Would a regular candle with multiple wicks like this be acceptable as a havdalah candle?
Not לכתחילה
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Would two matches work
Yes. The Rav uses two matches together for Havdalah.
Interesting, can you explain why? Do the matches burn long enough to light them and then say the other brachot ?
They last long enough without an issue. I do it every week. I strike the matches and make the Bracha and then the fire lasts until after the I finish Havdalah.
Is there a reason why you and the Rav use matches instead of a braided candle?
Not that I’m aware of.
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Do you light the matches before saying the psukim and brachot, or do you light them right before the bracha of Borei me’orei ha-aish?
The Rav lights the matches right before making the bracha on the fire.
interesting. not sure i’ve seen that done before but it makes sense. you dont want a hefsek between lighting the flame and saying the bracha.
I don’t believe the Rav lights the matches intentionally just before making the bracha out of concern for a hefsek. I think it’s more a practical thing so that the matches don’t burn out before he reaches the bracha.
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is it required to turn off the light in the room before making havdala ?
No. Not at all necessary.