---
title: Siman 275 – Activities prohibited by candle light
description: גChelek 3 1. You aren’t allowed to use candlelight for detailed activities on Shabbos at night or in a dark room. This includes removing lice from clothing, reading and checking tsitsis. You might come to tilt the lamp and burn…
url: "https://mishnaberurasummaries.com/docs/siman-275-activities-prohibited-by-candle-light/"
updated: "2025-12-31"
category: Mitzvos of Shabbos
---

# Siman 275 – Activities prohibited by candle light

גChelek 3

1. You aren’t allowed to use candlelight for detailed activities on Shabbos at night or in a dark room. This includes removing lice from clothing, reading and checking tsitsis. You might come to tilt the lamp and burn the fuel for more light. (ShA -MB , )

1. This prohibition applies even when you cannot possibly tilt the lamp. E.g. lamp very high up, encased behind glass, fastened to the wall. (ShA )

1. Some poskim apply this prohibition to wax candles as well. Even so, those modern lamps that are never tilted even during the week aren’t included in this issur. (MB )

1. If the text that you want to read is somewhat familiar, you may read by lamplight — there is no worry of tilting. E.g. Shabbos zemiros, siddur, Haggada shel Pesach. (ShA  - MB , )

1. Another hetter is if you get someone to watch you so you don’t tilt the lamp. You must verbally inform this person. (ShA  - MB )

1. Do not read by the fireplace lest you come to stoke it to brighten the flames. If you get someone to remind you, it's okay. (ShA  - MB )

1. Another hetter is reading by lamplight on Yom Kippur. The awesome mood will keep you from tilting the lamp. (ShA )

1. The children should not be naked in front of the nairos. It is disgraceful for the mitzva. (Rama )

## Key

**ShA**
 : Shulchan Aruch

**MB**
 : Mishna Berura

**ShaH**
 : Shaar Hatsiun

**ShaT**
 : Shaaray Teshuva

**BeH**
 : Beur Halacha

**BaH**
 : Baer Haytayv

  [← PreviousSiman 274Breaking Bread on Shabbos and Yom Tov](https://mishnaberurasummaries.com/docs/siman-274-breaking-bread-on-shabbos-and-yom-tov/)[Next →Siman 276Lamp lit by a non-Jew on Shabbos](https://mishnaberurasummaries.com/docs/siman-276-lamp-lit-by-a-non-jew-on-shabbos/)

**Want this on paper?** Print any simanim you choose as one clean document.