Question
In modern times, given that the safety concerns which once necessitated lighting Chanukah candles indoors are no longer present in many communities, should we, therefore, actively return to the original practice established by the Sages and prioritize lighting the Chanukah Menorah outdoors? Would reinstating this public display more fully embody the mitzvah’s purpose of publicizing the miracle, especially now that we can safely do so? Should contemporary Jewish communities consider reviving this ancient custom as the preferred method, even if it means changing longstanding communal habits developed during times of danger?
Answer
Although some authorities rule that candles should ideally be lit outside, as per the original enactment, and others suggest lighting by a window facing the public, the prevailing custom—supported by Rishonim and Poskim, including the Rama—is to light inside the home by the doorpost. This remains the practice even though the original reason for lighting indoors (danger) no longer applies. The Chabad custom follows this approach. If possible, one should choose a doorpost visible to the public.
Explanation
The Sages originally instituted lighting the Menorah outside to publicize the miracle. Due to historical dangers, the custom shifted indoors. Today, while some Poskim advocate returning to the original practice or at least lighting by a window, authoritative sources confirm that the established custom is to light inside by the doorpost. This continuity preserves tradition and fulfills the mitzvah appropriately. Several reasons have been offered for this custom:
Why do we still light inside even when there is no danger?
- Concern for wind: There is fear that the wind will extinguish the candles, and the Sages did not obligate placing them in a glass casing. [Aruch Hashulchan; Minchas Yitzchak; Ritva Shabbos 21b.]
- Concern for theft: There is worry that the Menorah could be stolen if placed outside.
[Darkei Moshe 671:9 citing Rabbeinu Yerucham; Imrei Noam 2:22] - Spiritual reason during Galus: In exile, our primary mission is to refine ourselves and our homes, not the outside world. Public influence will come in the era of Mashiach.
[Bnei Yissachar (Mamar 2:46, 3:39); Taamei Haminhagim 850; Mamar Osri Lagefen Torah Or p. 92; Likkutei Sichos vol. 3 p. 67: The Rebbe there explains that this is because if one is unable to invest energy, and influence the spreading of peace into both his own home and also the outside world, then his own home takes precedence.]
Sources:
See regarding the original law to light outside unless it is a time of danger: Michaber 671:5; Shabbos 21b
See regarding the custom today to light inside: Rama 671:7; Tosafus Shabbos 21b; Kol Bo Chanukah p. 4; Ittur Hilchos Chanukah 10 Dibros; Or Zarua Chanukah 323; Ohel Moed Shaar Moed Katan; Birkeiy Yosef 673:2; Aruch Hashulchan 671:24; Michaber 671:5 “In times of danger light inside the house and leave it on the table, and this suffices.”; Likkutei Sichos 5:456; Sefer Haminhagim p. 70; See Shulchan Menachem 3:267-269; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 671:3; Yalkut Yosef Chanukah 671:22-23
See regarding the custom to continue to light inside even today notwithstanding the lack of danger: Ittur Hilchos Chanukah 10 Dibros “After it became accustomed due to danger, so is the custom”; Or Zarua Chanukah 323 “Today that there is no danger I do not know why we light inside” [proving that even after the danger, the custom was still to light inside]; Ohel Moed Shaar Moed Katan “Today we light inside by the doorpost even though there is no longer any danger”; Aruch Hashulchan 671:24 “Today the custom is to light inside even though there is no danger”; Bnei Yissachar Mamar 4:65 [mentioned in Taamei Haminhagim 850 and Nimukei Orach Chaim ibid]; Nimukeiy Orach Chaim 671 [There he delves into this question and concludes that he does not understand why today we do not light outside even though no danger is involved, but so is the custom. He brings that his grandfather the Baal Bnei Yisaschar did not light outside despite having had a glass casing to protect the Menorah from the outside wind. He only planned to use this glass casing for the outside when Moshiach would come.]; Mishmeres Shalom 48:1; Likkutei Maharich p. 106; Mikraeiy Kodesh 16; Minchas Yitzchak 6:66; Shevet Halevi 7:84; Divrei Yehoshua 1:40; Yaskil Avdi 7:46; Moadim Uzmanim 2:140; Piskeiy Teshuvos 671:3
See regarding the Chabad custom even today to light inside Likkutei Sichos 5:456; Sefer Haminhagim p. 70; See Shulchan Menachem 3:267-269; Igros Kodesh 11:414
See Poskim who rule that today one should light outside due to the lack of danger: Az Nidbaru 10:26; See Sheilas Yaavetz 1:149 that one should light outside; Poskim in next footnote to question this matter but do not conclude to change the custom
