Lighting Chanukah Candles and Brushing Teeth on Shabbat: Difference between pages

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[[file:Chanuka.png|right|''A Chanukkiya lit on the eighth night'']]
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In the time of the second Bet Hamikdash, the Greek kings made decrees against the Jews in order to make them forget Torah and Judaism. They broke into the Bet Hamikdash and defiled it until Hashem had mercy on the Jews and saved them. The salvation came through the Chashmonaim who were victorious over the Greeks and served as Cohanim Gedolim. They returned to the Bet Hamikdash and only found one pure flask of oil which was enough to light for only one day. A miracle occurred and it lasted 8 days. On the day that they found the flask, on the 25th of Kislev, the Rabbis established a holiday, 8 days of festivity and joy, called Chanuka. <ref> [[Shabbat]] 21b, Rambam Chanuka 3:1-3</ref>
[[Image:Brushing.png|right|200px]]
==Brushing Teeth on Shabbat==
The following is a discussion of the various potential halachic concerns regarding brushing one's teeth on shabbat.


== The Brachot of Chanuka Candles==
===Mimachaik / Mimareach===
# On the first night all three blessings are said. On all other nights only the first two are said (and not Shehechiyanu). <ref> Shulchan Aruch OC 676:1-2</ref> Here is the text in Hebrew and below it is the transliterated text:
The Mishnah in [[Shabbat]] (73a) lists [[Memachaik]] (lit: scraping) as one of the avot melacha, scraping a surface to leave a smooth remainder (e.g. sandpaper, scraping hairs off a hide of leather). The Mishnah Shabbat (146a) also discusses a toldah or derivative of mamaechaik known as mimareach (lit: smoothing), which is accomplished not by scraping down a surface, but rather by spreading a malleable substance (e.g. wax) over a surface.<ref> Rambam Hilchot [[Shabbat]] 11:5,6 </ref>
## ברוך אתה ה' אלוקינו מלך העולם, אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו להדליק נר (של) חנוכה <ref> S”A 676:1 writes the first bracha without the word shel. So is the opinion of the Arizal (Shaar Kavanot pg 108d), Pri Chadash, and Gra (Maaseh Rav 231). However Ashkenazim add the word Shel based on our girsa of the Gemara, Rif and Rambam. Clearly, if a Sephardi said it with the word Shel he fulfills his obligation (Chazon Ovadyah pg 125). </ref>
## ברוך אתה ה' אלוקינו מלך העולם, שעשה נסים לאבותינו בימים ההם בזמן הזה
## ברוך אתה ה' אלוקינו מלך העולם, שהחינו וקימנו והגענו לזמן הזה


## Baruch Atta Hashem Elokenu Melech HaOlam Asher Kidishanu BeMitzvotav VeTzivanu Lehadlik Ner (Ashkenazim add: Shel) Chanuka.
There are two potential memacheik concerns regarding brushing teeth on shabbat:
