pesik Reisha Dlo Nicha Leh since the concern is a biblical one of Maavir it is prohibited. He was discussing a device that created sparks when the circuit was closed and he considered those to be a biblical violation of Shabbat. He also points out that perhaps this isn't considered a Shinuy since that is how the system is set up to be used. However, regarding Yom Tov he is lenient since Molid Esh is only derabbanan. Shemirat Shabbat Khilchata 23:57 agrees that it is forbidden to enter a door with an electric chime or bell.</ref>		#Some say that it is forbidden to open a door that will cause an electric chime or bell to go off.<ref>Chelkat Yakov 1:78 writes that it is forbidden to enter a door that will cause an electric chime to go off. He explains that even though it is a Shinuy, Melacha Sheino Tzaricha Lgufa, and a Pesik Reisha Dlo Nicha Leh since the concern is a biblical one of Maavir it is prohibited. He was discussing a device that created sparks when the circuit was closed and he considered those to be a biblical violation of Shabbat. He also points out that perhaps this isn't considered a Shinuy since that is how the system is set up to be used. However, regarding Yom Tov he is lenient since Molid Esh is only derabbanan. Shemirat Shabbat Khilchata 23:57 agrees that it is forbidden to enter a door with an electric chime or bell.</ref>
	#If a person has a Smartlock affixed to their door they should deactivate it before Shabbat so that it doesn't register when one opens and closes the door on Shabbat. If one goes to someone else's house with a Smartlock that is active on Shabbat one may open the door since it is only a rabbinic concern, not beneficial to the one opening the door, and a pesik reisha.<ref>See article by [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/901089~~/Can-you-use-Smartlocks,-Automatic-Bathrooms,-and-Automatic-Lights-in-Hotels-on-Shabbat?~~ Rabbi Sultan]</ref>		#If a person has a Smartlock affixed to their door they should deactivate it before Shabbat so that it doesn't register when one opens and closes the door on Shabbat. If one goes to someone else's house with a Smartlock that is active on Shabbat one may open the door since it is only a rabbinic concern, not beneficial to the one opening the door, and a pesik reisha.<ref>See article by [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/901089 Rabbi Sultan]</ref>

	===Shabbos Elevators===		===Shabbos Elevators===

IvduEsHashemBsimcha: fixed broken link

2025-06-08T20:27:28Z

fixed broken link

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:27, 8 June 2025
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	#It is forbidden to press an electric doorbell on [[Shabbat]].<ref>Menuchat Ahava 24:14 </ref>		#It is forbidden to press an electric doorbell on [[Shabbat]].<ref>Menuchat Ahava 24:14 </ref>
	#Some say that it is forbidden to open a door that will cause an electric chime or bell to go off.<ref>Chelkat Yakov 1:78 writes that it is forbidden to enter a door that will cause an electric chime to go off. He explains that even though it is a Shinuy, Melacha Sheino Tzaricha Lgufa, and a Pesik Reisha Dlo Nicha Leh since the concern is a biblical one of Maavir it is prohibited. He was discussing a device that created sparks when the circuit was closed and he considered those to be a biblical violation of Shabbat. He also points out that perhaps this isn't considered a Shinuy since that is how the system is set up to be used. However, regarding Yom Tov he is lenient since Molid Esh is only derabbanan. Shemirat Shabbat Khilchata 23:57 agrees that it is forbidden to enter a door with an electric chime or bell.</ref>		#Some say that it is forbidden to open a door that will cause an electric chime or bell to go off.<ref>Chelkat Yakov 1:78 writes that it is forbidden to enter a door that will cause an electric chime to go off. He explains that even though it is a Shinuy, Melacha Sheino Tzaricha Lgufa, and a Pesik Reisha Dlo Nicha Leh since the concern is a biblical one of Maavir it is prohibited. He was discussing a device that created sparks when the circuit was closed and he considered those to be a biblical violation of Shabbat. He also points out that perhaps this isn't considered a Shinuy since that is how the system is set up to be used. However, regarding Yom Tov he is lenient since Molid Esh is only derabbanan. Shemirat Shabbat Khilchata 23:57 agrees that it is forbidden to enter a door with an electric chime or bell.</ref>
	#If a person has a Smartlock affixed to their door they should deactivate it before Shabbat so that it doesn't register when one opens and closes the door on Shabbat. If one goes to someone else's house with a Smartlock that is active on Shabbat one may open the door since it is only a rabbinic concern, not beneficial to the one opening the door, and a pesik reisha.<ref>See article by [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures~~/lecture.cfm~~/901089~~/Rabbi%20Ike%20Sultan~~/Can~~%20you%20use%20Smartlocks~~,~~%20Automatic%20Bathrooms~~,~~%20and%20Automatic%20Lights%20in%20Hotels%20on%20Shabbat~~? Rabbi Sultan]</ref>		#If a person has a Smartlock affixed to their door they should deactivate it before Shabbat so that it doesn't register when one opens and closes the door on Shabbat. If one goes to someone else's house with a Smartlock that is active on Shabbat one may open the door since it is only a rabbinic concern, not beneficial to the one opening the door, and a pesik reisha.<ref>See article by [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/901089/Can-you-use-Smartlocks,-Automatic-Bathrooms,-and-Automatic-Lights-in-Hotels-on-Shabbat? Rabbi Sultan]</ref>

