Q. Many candles are usually lit in the synagogue on the morning of a holiday. Some persons want to forbid such a practice on the ground that the light of a candle is useless in the daytime, and one is not permitted on a holiday to light a candle the light of which serves no use. A. The light of many candles in the synagogue, whether in daytime or at night, enhances the spirit of festivity and rejoicing. Were it not for this reason, the practice of lighting many candles in the synagogue for Friday evening services, when a holiday falls on Friday, would be forbidden, since services are usually over before dark and the candles are not needed for their light; and the lighting of many candles on a holiday night would be forbidden, since a single candle dispels darkness. The practice referred to is, therefore, perfectly in order. R. Meir added: Please forgive me for not having answered your questions. I was very busy and forgot to answer. I even lost your letter. I could find no one who travelled regularly to your parts, and I did not often inquire from travelers about persons who might travel to your locality. SOURCES: L. 125; P. 125; Am. I, 47; Berl. p. 295 no. 387; Mordecai Hagadol, p. 94a. Cf. Maharil, Responsa 53.