## Baruch Atta Hashem Elokenu Melech HaOlam SheAssa Nissim LeAvotenu Bayamim Hahem Bazman Hazeh.
## Baruch Atta Hashem Elokenu Melech HaOlam SheHechiyanu Vekiyemanu Vehiygianu Lazman Hazeh.
# If one forgot to say the Brachot and remembers after he finished lighting and before a half hour passed one can say “SheAssa Nissim” (and Shehecheyanu on the first night) but not “Lehadlik Ner”. If one remembers before one finishes lighting the candles (on the 2nd day and on) one can make all the Brachot then and finish the lighting. <ref> Sh”t Rabbenu Avraham Ben HaRambam 83 pg 122, Shulchan Gavoha 676:3, and Sh”t Demeshk Eliezer Y”D 47 write that after one lights one can’t make the bracha of Lehadlik Ner against Sefer Pardes (Rabbenu Asher Ben Chaim pg 66) who says one can say it as long as the candles are burning. Sh”t Halachot Ketanot 1:3 and Yad Aharon (Hagot Tur 676) say that one can make all the Brachot as long as one didn’t finish lighting all the candles of Hidur. Sh”t Rabbi Akiva Eiger (Mehudra Tanina 13) writes that if one remembers before one finishes one can make all the Brachot but if one only remembers after he finishes lighting he can’t make Lehadlik Ner just like Brachot HaRoeh(S”A676:3). So rules Mishna Brurah 676:4, Ben Ish Chaim Vayeshev 10, and Sh”t Chatav Sofer O”C 135.Torat HaMoadim 6:9 adds that since we learn the after lighting one can still make the bracha of SheAssa Nisim from Brachot HaRoeh it only applies to the first half hour after one sees the candles as by Brachot HaRoeh. </ref>
# If one forgot to say Shehechiyanu before lighting one can say it in the half hour after lighting. If one didn’t say it the first night one should say it the second night and so on. So too, if on the eighth night one forgot one can say it in the half hour after lighting. <ref> Shibolei HaLeket 186 and Orchot Chaim (Chanuka 10) quote a Teshuvat Hagoanim to which Rabbenu Yishaya says that one can say Shehecheyanu any day after the first when he remembers. Piskei Rid ([[Shabbat]] 23a) explains it means one can only make the bracha at the time of the lighting. However, Bach 676 in name of the Maharash says not to say Shehecheyanu the second night. Nonetheless, Meiri ([[Shabbat]] 23a) and Riaz (23a), also write that one lights Shehecheyanu the first night one lights. So holds Sh”t Maharam (Prague Edition 57), Tur 676 in name of the Rosh and S”A 676:1. </ref>
# After the half hour of lighting one can’t say the Brachot. <ref> Levush 676, Pri Chadash 676:1, Sh”t Sadeh HaAretz O”C 38, Birkei Yosef 692:1, and Sh”t Igrot Moshe 1:190 hold that one can only make the Shehecheyanu at the time of the lighting. However, Yavetz in Mor Ukesiah 692, Sh”T Mahari Molcho 78, Sh”t Zera Emet 1:96, and Taharat Mayim (Shuirei Tahara 8:3) hold it can be said any time during Chanuka. Nonetheless, Mishna Brurah (676:2 and Shar Tzion 676:3), and Torat HaMoadim 6:12 say that because of a Safek Brachot one doesn’t make Brachot past the time of lighting. Taharat Mayim implies that by SheAssa Nissim one can say it anytime against the Mor Ukesiah who says that SheAssa Nissim can only be said over the candles. Sh”t Yechave Daat 2:77 says because of Safek Brachot one doesn’t say SheAssa Nissim not over candles. </ref>
# If someone had his wife or anyone else light for him the first night he fulfill his obligation of saying Shehecheyanu and shouldn’t say it the next night. <ref> Bach 676 says that his wife’s lighting with Brachot doesn’t exempt him from Shehecheyanu. So says Eliyah Raba 676:5. Torat HaMoadim 6:13 explain that this is the Bach according to his opinion that one who has someone lighting for him at home makes Brachot HaRoah; however since we hold (S”A 676:3) that if one has someone lighting for home doesn’t make Brachot HaRoah here too, one fulfills Shehecheyanu with his wife’s lighting. So rules Sharei Knesset Hagedolah 676:2, Magan Avraham 676:2, Pri Megadim A”A 676:2, Mishna Brurah 676:7, and Kaf HaChaim 676:26. Sh”t Yabea Omer O”C 4:50 (4-5), 6:42(3-4) holds that even by Shehecheyanu we apply Safek Brachot LeHakel. </ref>


==Order of lighting==
# Removing the plaque and dirt from the teeth and thereby smoothing them out (av melacha of memachaik).
[[Image:Bet Yosef lighting.png|250px|thumb| Shulchan Aruch's order of lighting|right]]
## Rav Soloveitchik<ref> Nefesh Harav p. 168 </ref> said removing dirt or plaque is certainly not mimachek, just like washing dirt off of dishes is permissible.<ref>Gemara [[Shabbat]] 50a</ref> Mimachek is only when you’re removing something that is part of the essence of the object itself.<ref>In a funny anecdote, Rav Schachter recalls how one of the talmidim asked Rav Soloveitchik that perhaps brushing teeth on shabbat should be prohibited because enamel is removed via the brushing, and he responded that if that were true, then eventually you would have no tooth left from brushing, so obviously that is not the case (to any degree which the halacha would deem significant).</ref>
# On the first night, the candle should be placed on the rightmost side of the Chanukia. The second night the two candles should be placed in the two rightmost spots and should be lit from left to right (the way English is written), moving your hand away from the door,  always lighting the new candle first. <ref>  
# Spreading out the toothpaste over the surface of your teeth (toldah of mimareach).
* The picture of Shulchan Aruch's lighting is above by the summarized halacha. The pictures for the other opinions are below or see different drawings in [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46444&st=&pgnum=631 Sefer Natai Gavriel (Chanuka pg 637)].
