Is a blind person obligated in lighting Chanukah candles?

Author: Rabbi Yaakov GoldsteinPublished: December 23, 2024

A blind person:[1] A blind person is obligated to light Chanukah candles.[2] [Nevertheless, he is to do so without a blessing.[3]] Preferably, he is to have another person, such as his wife or host, light on his behalf. [1] M”A 675:4; Rashal 77; Elya Raba 675:7 [2] Poskim ibid The

A blind person:[1] A blind person is obligated to light Chanukah candles.[2] [Nevertheless, he is to do so without a blessing.[3]] Preferably, he is to have another person, such as his wife or host, light on his behalf.

[1] M”A 675:4; Rashal 77; Elya Raba 675:7

[2] Poskim ibid

The reason: As a blind person is obligated in all Mitzvos, and since the Mitzvah of Pirsumei Nissa applies towards other people seeing the Chanukah candles, it is therefore an obligation for him to light it. [ibid]

[3] Mor Uketzia; Machazik Bracha 675:5; Shaareiy Teshuvah 675:3; Ben Ish Chaiy Vayeishev 15; M”B 675:9; Kaf Hachaim 675:23; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 676:3

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule he may light candles with a blessing. [Rashal ibid; Shevet Halevi 4:67; Yalkut Yosef p. 224]

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