	===Shabbos Elevators===		===Shabbos Elevators===

YitzchakSultan1: /* Using Electric Appliances */

2025-01-10T16:17:17Z

Using Electric Appliances

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:17, 10 January 2025
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	#According to many poskim it is biblically forbidden to turn on an oven or warming plate.<ref>Menuchat Ahava 24:3 </ref>		#According to many poskim it is biblically forbidden to turn on an oven or warming plate.<ref>Menuchat Ahava 24:3 </ref>
	#In Israel, the widespread minhag is to leave electric appliances running on [[Shabbat]] even though the electric companies are run by Jews who violate [[Shabbat]].<ref>Menuchat Ahava 24:1 </ref>		#In Israel, the widespread minhag is to leave electric appliances running on [[Shabbat]] even though the electric companies are run by Jews who violate [[Shabbat]].<ref>Menuchat Ahava 24:1 </ref>
	#It is forbidden to turn off or dim an electric light.<ref>While Melamed Lehoil OC 49, Kuntres Gorem HaMalot 185, Maharsham 2:~~146~~, Minchat Shlomo pages 85-88 and pages 107-109, Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchatah 13:1 all say this prohibition is rabbinic and this is the conclusion by [http://www.daat.ac.il/DAAT/english/journal/broyde_1.htm Rabbi Jachter and Rabbi Broyde], Machaze Avarham OC 41 and Beit Yitzchak Hashmatot YD 2:31:8 say it is a violation from the torah and this possibility is also raised by Rav Shlomo Zalman. </ref>		#It is forbidden to turn off or dim an electric light.<ref>While Melamed Lehoil OC 49, Kuntres Gorem HaMalot 185, Maharsham 2:247, Minchat Shlomo (pages 85-88 and pages 107-109), and Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchatah 13:1 all say this prohibition is rabbinic and this is the conclusion by [http://www.daat.ac.il/DAAT/english/journal/broyde_1.htm Rabbi Jachter and Rabbi Broyde], Machaze Avarham OC 41 and Beit Yitzchak Hashmatot YD 2:31:8 say it is a violation from the torah and this possibility is also raised by Rav Shlomo Zalman. </ref>
	#It is forbidden to turn off any electric appliance.<ref>Menuchat Ahava 24:5 </ref>		#It is forbidden to turn off any electric appliance.<ref>Menuchat Ahava 24:5 </ref>

YitzchakSultan1: /* Using a light bulb for Shabbat Candles and Havdala */

2025-01-10T16:16:27Z

Using a light bulb for Shabbat Candles and Havdala

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:16, 10 January 2025
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	==Using a light bulb for [[Shabbat]] Candles and Havdala==		==Using a light bulb for [[Shabbat]] Candles and Havdala==