## Rav Moshe Feinstein says that it’s forbidden to use toothpaste due to "mimachaik", but that brushing without toothpaste is allowed, as this is just like washing the rest of your body.<ref> Sh"t Iggerot Moshe Orach Chaim, 1:112 </ref>
[[Image:Levush's lighting.png| thumb|Levush's order of lighting|250px]]  
### Seemingly, Rav Moshe meant mimareach, the toladah of mimachek, and this is why he only prohibited brushing with toothpaste but permitted brushing without toothpase.  
[[Image:Gra's lighting.png| thumb| Gra's order of lighting |250px]]
##Rav Ovadia Yosef says even toothpaste is allowed.<ref> Sh"t Yabia Omer 4:30. </ref>
* Shulchan Aruch 676:5 writes that on the first night one should light the rightmost candle and on the second night one should add a candle to the left of the first one and light the new one first and then the old one so that one lights from left to right (the way English is written). The Bet Yosef 676:5 bases this approach on the Sh”t Mahari Kolon 183 and Mordechai ([[Shabbat]] 2:268). This is also the opinion of the Arizal (Shaar Kavanot pg 108c), Nagid VeMitzvah (26:72), Maharil (quoted by the Magan Avraham 676:5).  
###This is based on the Magen Avraham (316:24), that one is allowed to smear spit on the ground since it gets totally absorbed in the ground, and is thus not considered to be smoothed out in any significant way. Similarly, toothpaste doesn’t stay on the teeth for a long time.  
* [The Trumat Hadeshen 106 agrees that if one is lighting opposite the Mezuzah then one should light from left to right with the new candle is always the leftmost candle which is within a Tefach of the door. However, if there’s no mezuzah and one is lighting on the right side of the door as one enters then one should light right to left so that the new candle is always the rightmost candle and is within a Tefach of the door. The Sh”t Maharshal 85 agrees with the Trumat HaDeshen. However, the Bet Yosef 676:5 quotes the Trumat HaDeshen and argues that there shouldn’t be any difference whether one is lighting on the left or right of the door one should always light the new candle first and light from left to right.]
###His second proof is that the Rama (Orach Chaim 326:10) prohibits washing with hard soap due to [[molid]], but does not mention anything about mimareach, presumably because the soap only remains on one's hands temporarily.
* However, the Levush 676:5 and Taz 676:6 argue that on the first night the candle is placed in the leftmost position (closest to the door) and on the second night the candles are put in the leftmost spots and are lit from right to left. This is also the opinion of the Sh”t Panim Meirot 1:98 and Sh”t Semach Tzedek O”C 67.
##The Tzitz Eliezer rules like Rav Moshe.<ref> Sh"t Tzitz Eliezer(7:30:8). The 39 Melachos (vol 2, pg 373) also paskens this way.</ref>
* A third approach is that of the Biur HaGra 676:5 who writes that one should always light the candle closest to the door first (and not the newest candle) and if one lights on the left side of the door as one enters opposite the mezuzah then one should light the leftmost candle (closest to the door) first and continue left to right. This is also recorded in Maaseh Rav (Siman 240).
###Brushing teeth is not subject to the same leniency as the case of the Magen Avraham. There, the whole purpose of rubbing the spit on the ground is to get it absorbed into the ground, and so that's why the smoothing is deemed insignificant. But with toothpaste, there is a purpose in the smearing itself on the teeth, even if just for a minute, and so the smearing itself is significant.
