May one use the oil that remains after the candles have extinguished?[1] The leftover oil of the 8th day’s Chanukah lighting is to be burnt on its own if it extinguished prior to burning for a half hour.[2] [This same law applies for the leftover oils of any other night, […]

The blessing of Sheasa Nissim:[1] One who did not light Chanukah candles and will not be able to do so that night, and was not Yotzei with the lighting of his wife or household[2], is to say the blessing of “Sheasah Nissim“ upon seeing the lit candles of another Jew. […]

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 […]

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 […]

   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 […]

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 […]

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:[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 […]

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 […]

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 […]