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Traditional
Congregation Phone: (314)576-5230 Fax: (314)576-1162 Rabbi Seth D Gordon |
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Halacha Messages from Rabbi Gordon |
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Hilchot Chanukah The single special mitzvah for Chanukah is to light the candles which commemorates the miracle of Chanukah. The purpose of the Chanukah candles is pirsuma nisa – to publicize the miracle of Chanukah. Therefore, the Rambam writes that the Chanukah candles should be lit at shki’ah (sunset), but that we may continue to light until the people come home from work. (Hilchot Chanukah 4:5; Shulchan Aruch 670:1-2) On the first night we recite three berachot: one for the mitzvah of lighting Chanukah candles, one praising God for His miracles, and the third is a seasonal she-he-chiyanu. On the second through eighth nights, we recite only the first two berachot, and starting from the right, we light the left-most candle first. First recite all of the berachot, then light. (Shulchan Aruch 676:1, 2, 5) The candles should be in a recognizable row, rather than together like a torch; it should be clear which is each night’s candle. Therefore, avoid configurations that appear as a complete circle or randomly set. (Shulchan Aruch 671:2, 4) The actual mitzvah is to set the Chanukah candles on the outside at the entrance to the house, within a tephach (about 4 inches) of the doorpost on the left side as you enter the house so that the mezuzah will be on the right and the Chanukah candle on the left for the public. However, several factors influenced the placement of the chanukiyah. The Rambam writes, “if he dwelled in an upper apartment he sets it by his window to the public.” He adds, “In times of danger one may set the Chanukah candle inside his house and setting it on a table is sufficient.” (Hilchot Chanukah 4:8; Shulchan Aruch 670:5, 7) The Talmud records debates about whether we light 8 on day 1 and 1 on day 8 (Shammai), or 1 on day 1 and 8 on day 8 (Hillel). Debates continue as to whether we light one chanukiyah or whether each member of the household lights his/her own. It is asur (forbidden) to use the Chanukah candle whether on Shabbat or on weekdays, even to check money or to count by its light. (Hilchot Chanukah 4:6) Although few of us are in the circumstances the Rambam describes, his final words emphasize the importance of the mitzvah and its connection to God. “Finally, the mitzvah of the Chanukah candle is very dear and one has to be careful with it to make known the miracle and to add praises to God for the miracles that He did for us. Even if he does not have what to eat only from tsedakah he asks, or sells his garment and purchases oil and candles, and lights.” Since Chanukah came after the Torah, there are no work restrictions, but we are encouraged to celebrate. We do not offer tear-evoking eulogies, and we add Hallel (Shulchan Aruch 683) and al ha-nissim to our prayers. To commemorate the oil, Ashkenazim have celebrated with latkes, while Sephardim have eaten sufganiyot, jelly doughnuts. Nowadays, as we have incorporated customs, many do both. We sing songs such as Ma’oz Tzur, Al ha-Nissim, Mi Yimalel, Svivon Sov, Sov, Sov, and others. For a copy of these songs so that you can sing on Chanukah, please come to the office.
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