Question: [Tuesday, 29th Kisleiv 5781] Our family is going to relatives overnight and returning the next evening. We will be arriving past midnight back home and was wondering where we should light the candles, by our relatives before we travel or at home after we arrive? Answer: This matter is […]
The ideal time of Chanukah lighting and until when may one light
This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here When to light the Chanukah candles:[1] The end of sunset:[2] The candles are to initially[3] be lit at the end of sunset.[4] It is not to be lit prior to sunset, nor after the conclusion of sunset.[5] Some Poskim[6] […]
Must one stand while lighting the Chanukah candles?
Must one stand upon lighting the Chanukah candles? One is required to stand when saying blessings which involve commands, such as when saying the blessing over Tzitzis, and Tefillin.[1] Accordingly, one is required to stand upon saying the blessings over the Menorah lighting. However, technically, this only applies to the […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Praying near Animal droppings; 2) Joining neighbors Chanukah lighting and lighting later on
Question: [Monday, 28th Kisleiv 5781] On Shabbos in our outdoor Minyan area we found droppings of what I believe was a cat on the floor. There were also bird droppings all over the place and my question is whether it is permitted for one to Daven in such an area? […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Lighting candles on stairs; 2) Wind extinguished candles
Question: [Thursday, 24th Kisleiv 5781] Our house entrance is made in the way that after you open the door and walk in, there are a few steps going down into the home, into the living room area where the couch is and where we would like to light the Hanukkah […]
Lighting a Public Menorah
Lighting a Public Menorah:[1] The Rebbe’s directed the arrangement of public Menorah lightings, in order to publicize the miracle of Chanukah.[2] However, the participants do not fulfill their obligation with such lighting and thus should be informed that they must still light in their homes.[3] Is a blessing recited?[4] Some […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Playing Dreidel on Shabbos, and may one use beans
Question: [Thursday, 24th Kisleiv 5781] Is it permitted on Shabbos to play Dreidel? Also, may I play using beans that we designated for this purpose or are they considered Muktzah? Answer: This is a complex question, as the playing of Dreidel on Shabbos can involve a “gambling” prohibition, and when […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Mourner lighting in shul on first night; 2) Child lighting with oil versus wax candles
Question: [Wednesday, 23rd Kisleiv 5781] I am in the year of mourning for my mother r”l and regularly pray for the Amud. I would like to know if I should be the one to light the Hanukkah candles in shul after Mincha or not. Is there any issue for mourners to […]
If one’s wife or/and daughters will not be coming home until after nightfall, is one to delay the lighting until they arrive?
If one’s wife or/and daughters will not be coming home until after nightfall, is one to delay the lighting until they arrive? It is proper even in today’s times [that the custom is to light indoors], to initially light the candles at its proper time [i.e. immediately after sunset/nightfall, each […]
Must household members [daughter; wife; Sepharadi boys] who are fulfilling the Mitzvah with the father of the house be present at the time of the blessing?
Must household members [daughter; wife; Sepharadi boys] who are fulfilling the Mitzvah with the father of the house be present at the time of the blessing? It is preferable for all the household members to be present at the time of the lighting and blessings.[1] If a household member […]
