Reply To: Havdala Candle on Yom Tov

First of all a common torch is CERTAINLY permissible for Havdala, because even if it is NOT an “avuka” there is no obligation to use an “avuka”, it is only a chumra.

Secondly, the Rosh in the second perek of Shabbos quotes the Sefer HaIttim who equates a wick wrapped in wax with an “avuka”, and this describes many of the common torches today.