Lighting candles is one of the actions that one is permitted to do on Yom Tov but not on Shabbat. However, there is a Rabbinic prohibition to create new fire on Yom Tov, even for a legitimate need, and one may thus only transfer a flame from an existing source to another place.[1]
Although the main rationale for the Torah’s permission to make use of fire on Yom Tov is to enable the preparation of food for Yom Tov, the dispensation also applies to other needs of the day, including the performance of mitzvot.[2] However, one may not transfer a flame without a clear, positive use, although it is not always apparent what qualifies.[3] For example, it is permitted to light candles in a shul, and the Mishna Berura[4] says that this applies even during the day, when the congregants can manage without them, since the additional light is an appropriate honor to HaShem. He also says that candles that are customarily used at a brit mila may also be lit on Yom Tov.[5]
One would think that in the case of a Havdala candle, over which Chazal instituted making a beracha of praise to HaShem, one may certainly light the candle via a transfer from an existing flame, even though reciting the beracha is less than a full obligation.[6] However, it is not really necessary to use the traditional braided candle. The gemara[7] says that using a “torch” – that is, a candle of many wicks – is just the choice manner of performing the mitzva. Accordingly, the original flame would suffice for Havdala. Rav S. Z. Auerbach was apparently unsure whether fulfilling the mitzva in the preferred manner warrants transferring a fire from a simple candle.[8] It is also important to note that if one lights his usual Havdala candle, he will not be able to extinguish the flame, as doing so to preserve the candle for future use is not the type of positive use that permits extinguishing fire on Yom Tov.
Therefore, the preferred system for making the beracha on a flame is to take two candles that were lit for Yom Tov and put them together so that their flames become interconnected.[9] In this way, one creates the torch effect without having to light extra candles. In the event that one cannot put two candles together, he can light a match or two (by touching them to an existing flame) and put two flames together to fulfill the mitzva in its standard way.[10] One should let the matches go out by themselves and not extinguish them.
In contrast to the above, the Tzitz Eliezer[11] maintains that one should light a new candle(s) and not use those lit for the honor of Yom Tov. His main reason is that the purpose of the Havdala candle is to give light, not honor.[12] The Pri Megadim[13] says that even if a Yom Tov candle was lit both for honor and for light, it is not valid for Havdala. The Tzitz Eliezer demonstrates that Shabbat and Yom Tov candles are meant both for light and for honor and are therefore problematic for Havdala according to the Pri Megadim. However, the Bi’ur Halacha[14] says that the Pri Megadim’s view is not clearly accepted, and the Shemirat Shabbat K’Hilchata[15] asserts that even in an era in which electric lights provide most illumination, the main purpose of the Yom Tov candles is to give light.
In summary, while it is legitimate to light special candles for Havdala when Yom Tov falls on Motza’ei Shabbat, the preferred practice is to put two Yom Tov candles together to form a “torch” upon which to make the beracha.