The Rama 673:1 brings a custom to light the Chanukah candles with wax candles. The reason is because the light is very clear. The Mishna Berura says that oil is better than wax because the mitzvah of Chanukah happened with oil. These are two criteria that are given regarding which is the best choice of what to light on Chanukah. First, the light must be clear. This will best accomplish “persumei nisa”. Second, we want to commemorate the miracle by using the same type of oil used in the Beis Hamikdash. Based on this, there are those that say that the oil must be edible, just like the oil in the Beis Hamikdash which was made from the first drop that squeezed out of each olive. Practically, most olive oil sold, even if labeled as not being edible and only for lighting, could theoretically be eaten. Since it has a high acidity level, and is not as healthy as regular olive oil, it is sold as lighting oil. However, since it could be eaten, it is similar to the oil of the Beis Hamikdash, and can be used for lighting on Chanukah.

Chag Samach

Rabbi Tzvi Aryeh Hyman, Mir Yeshiva
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