Page 8 - HaMizrachi #15 2019 Chanuka USA

ASK THE RABBI

Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon Rabbanit Sharon Rimon

Chanukah Candle Lighting

in the Modern Age

he modern reality of artificial for at least half an hour. If you didn’t Rama agreed but added that it is still
lighting and of people’s light then, you can light up to half preferable to be stringent regarding
Tever-changing habits pose an hour after the emergence of three the earliest possible times for lighting.
significant questions regarding the stars. Bediavad (after the fact), one
best time for lighting Chanukah can light the entire night until dawn. From these opinions, we understand
candles. that the determinant is the publication
There are two explanations why of the miracle, and since the members
When I was a child in Tel Aviv, the lechatchila one should light at sunset of the household are always around,
stores would close at 7:00 pm. After or at the emergence of three stars: candle lighting can be done at a later
that, the streets were deserted in many time (at least when needed). If, like
places, though there were areas busy 1. One who lights at the emergence today, people return from work later
in the later hours as well. In those of three stars does so because the than the ideal time to light candles,
days, there was hardly a soul in the light from the candles is distinct there is a case for saying that the time
streets of Yerushalayim either at night (Mordechai, Meiri). One who they return is the ideal time, because
time, not even in the city center. lights at sunset does so as now it the publicizing of the miracle will be
is clear to all that the lights are for
Today, both in Israel and overseas, the mitzvah and not for illumina- greater.
there are people walking around the tion (Yereim). Practically it is best and desirable to
streets at all hours. Shopping malls, light at the onset (sunset or appear-
restaurants and the entertainment 2. One who lights at sunset does so ance of stars). In this way, all the
culture mean that the streets are full as it is closer to the time when approaches are fulfilled lechatchila,
late into the night. the Menorah was lit in the Beit and we also merit entering the dark-
HaMikdash. One who lights at
3
Of course the reason I mention this is the emergence of three stars does ness of night with the light of a mira-
because the Talmud – and Halacha – so in order to not light outside cle, and echoing Temple times, when
tells us we should light candles “from the Beit HaMikdash in a sim- the Menorah was lit from the start of
when the sun sets until there are no ilar manner to inside the Beit the night.
longer people in the marketplace.” 1 HaMikdash. When one needs to wait for the whole
Simply put, candles should be lit at family to light together, it seems pos-
sunset. Yet this is still the middle of CAN ONE INTENTIONALLY sible to rely on the above explanations
the day for many people. So how does DELAY LIGHTING CANDLES? and delay, especially if there will be
modern life affect the time for lighting more publication of the miracle later.
candles? If there is a principled reason for light-
ing at the correct time (for example, There are those who put more oil or
In this context, I will present a general showing that the lighting is for the bigger candles in their Chanukiah so
overview. mitzvah or as emulating the Temple), that the lights burn longer than half
What does “from when the sun sets” candles must be lit at this time. If an hour and the miracle is publicized
mean? There is a disagreement among there is no such principle or the focus to more people for a longer time.
the poskim. According to the Shulchan of lighting is for publicizing the mira- And the more holy light we can bring
Aruch, we light at the appearance cle (and most people will return home to the darkness, the better!
2
of three stars. The Gra says we light later), it will be possible to light later,
at sunset (and so seemingly does the when people are returning home.
Mishna Berura). Many Rishonim wrote that when 1 Shabbat 21b.
2
5672:1.
How late can we light? Again, there is lighting inside the house (and not at 3 See Pesachim 59a.
disagreement. The Shulchan Aruch the entrance to the street), it is not
says lechatchila (ideally) we light at necessary to light at a specific time as Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon is Head of Mizrachi’s
sunset or at the emergence of three the only publicity for the miracle is to Shalhevet Educational Advisory Board and
stars, and the candles should be alight the members of the household. The Chairman of Sulamot
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