	#Common consensus among the halachic authorities is to consider incandescent bulbs as fire for the purpose of [[Shabbat]] observance. Just as lighting a fire is a biblical violation of [[Shabbat]], so too is the flipping of a switch which turns on an incandescent light.<ref>Beit Yitzchak Y.D. 1:120, Achiezer 3:60, Melamed L’Hoil O.C. 49, Tzitz Eliezer 3:17, Chelkat Yaakov 1:52, Yesodei Yeshurun 5:147. Chazon Ish Orach Chaim 50:9 says that the problem is the melacha of [[cooking]]. On the other hand, Maharsham 2:~~246~~, Chasdei Avot pp. 43-75; Yam Gadol OC 26, Levush Mordechai OC page 47-51 all say that turning on a lit switch is only forbidden on a rabbinic level. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach Minchat Shlomo page 103-105 addresses this opinion at length and concludes that they are in error. </ref> As such, many families are particular to place a covering over the light switches in the home in order to ensure that they are not switched on or off accidentally over the course of [[Shabbat]].<ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 13:32</ref>		#Common consensus among the halachic authorities is to consider incandescent bulbs as fire for the purpose of [[Shabbat]] observance. Just as lighting a fire is a biblical violation of [[Shabbat]], so too is the flipping of a switch which turns on an incandescent light.<ref>Beit Yitzchak Y.D. 1:120, Achiezer 3:60, Melamed L’Hoil O.C. 49, Tzitz Eliezer 3:17, Chelkat Yaakov 1:52, Yesodei Yeshurun 5:147. Chazon Ish Orach Chaim 50:9 says that the problem is the melacha of [[cooking]]. On the other hand, Maharsham 2:247, Chasdei Avot pp. 43-75; Yam Gadol OC 26, Levush Mordechai OC page 47-51 all say that turning on a lit switch is only forbidden on a rabbinic level. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach Minchat Shlomo page 103-105 addresses this opinion at length and concludes that they are in error. </ref> As such, many families are particular to place a covering over the light switches in the home in order to ensure that they are not switched on or off accidentally over the course of [[Shabbat]].<ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 13:32</ref>
	#This concept has broad halachic ramifications and applications. For instance, with regards to [[Havdala]], one may use an incandescent light in place of a [[Havdala]] candle in a time of need.<ref>Shaarim Metzuyanim Behalachah 96:6, Az Nidberu 8:2, Rivevot Ephraim 3:599</ref> In fact, it is reported that Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky would always use an incandescent bulb for [[Havdala]] in order to demonstrate how strongly he felt that such bulbs were exactly like fire from the perspective of halacha.<ref>Shaarim Metzuyanim Behalachah 96:6. Nefesh Harav pg. 156</ref> Nevertheless, there are those authorities who discourage the use of an electric light for [[Havdala]]. Among their opposition to it is the fact that the blessing recited upon the [[Havdala]] candle includes the word "fire" which seems to imply the need for actual fire, not merely light. As such a light bulb would not be acceptable according to this view.<ref>Har Tzvi 2:114</ref> Even amongst the authorities who permit the use of incandescent lighting for Havdala when needed, many would disqualify the use of fluorescent bulbs as they work differently than standard light bulbs, in that they do not create light by heating a metal filament.<ref>Hachashmal L’or Hahalacha 3:88 </ref>		#This concept has broad halachic ramifications and applications. For instance, with regards to [[Havdala]], one may use an incandescent light in place of a [[Havdala]] candle in a time of need.<ref>Shaarim Metzuyanim Behalachah 96:6, Az Nidberu 8:2, Rivevot Ephraim 3:599</ref> In fact, it is reported that Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky would always use an incandescent bulb for [[Havdala]] in order to demonstrate how strongly he felt that such bulbs were exactly like fire from the perspective of halacha.<ref>Shaarim Metzuyanim Behalachah 96:6. Nefesh Harav pg. 156</ref> Nevertheless, there are those authorities who discourage the use of an electric light for [[Havdala]]. Among their opposition to it is the fact that the blessing recited upon the [[Havdala]] candle includes the word "fire" which seems to imply the need for actual fire, not merely light. As such a light bulb would not be acceptable according to this view.<ref>Har Tzvi 2:114</ref> Even amongst the authorities who permit the use of incandescent lighting for Havdala when needed, many would disqualify the use of fluorescent bulbs as they work differently than standard light bulbs, in that they do not create light by heating a metal filament.<ref>Hachashmal L’or Hahalacha 3:88 </ref>
	#Similarly, if a woman is without candles on a Friday afternoon, she may be able to simply turn on the electric lighting that normally lights up the home and even recite the usual blessing over this "lighting". Some authorities think that the blessing should be omitted whenever using electric lighting.<ref>Shraga Hameir 5:11. see also The Radiance of [[Shabbos]] (p. 12) who quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein as saying that one should not recite a bracha on an electric light. </ref> However, since incandescent light bulbs have the halachic status of fire, most authorities think that one could make a blessing on them for Shabbat candles.<ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 43:4. Rav Moshe Soloveitchik (quoted in Nefesh Harav pg. 155), Rav Mordechai Willig (“The Positive Mitzvos of [[Shabbos]],” min 49-51), Yabia Omer O.C. 2:17, and Rav Henkin (Eidut LeYisrael p. 122) agree.		#Similarly, if a woman is without candles on a Friday afternoon, she may be able to simply turn on the electric lighting that normally lights up the home and even recite the usual blessing over this "lighting". Some authorities think that the blessing should be omitted whenever using electric lighting.<ref>Shraga Hameir 5:11. see also The Radiance of [[Shabbos]] (p. 12) who quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein as saying that one should not recite a bracha on an electric light. </ref> However, since incandescent light bulbs have the halachic status of fire, most authorities think that one could make a blessing on them for Shabbat candles.<ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 43:4. Rav Moshe Soloveitchik (quoted in Nefesh Harav pg. 155), Rav Mordechai Willig (“The Positive Mitzvos of [[Shabbos]],” min 49-51), Yabia Omer O.C. 2:17, and Rav Henkin (Eidut LeYisrael p. 122) agree.