* Halacha: Mishna Brurah 676:5 quotes the Bet Yosef and the Gra and concludes one can do like either one. The Pri HaChadash, Bear Sheva (Sotah 15b), Nezirut Shimshon (Sotah 15b), Sh”t Chatam Sofer O”C 187, Chazon Ovadiah (Chanuka pg 33) argue on the Levush and hold like S”A. Kovetz Hamoedim (Moriah pg 61), Evan Israel (9 pg 129a), Sadeh HaAretz O”C 3:33, and Nehar Mitzrayim Chanuka 7 argue on the Gra and hold like S”A. The Kitzur S”A 139:11, Kaf HaChaim 676:31, Aruch HaShulchan 676:11, Natai Gavriel (Chanuka 28:2, pg 177), and Yalkut Yosef (Moadim pg 229) write that the halacha and minhag follow Shulchan Aruch. </ref>
##Rav Soloveitchik agreed to Rav Ovadia.<ref> Nefesh Harav 168.</ref>
###Even though the toothpaste companies claim that the paste coats the tooth for 24 hours, he wasn’t convinced this was true. And even if it is true, an invisible coating isn’t halachically significant.<ref> Aruch HaShulchan Yoreh Deah 83:15 </ref>


==Number of candles to light==
===Molid===
# The mitzvah of lighting Chanuka candles is a very special and dear mitzvah. Even a poor person should rent or sell his clothing or hire himself out in order to get enough money to purchase at least one candle for every night. The Gabbai Tzedaka (local charity distributor) needs to make sure that the poor have enough money to purchase at least one candle every night. <ref>The above halacha is a quote from the Rambam Chanuka 4:12 and S”A 671:1. This is based on the the Mishna (Pesachim 99b) which states that a poor person may take from the charity fund in order to purchase the 4 cups of wine on Pesach. The Gemara explains that the poor can take from charity for this because it has the very significant purpose of Pirsumeh Nisa, publicizing the miracle of our leaving Egypt. The Maggid Mishna (Chanuka 4:12) comments that this is the source of the Rambam's ruling that even a poor should should rent or sell his clothing in order to be able to light Chanuka candles because concept of publisizing the miracle applies even more to Chanuka than by the 4 cups of Pesach. The Lechem Mishna (Chanuka 4:12) argues the law of publicizing the miracle by Chanuka is equal to the 4 cups of wine. The Sh”t Kanaf Ranana O”C 84 defends the Miggid Mishna saying that the Chanuka candles are the only way in which we publicize the miracle of Chanuka, whereas regarding Pesach there are other actions we do to publicize the miracle besides the 4 cups of wine. </ref>
The toothpaste becoming a foamy, more fluid liquid maybe a problem of [[molid]]. This problem is raised based on Rashi ([[Shabbat]] 51a) which says its asur to squeeze or crush ice on [[Shabbat]] because of [[molid]].<ref>(a dirabanan issur of changing form because it’s so creative it’s like a quasi-melacha.(Shu”t Maharal Diskin 66)</ref> Shulchan Aruch however holds like the Rambam saying [[squeezing]] ice is asur because it looks like [[squeezing]] fruit which falls under the category of [[sechita]].<ref> Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 320:9 based on Rambam Mishneh Torah Hilchot [[Shabbat]] 21:13. This same machloket applies to the permissibility of using a bar of soap. Shulchan Aruch (326:10) permits it, but the Rama there forbids it because of [[molid]].</ref>
#      The minimum requirement of Chanuka candles is that each household should have one candle lit every night. The next best method (Mehadrin) to fulfill this mitzvah is by lighting one candle for every person in the house every night. The best (Mehadrin Min HaMehadrin) way to fulfill this mitzvah is: according to Sephardim, for one person per house to light one candle on the first night and to add another candle each night and according to Ashkenazim, for every person to light for themselves one candle on the first night and to add another candle each night. <ref>
*Rav Yitzchak Yaakov Weiss<ref> Minchat Yitzchak (3:50) </ref> prohibits brushing teeth with toothpaste based on this also.
* The Britta on Gemara [[Shabbat]] 21b states that the minimum requirement of Chanuka candles is that each household should have one candle lit every night. The next best method (Mehadrin) to fulfill this mitzvah is by lighting one candle for every person in the house every night. The best (Mehadrin Min HaMehadrin) way to fulfill this mitzvah is to increase the number of candles light each night, one on the first night, two on the second, and so on. However, regarding the last method there is a dispute to it's precise explanation.
*Rav Ovadia<ref>Yabia Omer OC 4:29</ref> paskins like the Shulchan Aruch that Sephardim don't have to worry about [[molid]]. He adds that Ashkenazim should hold like the Rama and brushing teeth is forbidden for them.<ref> Yabia Omer Orach Chaim 4:28 </ref>
* The Rambam (Chanuka 4:1-2) rules that each night one should add one candle per person per night, meaning that for a family of 10, the first night there would 10 candles and 20 the second night. [He adds that the Minhag of Spain is to only light add one candle per household increasing according to the number of the night.] This is also the opinion of the Rabbenu Yehonatan in name of Ran ([[Shabbat]] 21b), Piskei Riaz ([[Shabbat]] 2, Chanuka 5), and Rif explained by Buir HaGra 671:4.  
*Rabbi Herschel Schachter<ref> Rav Schachter is quoted by Rabbi Aryeh Leibowitz between 2:30 and 3:30 http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/752802/Rabbi_Aryeh_Lebowitz/Ten_Minute_Halacha_-_Brushing_Teeth_on_Shabbos </ref> holds that even for Ashkenazim it should not be a problem because [[molid]] is solid to liquid not paste to liquid.
