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Bible Encyclopedias
Wax
The 1901 Jewish Encyclopedia
or In the Old Testament wax is referred to only as a simile for something easily dissolved or evanescent (Psalms 68:3); for compliance and submission (Judges 16:18; Micah 1:4; Psalms 97:5); or for fear and discouragement (Psalms 22:15). In the Talmud mention is made of the use of wax ("sha'awah") for lighting purposes, probably in the form of candles (Shab. 20b; comp. Rashi). At present wax candles are frequently employed on the Feast of ḤANUKKAH in places where olive-oil is not easily obtainable. On the eve of the Day of Atonement and at the anniversary of the death of a relative (JAHRZEIT) it is customary to light in the synagogue large wax candles that will burn at least twenty-four hours. A candle made from braided wax tapers is used also for the HABDALAH ceremony.
These files are public domain.
Singer, Isidore, Ph.D, Projector and Managing Editor. Entry for 'Wax'. 1901 The Jewish Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tje/w/wax.html. 1901.
