Chanukah Highlights vol.1 no.5

1. There are various opinions regarding the preferable time for lighting the Chanuka candles, ranging from sunset to definite nightfall ( which is no later than the apppearance of three stars ). Most authorities, according to the Mishna Berura, rule that one should light 12 minutes before definite nightfall. Considering that in America nightfall is commonly accepted at 42 minutes, the most appropriate time to light in Chicago would be around 4:50 p.m.
2. Although it is preferable to light at the above times, one may light at any later time throughout the night. In fact one should wait for their household to be present even if this means lighting later than the usual time. When one is lighting very late at night it's best to secure that other people be present when he lights. In the event that this cannot be accomplished he should light without a brocha. In this case, however, if there is a household member who can light at the appropriate time ( i.e. wife or son ) she/he should light for the entire family.
3. If one is unable to light after sunset or any time thereafter, he may light as early as 3:25 p.m. with the brachos. In this case, it is preferable however to have a member light for the entire family at the appropriate time.
4. It must be ensured that the candles will burn for a half hour into the night. This principle applies even when one is lighting much earlier than the usual time. Therefore on Friday, for example, one should use at least one candle ( or oil ) which will burn until 5:34 p.m. In general, if the candles went out unexpectedly before their time one need not rekindle them. However, if one lit very early and the candles went out before nightfall one must rekindle them but without the brachos. Even on Friday it is preferable to rekindle them before Shabbos.

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