Shulchan Arukh Orach Chayim · Siman 265

Shulchan Arukh Orach Chayim 265 — English translation

Translation: Sefaria Community Translation. Section numbers match the Hebrew text above.

1. 1The Laws Pertaining to Utensils Placed Below the [Shabbos] Light, 4 Seifim: It is forbidden to place a container filled with oil that has a drainage hole positioned over the opening of the [Shabbos] lamp so that the oil will continuously drip into the lamp. This is a decree lest one use some of the oil in the container, [and was imposed] since [the container] is not connected to the lamp. [Taking and using the oil would] constitute [a violation of] the prohibition [against] extinguishing [a fire]. If, however, the container was joined to the lamp in an effective manner, with lime or with plaster, it is permitted. Since they are joined together, they are considered a single utensil and the person will distance himself from the container because of the Shabbat prohibitions.
2. 2A person may not fill a bowl with oil and place it next to a lamp and then put one end of the wick in [the bowl] so that [the wick] will draw after it the oil in the bowl, lest he make use of the oil in [the bowl].
3. 3It is forbidden to place a container, on Shabbos, beneath an (oil) candle to catch the dripping oil, because one is revoking the use of the Keli. However, it is permitted to place it there before Shabbos. One may not use the dripping oil on Shabbos. Rema: It is forbidden to touch a lit (oil) candle when it is hanging, even though one does not move it – and there is no issur of Muktze just by touching, nevertheless it is forbidden lest it moves slightly and (will cause the flame to) tilt.
4. 4One may place a container beneath an (oil) lamp to catch the sparks, since they lack any substance, hence the use of the Keli is not revoked. However, water may not be placed inside the container, even before Shabbos, because one causes the sparks to extinguish prematurely. Nevertheless it is permitted to put water inside an oil lamp that one lights before Shabbos, because one’s intention is not to extinguish the flame rather to raise the oil. Rema: Some authorities say that even if one’s intention is to extinguish the flame it is permitted since the water is not directly beneath the flame, as it is beneath the oil, and is therefore only causing the flame to be extinguished indirectly, and so is the custom. (Sma"g)

License: CC0