Orlah oil for the Chanukah menorah
Question
I've heard that we're not supposed to eat or benefit from orlah fruit. Does that apply to the Chanukah menorah, too?
Answer
Rabbis of Torah VeHa'aretz Institute
As you correctly noted, for a tree's first three years, its fruit is considered orlah. The orlah prohibition applies not only to eating but also to deriving benefit. Therefore, oil produced from orlah olives may not be used for lighting candles, paint, cosmetics, or any other use.
However, since it is forbidden to derive benefit from Chanukah menorah oil, the posekim are divided whether orlah oil may be used for this purpose.
In practice: Avoid using orlah oil used unless no other oil is available.