Many of the stores in my neighborhood sell specially marked bottles or cans of olive oil for Chanukah.
A while ago, someone told me that I cannot use any store brand of olive oil (like Trader Joe's, Berio, etc.) I can only use the special "Chanukah" olive oil.
Offhand, I think that person is mistaken, but, I hope someone can provide a definitive source in either direction and answer:
- Does olive oil have to be made leshem mitzvah - specifically for the purpose of being used for lighting Chanukah candles? Or can one use any olive oil brand?
- The OU site states that all extra virgin olive oil is kosher even without a certification. Does the olive oil used for lighting need to be kosher? I.e., non-extra-virgin oil would need a certification if you were eating it.
- Related to the previous question, if the oil needs to be certified, does one specifically need to use extra virgin, or can he use any grade?
- May one use olive oil that had previously been used for eating such as oil left-over from a salad mixture? The oil may have spices in it as well. Does the oil for lighting need to be "clean"?
NOTE Please address only the oil issue. I know that there are numerous other kindling options.