Question:
In Ashkenazi tradition may one light a candle with a match to make Havdallah at the end of Yom Kippur? I was told that to make Havdalah a 24 hour candle lit before Yom Kippur should be used.
Answer:
That is correct. For havdalah on Motzei Yom Kippur, we use what is called "ner sheshovas," a candle that was lit before Yom Kippur, to show that until now it was forbidden to light a candle, in contrast to the other yomim tovim. IT is practical to use a 24 hour candle, and hopefully it will last the 25-26 hours needed, from before the candle lighting until after the fast.
Best wishes