YitzchakSultan1 at 16:52, 13 July 2023

2023-07-13T16:52:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:52, 13 July 2023
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	[[Category:Shabbat]]		[[Category:Shabbat]]
	<references />		<references />
			{{Shabbat Table}}

Unknown user: /* Setting Timers before Shabbat */

2023-02-16T08:32:03Z

Setting Timers before Shabbat

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:32, 16 February 2023
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	#It is forbidden to leave a bread machine on a delayed start timer to bake fresh bread on Shabbat because even if one does so the bread will be muktzeh.<ref>Divrei Dovid 4:21 explains that fresh bread cooked on Shabbat is muktzeh since the flour during ben hashemashot wasn't edible. He explains that it isn't considered gamru biyadey adam since 1) Since it wasn't baked before Shabbat it is considered like it was totally rejected (dachinhu byadayim). 2) It didn't start during ben hashemashot. 3) Nolad is more serious than other muktzeh.</ref>		#It is forbidden to leave a bread machine on a delayed start timer to bake fresh bread on Shabbat because even if one does so the bread will be muktzeh.<ref>Divrei Dovid 4:21 explains that fresh bread cooked on Shabbat is muktzeh since the flour during ben hashemashot wasn't edible. He explains that it isn't considered gamru biyadey adam since 1) Since it wasn't baked before Shabbat it is considered like it was totally rejected (dachinhu byadayim). 2) It didn't start during ben hashemashot. 3) Nolad is more serious than other muktzeh.</ref>
	#Some say that one should not leave one's website open and available for people to use on Shabbat and it is more serious than Lifnei Iver or Shevitat Kelim since Jews are doing melacha with your property.<ref>Rav Elyashiv cited by Kedushat HaShabbat (R' Moshe Harari pp. 98-101). See also [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/52532 Meishiv Mishpat 1:1].</ref>		#Some say that one should not leave one's website open and available for people to use on Shabbat and it is more serious than Lifnei Iver or Shevitat Kelim since Jews are doing melacha with your property.<ref>Rav Elyashiv cited by Kedushat HaShabbat (R' Moshe Harari pp. 98-101). See also [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/52532 Meishiv Mishpat 1:1].</ref>
			# One may change the setting on a shabbat clock in order to make lights stay on for more time. <ref> Ach Tov vaHessed, Halacha Yomit 5783, Page 93 </ref> However, ideally, one may only change the setting on a shabbat clock in order to make lights stay on for less time if it is for a sick person. <ref> Yabia Omer 3:18 </ref>

	==Sending Email on Friday==		==Sending Email on Friday==

Unknown user: /* Electric Blanket */

2023-02-06T05:16:24Z

Electric Blanket

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:16, 6 February 2023
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	===Electric Blanket===		===Electric Blanket===

	#It is permitted to use an electric blanket on [[shabbat]], provided one does not move the knob that adjusts it. It is proper to place scotch tape on top of the knob in order to prevent oneself from accidentally adjusting the blanket on [[shabbat]].<ref>Igrot Moshe 3:50, Menuchat Ahava 1:24:37, Yechave Da'at 2:49 </ref> Note this only applies to the older electric blankets that work when plugged in but not ones which are responsive to sensing a person's presence are forbidden.		#It is permitted to use an electric blanket on [[shabbat]], provided one does not move the knob that adjusts it. It is proper to place scotch tape on top of the knob in order to prevent oneself from accidentally adjusting the blanket on [[shabbat]].<ref>Igrot Moshe 3:50, Menuchat Ahava 1:24:37, Yechave Da'at 2:49 </ref> Note this only applies to the older electric blankets that work when plugged in but not ones which are responsive to sensing a person's presence are forbidden.
			# A space heater according to many poskim is muktzeh.<ref>Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Shulchan Shlomo 308:13 fnt. 34), Orchot Shabbat ch. 19 fnt. 246, Avnei Yishfeh, Shalmei Yehuda 2:19 quoting Rav Elyashiv</ref> Some hold it is only a kli she'melachto l'isur.<Ref>39 Melachos (v. 1 p. 51) based on Igrot Moshe 3:49, 4:51:5</ref>

