A Havdalah Bulb?

Hi,

[Please note: I have edited the last line in yesterday's email on the Daily Jewish Law blog, for clarity. The edited post now reads:
For Havdalah, one may use a candle which was kindled before Shabbat started, but one may not use a candle which was kindled during Shabbat, unless it was kindled on Shabbat in a permitted circumstance, such as being lit as part of an effort to save a life.]

A flame is only valid for Havdalah if one can see the actual flame (and use its light). Thus a flame behind a translucent material would not be valid for Havdalah.

Some authorities even refuse a flame which is behind a transparent barrier. This is based on the Talmud's rejection of a "lantern" for Havdalah. These authorities would therefore reject any light bulb, due to the glass containing its vacuum.

Others, though, would accept an incandescent bulb with transparent glass. The heating of a metal to the point of luminscence has traditionally been considered 'fire,' dating back to the times of the Talmud, and the horizontal incandescent filament would be considered like a multi-wicked flame.

Note: A fluorescent bulb would not have the same status.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 298:15)

Have a great day,
Mordechai