* However, Tosfot ([[Shabbat]] 21b D”H VeHaMehadrin) in name of the Ri writes that one should only have one increasing per household so that it’s recognizable what night of the Chanuka it is. So writes Mordechai ([[Shabbat]] 270) in name of the Ri, Meiri ([[Shabbat]] 21b) that such is the Minhag, Ran (ibid.) in name of Raah, Tur(671). Ritva ([[Shabbat]] 21b) brings both explanations of the Gemara. S”A 671:2 holds like Tosfot and Rama ibid. holds like Rambam.
* Interesting point: The Taz 671:1 writes that here is a case where Ashkenazim follow Rambam and Sephardim follow Tosfot. Chemed Moshe 671:4 argues that the Rambam concludes so is the Minhag not like the ruling, meaning it’s an old practice even before his time. The Torat HaMoadim (Chanuka pg 18) brings the Rama in Darkei Moshe 671:1 who says the Ashkenazi practice goes even according to Tosfot since the candles are indoors and separate. Tzeddai Chem (Chanuka 9:4) argues that the Ashkenazic practice for each member of the household to light isn’t like the Rambam who says that one person lights for everyone according to the number of people. For this reason many challenge the Rama who quotes his ruling in name of the Rambam including Maamar Mordechai 671:4, Bet Halevi on Torah (Chanuka pg 69). Yet, the Sh”t Maharil 145, Sh”t Trumat Hadeshen 101, and Sh”t Mahari Mebrona 50 hold like the explanation held by the Rama and could be sources for his opinion. Also, the Alfasi Zuta ([[Shabbat]] 2 beginning) says that the Rama is following the idea of the Rambam to light according to the number of household members but in order to satisfy Tosfot’s issue of being recognizable, every person lights instead of one person lighting.</ref>
# If one missed lighting one day it can’t be made up and the next night one should light the number everyone else is lighting. <ref> S”A 672:2. Siddur Rashi 316 pg 151 quotes Rabbenu Yitzchak Bar Yehuda who says that there’s no make up for a missed day, otherwise those who see will think you’re violating the words of the Rabbis. So writes the Tur 672. There’s a dispute whether this means that since it can’t be made up one doesn’t light the next night or one lights like the rest of the world. The Sh”t Maaseh Geonim (55 pg 43) quoting Rabbenu Yitzchak Bar Yehuda that the next night one lights like everyone else. (Thus, Rabbenu Yitzchak means not to light the amount of the night he missed with the amount of that night because that would look like he’s going against the Rabbis); So hold Mordechai 2:268 explained by Sh”t Maharil 28, Agudah ([[Shabbat]] 31), Roke’ach 226 pg 128, Shibolei Leket 186, and Pardes Hagadol 199. However, Sefer Minhagim in name of Meharar MeMerizberg writes that the next night one should light the number of candles you missed last night. [He understood Rabbenu Yitzchak quoted by the Tur that one can’t add 8 candles on the 9th night.] Darkei Moshe 672:3 holds like the Agudah and Rokeach against the Maharam.</ref>
# If one lit two candles on the first night, he fulfills his obligation and doesn’t have to relight the right number of candles. <ref> Sh”t HaElef Lecha Shlomo O”C 380 says adding to the number doesn’t ruin the mitzvah as the Rama 263 says by [[Shabbat]] candles. However, Sh”t Ohel Moshe 69 and Sh”t Mishna Sachir O”C 199 argue since he lit the wrong number someone seeing this will think he didn’t lit it for Chanuka candles just for light. Yet, the Pri Chadash 675 says one who extinguishes the candles fulfills the mitzvah since the candles are in a Chanukiya that’s only used for Chanuka it’s recognizable that he lit for Chanuka. Also, Eliya Raba 671:7 says the first night doesn’t need to illustrate the number of the nights. Sh”t Lehorot Natan 2:51, Sh”t Shraga HaMeir 4:73, 5:75(1), Sh”t Shevet Hakehati 1:202 hold like Sh”t HaElef Lecha Shlomo. Chazon Ovadiah (Mitzvah Hadlaka 6, pg 29) agrees and adds that one who repeats and makes a bracha is making a bracha levatala.</ref>
==How long should the candles last?==
