Lighting on Erev Shabbos:[1] When are the Chanukah candles lit? On Erev Shabbos the Chanukah candles are lit prior to the Shabbos candles.[2] The candles are lit with a blessing despite the fact that they are being lit while still day.[3] [The earliest time one can begin to light the […]
Chanukah Prayers
The Chanukah prayers[1] Tachanun:[2] Beginning from Mincha of the 24th of Kislev, until after the last day of Chanukah, Tachanun is omitted from the prayers. May a mourner be Chazan?[3] A mourner may lead the services on Chanukah, except for the reading of Hallel. He is however to say […]
Lighting Checklist
Setting up the Menorah: Use olive oil and cotton wicks for the candles. Use wax candles for the Shamash. Each candle is to contain enough oil to last at least 30 minutes after nightfall. The candles are set up starting from the far right end of the Menorah. The […]
Obligation of Guests
The obligation of lighting for a guest and one who is traveling:[1] A. A married guest whose wife [or husband] has remained home: If one is married and is a guest in someone’s house during Chanukah without his wife, then if his wife is not lighting the candles at home […]
Who is obligated
The obligation of lighting the Chanukah candles:[1] The head of each household is obligated to light candles for Chanukah in his home.[2] This law applies both for men and women.[3] One who lives off charity is nevertheless obligated to light candles, and must go to the extent of either borrowing money or […]
Tachanun and doing Melacha
Tachanun:[1] Beginning from Mincha of the 24th of Kislev, until after the last day of Chanukah, Tachanun is omitted from the prayers. Q&A May one visit a cemetery during Chanukah?[2] One is not to visit a cemetery during Chanukah. This includes even if one desires to visit the grave […]
Segulos
Is Chanukah a Rabbinical or Biblical holiday? There are opinions[1] which rule that all holidays instituted to commemorate a miracle of G-d have Biblical status, and hence they rule that the commemoration of Chanukah and Purim are of Biblical origin. Nevertheless even according to this opinion the form of how […]
Why 8 days?
The date:[1] On the twenty fifth of Kislev begins the eight days of Chanukah. What it commemorates:[2] Chanukah commemorates the miracles that occurred during the reign of the Syrian Empire in times of the second Temple. They made decrees against Jews, preventing them from following Torah and Mitzvos. Their money […]
10th of Teves
10th of Teves:[1] The 10th of Teves is a public fast day. One is required to fast on this day due to the tragedies that occurred during this time.[2] [This fast is mentioned explicitly in scripture [Zecharia 8] as the “Tenth fast”. The Tenth fast refers to the fast of […]
Tu Beshvat
The Laws and Customs of Tu Beshvat Introduction: The day of Tu Beshvat is a Halachic date that affects the laws of Kashrus of fruits. Due to this it has become known as Rosh Hashanah Leilanos.[1] Throughout the generations other customs have become attributed to this day, such as the […]
