5783-2022
Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking
Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi
The misvah of menorah is an extremely beloved misvah
(Rambam). All misvot, have a standard way of performance
and an enhanced and more meticulous way. By the strict
letter of the law, one can fulfill his obligation by lighting only
one candle each night. Hanukah is so beloved, that it has
been unanimously accepted for all to perform the misvah in
a superior manner. We begin with a single candle on the first
night, then add a candle each night, until ultimately kindling
eight lights on the final night. We hope the following guide will
enhance your performance of this beloved misvah.
WHO IS REQUIRED TO LIGHT?
Both men and women are obligated in the misvah of
lighting. Although it is a time-bound commandment,
which women are generally exempt from, they are
obligated in this misvah as they played a significant role,
through Yehudit’s actions when she killed an important
Greek general. Unlike other misvot, such as eating massah or
shaking lulav, where each person is required to perform the
misvah individually, any one member ― man or woman
over bar/bat misvah ― may light the menorah on behalf
of the household. Children under the age of bar/bat misvah
may light any subsequent candles after the first candle is lit
by an adult, provided that they have reached the age of Chinuch (i.e. they
understand how to perform the misvah).1
I HAVE A CHILD STUDYING OUT OF TOWN IN SCHOOL, IS HE REQUIRED TO LIGHT HIMSELF?
Children who are supported by their parents and view their parents’ house as their
home are still considered part of the household. Even if they are temporarily not
living in the house, they can fulfill their obligation with their parents’ lighting.
The question becomes more complicated if the child is in a different time zone. For
example, if the child is in Israel and the parents are lighting at home in America. At
the time of lighting in Israel, it is not time to light in America, and when it becomes
nightfall in America it is past the time for lighting in Israel. Therefore, it is preferable for
the student to light himself, and according to some opinions even with a beracha. If
the child is in a later time zone, for example, their home is in New York and the child
is studying in Los Angeles, then according to all opinions, a beracha is not recited.2
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM A GUEST?
One may fulfill his obligation with his host. The guest should participate in the
misvah by acquiring partial ownership of the oil and wicks.3
For close family members visiting and sleeping over, we can assume the host
gives them partial ownership, just as he allows them to eat and drink in his house
without payment. Concerning other guests, it is preferable for the host to verbalize
that he is giving the guest acquisition as a partial owner in the oil, wicks, etc.4
SHOULD I USE CANDLES OR OIL?
The miracle occurred through the flask of oil lasting eight days. Therefore, the
preferred manner of performing this misvah is with olive oil; otherwise, candles
are acceptable.5
Every Friday night while reading Bameh Madlikin, we recite a list of wicks and oils
unsuitable for Shabbat candles. Some are not suitable because they do not draw
the oil well, thereby causing the flame to flicker, while others are not suitable
because of their odor. The objective of Shabbat candles is to enjoy and benefit from
their light, and we are worried one may mistakenly adjust or tilt the flickering candle
for it to light better, or he might leave the room if there is an unpleasant odor. For
Hanukah, however, these wicks and oils may be used. The Hanukah candles are not
for our personal use; therefore, even if they do not light well, we are not concerned
that one may adjust the candles.6
WHERE DO I LIGHT?
Initially, the lighting would be outside, by the entrance to the courtyard or home,
as a public display of the miracles Hashem has done with us. Nowadays, that we
are in exile among other nations, it is recommended in most places to light inside
so as not to incite our gentile neighbors. Although when lit inside, the menorah is
primarily meant to be seen by those inside the home, we light the menorah by the
window so that it is also visible to passersby.7
HOW HIGH SHOULD I PLACE MY MENORAH?
The menorah should be placed at a height where the flames of the candles are above
3 tefachim (approximately 9.6 inches), and preferably below 10 tefachim (approximately
32 inches). If the menorah would only be visible to passersby outside if placed on
a higher window ledge, or if there are young children around, there is no problem
placing the menorah higher than 10 tefachim.
WHICH SIDE OF THE MENORAH DO WE START LIGHTING FROM?
On the first night, we light the rightmost candle in front of the one lighting. On the
second night, a second candle will be added on the immediate left of the first candle.
