What type of candles should be lit?
The best type of light to use for Chanuka is an olive oil lamp, because this was the oil used in the Temple. However, wax candles are also acceptable. Candles should have a single wick and should be arranged in a straight line, in order that an onlooker be able to count them easily. One who does not have a menora may simply arrange the requisite number of candles in a straight line and light them. Adequate fuel should be present in the candles or oil to last a half hour. If the candles/oil were such at the time of lighting, but went out for some reason before one half hour, one still fulfills the Mitzvah. If they were not, and one added oil later, one does not fulfill the mitzvah. One should also be careful to place the candles in a location where they are not likely to be blown out by wind or an opening door. Electric lights should not be used to fulfill the mitzvah of Chanuka candles, even though they may be used for the mitzvah of Shabbat candles.
