The Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) writes that it is best to use olive oil for the kindling of the Chanukah lights because of the clean, pure flame it produces.[9] Chassidic master Rabbi Shlomo of Karlin would use the recommended oil, but expressed regret over not using candles. “With candles,” he would say, “the dripping wax leaves a mark of Chanukah all year. Oil, however, burns so cleanly, that a day after Chanukah, nothing of the festival adheres to the home!”
One year, a mishap occurred and the flames from the Karliner Rebbe’s menorah started a small fire which left burn-marks on one of the walls of his home. Rabbi Shlomo was overjoyed: a residue of Chanukah would now linger on until its lights would be again kindled next year!
Adapted from the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe by Yanki Tauber.
[9]. Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, 673:1.
