The Laws of Chanukah vol. 3, no. 32
Olive oil is the preferred fuel to use for lighting a Chanukah menorah. It produces a clear, bright flame and the miracle of Chanukah occurred with olive oil. One may also use wax candles whose flame is clear and bright. Electric lights are not acceptable to be used for the mitzvah except under extreme circumstances where the guidance of an halachic authority should be sought.
There are different opinions among the halachic authorities as to the optimum time to light the Chanukah menorah. One should consult a competent halachic authority in regards to the time he should light. One who wants to fulfill the mitzvah according to as many opinions as possible may light about 20 minutes after sunset making sure there is enough oil to keep the menorah burning until a half an hour after the stars appear.
If one can only light after the optimum time he may still light the entire night with the proper blessings. However, if no one else will be awake to see the lights it is best not to make the blessings. If one did not light he cannot make it up by lighting an extra light the following nights.
If one foresees that he will not be able to light any time during the entire evening, he may light from plag hamincha, a halachic hour and a quarter before night. He has to put in enough oil, or have long enough candles to allow the menorah to remain lit until a half an hour into night. It should be noted that most regular wax Chanukah candles and many oil menorahs do not normally burn for such a long time. Therefore one should make special arrangements that at least one flame will burn for the necessary time.
Note:The above concern is especially relevant when lighting before the Sabbath.
The Chanukah menorah is lit before the Sabbath candles Friday afternoon. If a woman lit the Sabbath candles first she cannot light the Chanukah menorah afterwards since women generally accept the sanctity of the Sabbath when they light the Sabbath candles. However, if a man lit Sabbath candles and did not have intention to accept the sanctity of the Sabbath upon himself he may still light the Chanukah menorah until sunset.
Dear Halacha On-Line
reader,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our Tape Of The
Month Club. You can now receive and enjoy a selection from Rabbi Dovid Siegel’s
unique and highly acclaimed "topics of interest" series each month. Current
subscribers have lauded the genius and personal impact of these lectures and have inspired
us to make the public aware of this special opportunity. Subscriptions are only $25 / six
months or $45 / year. These exceptionally low prices even include shipping costs within
the continental United States! Please send subscription requests to the Kollel:
3732 Dempster, Skokie IL 60076 or Subscribe via Visa or MasterCard by
calling the Kollel: 847-674-7959
Order today so you won’t miss the next lecture!
