Over which candles is the Havdalah candle blessing prohibited due to the candle having been used for a forbidden act on Shabbat?
Synopsis
The Mechaber prohibits the blessing over any fire that did not 'rest' from forbidden labor. This covers candles lit by Jews in violation of Shabbat, and even candles lit by non-Jews (since a Jew lighting them would have transgressed). Candles lit for sick or postpartum women (in permitted circumstances) are valid. The Mishnah Berurah clarifies nuances about who lit the candle.
More in Melaveh Malkah Meal
Is one required to seek out a candle in order to recite the blessing over fire (borei me'orei ha-eish) at Havdalah on Motzei Shabbat?
4 opinions
What is the correct text of the blessing over fire at Havdalah — 'borei me'orei ha-eish' (plural) or 'borei me'or ha-eish' (singular)?
3 opinions
What is the preferred form of candle for the Havdalah candle blessing — a single-wick candle or a torch (avukah)?
4 opinions
What is the custom for looking at one's hands and nails while reciting the candle blessing at Havdalah?
4 opinions
How close must one be to a candle in order to recite the candle blessing at Havdalah?
2 opinions
What is the rule when a non-Jew lights a candle from a Jew's candle, or a Jew lights from a non-Jew's candle, regarding the Havdalah blessing?
3 opinions
When one sees an unknown light outside a city, when may one recite the Havdalah candle blessing over it?
2 opinions
May one recite the Havdalah candle blessing over fire produced from wood or stones on Motzei Shabbat vs. Motzei Yom Kippur?
2 opinions
Related from other topics
Must one have kavvanah (intention/concentration) during the Amidah, and which blessings require it?
Kavvanah in Prayer
What is the minimum distance for which the traveler's blessing must be recited?
Weekday Prayer Variations
In which blessings of the Amidah is one obligated to bow, and at what points within those blessings?
Mashiv HaRuach — Wind and Rain
May one add a personal prayer within one of the middle blessings of the Amidah, and if so, to which blessing?
Errors in Shabbat Amidah
May wax candles given to idolatry be lit in a synagogue?
Study Hall Sanctity
May one read by the light of a synagogue candle?
Study Hall Sanctity
Discussion
Discussion coming soon.
The Daily Law
One question. Every opinion. Every morning.
A new halakhic question and the full spectrum of rabbinic thought, delivered daily.