	===Automatic Doors, Doorbells, and Door Chimes===		===Automatic Doors, Doorbells, and Door Chimes===

Unknown user: /* Electric Blanket */

2022-03-23T17:11:34Z

Electric Blanket

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:11, 23 March 2022
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	#It is forbidden to speak into a tape recorder even if the recorder was turned on before [[Shabbat]].<ref>Menuchat Ahava 24:13, Yechave Da'at 2:57. Igrot Moshe OC 3:55 forbade recording a shiur on Shabbat or the like since speaking into it might cause the voltage to increase in the circuit and also it might be considered molid to have something new introduced into the memory of the recorder.</ref>		#It is forbidden to speak into a tape recorder even if the recorder was turned on before [[Shabbat]].<ref>Menuchat Ahava 24:13, Yechave Da'at 2:57. Igrot Moshe OC 3:55 forbade recording a shiur on Shabbat or the like since speaking into it might cause the voltage to increase in the circuit and also it might be considered molid to have something new introduced into the memory of the recorder.</ref>

			===Dryer===
			#It is forbidden to leave wet clothing in a dryer and leave it on before Shabbat so that continues to operate on Shabbat.<ref>A Guide to Practical Halacha (Shabbat v. 3 p. 156 n. 63) quoting Rav Moshe Feinstein</ref>
	===Electric Blanket===		===Electric Blanket===

