The Talmud relates that Friday night candles should be kindled even when Shabbat falls on Yom Kippur. This is relevant to a question posed in many sefarim as to what purpose is served by Shabbat candles: “Oneg Shabbat”, or “Kavod Shabbat”. According to the Vilna Gaon (Biur to O.C. 529:5), “Kavod” refers to action done before Shabbat, in its honor, while “Oneg” refers to actions done on Shabbat itself to evoke a pleasant atmosphere, primarily in the realm of eating and drinking. Many, including the Brisker Rav (see Kitvei HaGrach al HaShas, p. 331) assert that Shabbat candles are actually a function of both kavod and oneg, as indicated by the fact that the Rambam identifies both as motivating factors (Hil. Shabbat 5:1 and 30:5). However, on Yom Kippur, when eating and drinking are forbidden, the Oneg factor is largely impossible. Thus, candles for that occasion are purely a function of Kavod. Nonetheless, they are still kindled in the room where meals are normally held. Apparently, this location is considered a place of honor, even if no meal is actually taking place (see Moadim U’Zmanim, I, 56).
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