גChelek 3
- 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 , )
- 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 )
- 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 )
- 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 , )
- 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 )
- 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 )
- Another hetter is reading by lamplight on Yom Kippur. The awesome mood will keep you from tilting the lamp. (ShA )
- The children should not be naked in front of the nairos. It is disgraceful for the mitzva. (Rama )