Unknown user: /* Using a light bulb for Shabbat Candles and Havdala */

2021-11-28T16:03:50Z

Using a light bulb for Shabbat Candles and Havdala

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:03, 28 November 2021
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	*Rav Ovadyah Yosef (Yalkut Yosef [[Shabbat]] vol 1 pg 188, Yabia Omer OC 2:17) agrees that one can make a bracha on it but emphasizes that it's a last option and that preferably one should have a designation that the bulb is for [[Shabbat]] candles.		*Rav Ovadyah Yosef (Yalkut Yosef [[Shabbat]] vol 1 pg 188, Yabia Omer OC 2:17) agrees that one can make a bracha on it but emphasizes that it's a last option and that preferably one should have a designation that the bulb is for [[Shabbat]] candles.
	*Rav Shlomo Zalman (Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata (ch. 43 fnt. 22) held that using an electric bulb plugged into the wall is questionable since the fuel to keep it lit on Shabbat wasn't present at the time of the lighting. Rav Moshe Feinstein (quoted by Rabbi Tendler in Moreshet Moshe v. 2 p. 51) agreed with this concern.</ref> There is a discussion whether one would be able to make a blessing on a fluorescent or LED lightbulb. Although these bulb do not have the halachic status of a fire, some argue that a halachic fire is not needed for Shabbat candles, and that anything that produces light is sufficient.<ref>Rav Hershel Schachter (“Lighting [[Shabbos]] Candles,” min 36-7) holds that while one may light an incandescent bulb with a bracha, one may not light a fluorescent or neon bulb with a bracha. This opinion is repeated in [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/839951/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Jewish_Heritage_Tour_of_Hungary_Part_10_of_10 this shiur on yutorah.org]. [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=63110 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Parshat Chukat 5778 min 38)] holds that any light even a florescent or LED light is effective for Shabbat candles. He repeated that on another occasion [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=121546 (Motzei Shabbat Reeh 5780 min 18)] as well. [http://halachipedia.com/documents/5773/4.pdf Rabbi Mordechai Willig (Halachipedia Article 5773 n. 4)] agrees.</ref> This is because the light bulbs essentially accomplish the role<ref>Tosfot [[Shabbat]] 25b</ref> that the traditional [[Shabbat]] candles are intended to serve.<ref>There are two reasons why we light [[Shabbat]] candles. The first is for “Oneg [[Shabbat]]” which requires that the home be illuminated Friday night in order that people not stumble in the dark. The second reason is for “Kavod [[Shabbat]]” which calls for plentiful lighting in honor of [[Shabbat]], as was the custom upon receiving a distinguished guest. </ref> While the use of any form of electric bulb for Shabbat candles should never be relied upon in normal circumstances, it is permissible in extenuating ones.		*Rav Shlomo Zalman (Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata (ch. 43 fnt. 22) held that using an electric bulb plugged into the wall is questionable since the fuel to keep it lit on Shabbat wasn't present at the time of the lighting. Rav Moshe Feinstein (quoted by Rabbi Tendler in Moreshet Moshe v. 2 p. 51) agreed with this concern.</ref> There is a discussion whether one would be able to make a blessing on a fluorescent or LED lightbulb. Although these bulb do not have the halachic status of a fire, some argue that a halachic fire is not needed for Shabbat candles, and that anything that produces light is sufficient.<ref>Rav Hershel Schachter (“Lighting [[Shabbos]] Candles,” min 36-7) holds that while one may light an incandescent bulb with a bracha, one may not light a fluorescent or neon bulb with a bracha. This opinion is repeated in [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/839951/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Jewish_Heritage_Tour_of_Hungary_Part_10_of_10 this shiur on yutorah.org]. Rav Dovid Yosef (Halacha Brurah v. 15 p. 305 and 472) agrees. He cites Maharshag 2:107, Rivevot Efraim 5:458 quoting Rav Zelzanic, Hacheshmal Lor Hahalacha (siman 3 ch. 6), Torat Hayoledet 38:5 as supporting this distinction. [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=63110 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Parshat Chukat 5778 min 38)] holds that any light even a florescent or LED light is effective for Shabbat candles. He repeated that on another occasion [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=121546 (Motzei Shabbat Reeh 5780 min 18)] as well. Otzrot Yosef cites Rav Elyashiv (Hilchot Shabbat Bshabbat 1:4:20 and Ashrei Haish 2:6:33) as agreeing with this opinion. [http://halachipedia.com/documents/5773/4.pdf Rabbi Mordechai Willig (Halachipedia Article 5773 n. 4)] agrees.</ref> This is because the light bulbs essentially accomplish the role<ref>Tosfot [[Shabbat]] 25b</ref> that the traditional [[Shabbat]] candles are intended to serve.<ref>There are two reasons why we light [[Shabbat]] candles. The first is for “Oneg [[Shabbat]]” which requires that the home be illuminated Friday night in order that people not stumble in the dark. The second reason is for “Kavod [[Shabbat]]” which calls for plentiful lighting in honor of [[Shabbat]], as was the custom upon receiving a distinguished guest. </ref> While the use of any form of electric bulb for Shabbat candles should never be relied upon in normal circumstances, it is permissible in extenuating ones.
	#If one is forced to use the electric lights in one's home as the [[Shabbat]] candles, they should be shut off momentarily and then turned back on in order for them to now be designated as the [[Shabbat]] "candles".<ref>Teshuvot V’hanhagot 2:157</ref> Indeed, every week before the lady of the house lights her [[Shabbat]] candles, she should momentarily turn off the household lights and then turn them back on. When she makes her blessing over the candles she should have in mind that her blessing include the electric lights as well which will also be providing light over the course of [[Shabbat]].<ref>Az Nidberu 1:79, Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 43:N171 </ref> Those who are forced to use the electric lights instead of candles should endeavor to turn on even those lights which are not normally used in order for there to be some distinction that the electric lights are in honor of [[Shabbat]].<ref>Tzitz Eliezer 1:20</ref>		#If one is forced to use the electric lights in one's home as the [[Shabbat]] candles, they should be shut off momentarily and then turned back on in order for them to now be designated as the [[Shabbat]] "candles".<ref>Teshuvot V’hanhagot 2:157</ref> Indeed, every week before the lady of the house lights her [[Shabbat]] candles, she should momentarily turn off the household lights and then turn them back on. When she makes her blessing over the candles she should have in mind that her blessing include the electric lights as well which will also be providing light over the course of [[Shabbat]].<ref>Az Nidberu 1:79, Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 43:N171 </ref> Those who are forced to use the electric lights instead of candles should endeavor to turn on even those lights which are not normally used in order for there to be some distinction that the electric lights are in honor of [[Shabbat]].<ref>Tzitz Eliezer 1:20</ref>