By Rabbi Chaim Hillel Raskin – Rov of Anash in Petach Tikvah

Kindling fire on yom tov from an existing flame is only permitted for food preparation or when it serves some yom tov purpose that is universally appreciated (shaveh l’chol nefesh).¹

Even if one has already lit yom tov candles with a bracha, one may light additional candles which enhance the meal for the honor of yom tov, even today when we have electric lights.² But candles that do not honor yom tov in any way are prohibited.³ Therefore, one should avoid transferring a flame with a match if it’s not much harder to light the candle directly from the existing flame.⁴

The Alter Rebbe objects to those who kindle a kind of fireworks on Simchas Torah. Although their intent is for the rejoicing of the day, this manner of rejoicing is not universally appreciated, so the kindling is prohibited.⁵

Candles for the sake of a mitzva are permitted. For example, one may light candles in a shul, even at a time when it is already light or no one is present, since the candles honor Hashem, as the possuk says, “Honor Hashem with lights.”⁶

For a bris or sheva brachos at one’s home, poskim allow lighting candles for the honor of the mitzva.⁷ Some poskim rule that one shouldn’t light candles at other day meals, as there is no special need for candles, and they don’t provide benefit during the day.⁸ While others allow, provided the candles serve somewhat of a yom tov purpose or mitzva enhancement (though it’s not common custom to have lit candles by an ordinary yom tov day seuda).⁹

A yahrtzeit candle (or teshuva licht when Rosh Hashanah begins on Thursday), from which there is no direct benefit, is best to light before yom tov. If one forgot, they may light it in shul (e.g., at the amud), where candles are a mitzva and honor Hashem.¹⁰ Some allow lighting at home (preferably with the other yom tov candles at the table), since lighting a yahrtzeit candle is a form of honoring one’s parents, which is a mitzva.¹¹

See Sources (open PDF)