And so on ― every added candle is placed in the next left slot. The lighting will always
begin with the newest added candle (increasingly left) so that when you actually light,
your direction will bring you to move your hand toward the right. The reason to
perform the lighting in a right
ward direction is like all Avodah ― service in the Bet
Hamikdash where the setup of the service positions the Kohen to begin at a point
where his direction during his Avodah will subsequently turn toward the right.9
WHAT IF WE ARE IN A HOTEL?
If one is in a hotel during Hanukah and has dependent family members lighting on
behalf of the household at home, then he is not obligated to light where he is.10 If there
are no Jews around and no menorah in sight then he should light and recite a beracha
where he is, if safe to do so.11 However, if the entire family is going away then it may
pose a serious challenge in how to perform this beloved misvah. It should be explored
(perhaps before booking!) if a menorah can be set up where they are staying. If there is
no option to light in the room, one should light without a beracha in the dining area
(indoor or outdoor) where one will be eating.12 If this is not feasible, then lighting an
electric menorah, with an incandescent light bulb, can be done without a beracha.
WHEN IS THE PREFERRED TIME TO LIGHT THE MENORAH?
The preferred time to light is twenty minutes after sunset (4:55 PM in the NY/NJ), or
at least within a half hour after this time.14 If one is unable to light then, he should
strive to do so as soon as possible. It is important to light while there are still passersby
outside, as it is still considered lighting at the proper time. In a situation where no one
will be home until late at night, one may light, as long as it is still nighttime.15 However,
one should endeavor to have at least one other family member awake, so that the
berachot can be recited according to all opinions.16
CAN I EAT BEFORE I LIGHT?
Once it reaches within a half hour of the time to light the menorah one should not
sit down for a bread meal. However, if one already started his meal before that half hour,
he may continue, though he can light during his meal.
HOW DO I GET TO THE HANUKAH PARTY ON TIME?
One does not fulfill his misvah with what was lit at a family Hanukah party unless he
is sleeping there overnight (or was sleeping there already from the night before even
though he will be leaving that evening).17 If one would like to light quickly at home and
then go, then his menorah will have to stay lit for a half hour. After this time, it is
permitted to extinguish the lights.18 Otherwise, one can light the menorah when arriving
home (as long as it is before dawn!).
WHEN DO WE LIGHT ON EREV SHABBAT?
Although one should first light the menorah and then light the Shabbat candles, if the
wife mistakenly lit first, the husband may still light the menorah after the wife has lit
the Shabbat candles. If the woman is the one lighting the menorah, and she lit the
Shabbat candles first, lighting the menorah at this point will depend on if her custom is
to accept Shabbat with the lighting of the candles or not.19
WHAT IF MY CANDLES WENT OUT?
It is proper to keep one’s hand lighting the flame until most of the wick is lit
before proceeding to the next candle.20 Once the fire caught onto the wick properly,
even if it went out within a half hour, one is not required to light again; however, it is
preferable.21 The leftover oil or candle from it extinguishing prematurely can be used
for the next night. Otherwise, it should not be disposed of like regular garbage since it
was dedicated for a misvah; therefore, it is burned, similar to leftover sacrifices.22
CAN I LIGHT A MATCH FROM MY HANUKAH CANDLES?
If the lighting of the match is to light another candle, the preferred way is to use the
shamash candle to light a match or else to light directly from one wick/candle to the
other. However, one may not use the Hanukah candles to light or relight the shamash.
IS IT A MISVAH TO HAVE A HANUKAH PARTY?
Whereas on all holidays there is a misvah to have a seudah, usually bread and wine,
there is no obligation per se to have a meal on Hanukah. The essence of the holiday is
to give thanks to Hashem, with a focus on the unique miracles of the oil and the war. If
such thanks and praise to Hashem is given through having a meal, then that meal
essentially becomes a misvah! We recite immediately after lighting the menorah:
“Hanerot Halalu Kodesh Hem...” these candles are holy and we cannot derive pleasure
from them, rather we just view them so that we can praise and thank You upon Your
miracles and wonders. This highlights the sanctity and essence of our Hanukah lights.
May their light bring along the long-awaited light of Mashiah speedily in our days, Amen.