Question: Can old Yartzeit memorial candles be reused?
Dear Rabbi Enkin,
I have three used Yartzeit candles. May I re-use them for my mom's Yartzeit coming next week, or is it against Jewish Law to light used memorial candles? If not, how should I dispose of them?
Thanks, Mitch
Answer: Dear Mitch
Re-using a Yartzeit candle does not pose any halachic problem. However, being that is has been used -- will it still burn for the entire 25 hour period of the Yartzeit? Unless you used it quite briefly - use a new candle lest it burn out before the conclusion of the Yartzeit.
Any remaining wax can be left to burn itself away, or alternatively, the candle may even be discarded.
Best regards,
Rabbi Ari Enkin
