Would we be allowed to light a yahrzeit candle?

[gometros]

Let me explain. A yahrzeit candle is a specific type of candle that Jews light five times a year; on the anniversary of the death of a family member and on four specific holidays during the year. We will be there this week for one of those holidays. The candle is in a glass, so it's not unprotected. And we always place it in a bowl of water as an added precaution. And it lasts for 24 hours, meaning we would be out of the room for a good portion of the time. Are there any specific rules governing the use of candles in the resorts?

 

[carlbarry]

Technically, I don't believe building codes allow flames in the unit. However, I have lit a menorah on a stand by the window, and no one complained.
If there is no daily maid service in your room, how would anyone know?
Chag sameach!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Let me explain. A yahrzeit candle is a specific type of candle that Jews light five times a year; on the anniversary of the death of a family member and on four specific holidays during the year. We will be there this week for one of those holidays. The candle is in a glass, so it's not unprotected. And we always place it in a bowl of water as an added precaution. And it lasts for 24 hours, meaning we would be out of the room for a good portion of the time. Are there any specific rules governing the use of candles in the resorts?

I read on the official site that candles are not permitted in the hotel rooms. Especially if there is no one in the room when the candle is lit. Unless you have very good insurance that will pay for the damages and injuries should your candle start a fire. Can you use an electric or battery candle instead?

 

[rocketriter]

There are electric yarzheit candles available, if that works for you.

 

[carlbarry]

There are electric yarzheit candles available, if that works for you.

Yes, like a night light. I once asked my (very Orthodox) Rabbi about yahrzeit lights, and he was kind of non-committal, as they are not really a Halachic requirement but just a tradition. So in a pinch, maybe an electric yahrzeit light would be adequate.

 

[Illini Al]

Agree. I would not risk this in any lodging facility. Go electric.

 

[Dean]

I don't think there is a specific provision in the POS related to candles but there is for combustibles and there is an exclusion against anything that would raise insurance costs.

Candles cause an estimated 15,600 house fires, 150 deaths, and 1,270 injuries each year.

 

[carlbarry]

I just remembered, it was my grandmother's yahrzeit during my stay last December at Jambo. I brought a yahrzeit candle with me, and lit it.
I also remembered that for one of my grandparent's yahrzeit, I went to synagogue for Maariv to say Kaddish, and then forgot to light a yahrzeit candle when I got home. I remembered the next day, after Shacharis. I told my Rabbi later that I lit it late, and he just shrugged his shoulders, and said, "So?" And he's a stickler.

 

[gometros]

Thanks for the responses, fellow DISers.