The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 514:9) codifies the prohibition against preparing a wick on Yom Tov, namely, twisting a material – such as cotton – to produce a wick. Making a wick constitutes the creation of a Keli (functional utensil) and is therefore forbidden on Yom Tov.

Would this prohibition apply to preparing a floating wick?

Floating wicks are readymade wicks sold together with pieces of cork which are punctured in the middle. One inserts the wick through the hole of the cork and places it in oil, such that the wick floats in the oil. Would it be permissible on Yom Tov to prepare a floating wick for candle lighting by inserting the wick through the hole of the cork?

The work Hilkhot Ha'mo'adim (13:18) rules that preparing a floating wick indeed constitutes the creation of a Keli and is therefore forbidden on Yom Tov. However, Rabbi Yitzchak Weiss (Romania-England-Jerusalem, 1902-1989), in his work Minchat Yitzchak, rules that since floating wicks are discarded after a single use, preparing a floating wick does not transgress the prohibition of creating a Keli on Yom Tov. Since one prepares the wick for only temporary use, this does not constitute the creation of a Keli.

Given the debate surrounding this issue, one should preferably prepare floating wicks for use before Yom Tov begins; however, those who are lenient in this regard certainly have authorities on whom to rely, and may prepare the floating wicks on Yom Tov.