# The candles only need fuel to burn for a half hour. <ref> [[Shabbat]] 21b says the time of Tichle Regel is when the Tarmodeans (merchants) leave, which the Rif says is about a half hour. Rambam (Chanuka 4:5) and Orchot Chaim (Chanuka 15) writes it’s a half hour or (a little) more. The accepted opinion is a half hour. So writes Rosh (2:3, Rabben Yerucham 9:1, Meiri, S”A 672:2, Mishna Brurah 672:1 (who is strict to satisfy all opinions to light by Shekiah and have it last a half hour past Tzet), and Torat HaMoadim 4:5. Some say in name of the Griz that since the Gemara sets the ending time for candles as when people leave the marketplace, nowadays when many people stay at the marketplace late into the night one should have to light longer than a half hour. However, Chazon Ovadiah pg 66, Sh”t Mishna Halachot 4 pg 79, and Sh”t Or Letzion 44 argue that the measure set by Chazal (a half hour) hasn’t changed because of the practice of our time. However, Avodot VeHanagot LeBet Brisk says that the Griz himself challenged that idea when he heard it from another Rabbi in Brisk, yet he lit candles that lasted for very long only as a hiddur mitzvah. Also Yomin DeChanuka and Leket Yoshar say there’s a hiddur mitzvah to light for longer than a half hour. </ref> If one doesn’t have enough for the each Hidur candle, the Hidur candles don’t need to burn for a half hour. <ref> Magan Avraham 671:1 </ref>
# A person who is in doubt if his candles will last a half hour can nonetheless light with a bracha. <ref> Smag in name of the Ri, Hagot Maimon (Chanuka 4:2), Ravyah (843 pg 579) in name of Rabbenu Tam hold that no minimum measure is needed (the gemara’s two explanation of ‘Tichleh Regel Min HaShuk’ argue and we hold the first explanation). Similarly, Hilchot and Minhagei Maharash in name of Rimzei HaRosh (quoted by Darkei Moshe 672:1), Piskei Tosfot ([[Shabbat]] 89), Leket Yoshar pg 151, Shiltei Giborim([[Shabbat]] 9a:5), Taharat Mayim Shuirei Tahara 8:9, Sh”t Chochavei Yitzchak 1:5(3), Sh”t Bear Tzvi 31 that nowadays when we don’t light for Parsumei Nisa of the public, we don’t need a minimum measure. Thus we have a Safek Safeka(double doubt) perhaps no minimum measure is needed and perhaps even if the measure is nessecary, the candle will last the minimum measure. Chazon Ovadiah (Chanuka pg 67) says if one wants to make a bracha, he can make a bracha with this Safek Sefaka. For more about Safek Safaka BeBrachot see Sh”t Yachave Daat 5:21 (the footnote), Otzrot Yosef 4:3, and Sh”t Chazon Ovadiah 48 pg 866. </ref>


==Getting benefit from the light of the candles==
===Refuah===
# It’s forbidden to get benefit from the light of the candles for the first half hour, even on minimal tasks like checking the value of a coin. <Ref> [[Shabbat]] 22a brought by S”A 673:1 writes that it’s a disgrace to mitzvah to benefit from the candles. Sh”t Ginat Veradim (Began HaMelech 42) writes that the prohibition applies equally to the new candle of mitzvah and extra candles of Hidur. So rules Bear Hetiev 673:2, Sh”T Ketav Sofer O”C 133, and Simchat Yehuda (Masechet Soferim 20:6). </ref>
Rav Moshe Yonah Halevi Zweig raises the issue that it may be [[refuah]] on [[Shabbat]]. This is based on the Rambam who says that if you put a certain liquid in your mouth, it is prohibited to put it in if you have intention to heal, but if your intention is just for your breath then its ok. He says, that maybe since there's flouride and the brushing strengthens your teeth it may be asur. Rav Ovadia rejects this and says even if the toothpaste has flouride because even healthy people brush their teeth daily, and the gezeira of [[refuah]] doesn't apply to preventative [[refuah]].<ref> Rabbi Zweig in Ohel Moshe (2:98) is quoted by yabia omer (Yabia Omer Orach Chaim 4:29) as comparing it to the Rambam in Hilchot [[Shabbat]] 21:24 which discusses the issue of [[refuah]]. </ref>
# However a minimal task that’s for a mitzvah is permitted, but learning by the light of the candles isn’t considered a minimal task. <Ref> Biur Halacha 673:1, quoted by Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 673). </ref>
# Therefore it’s the Minhag to light a Shamash so that if one does use the light of the candles it’ll be permitted because of the Shamash. <Ref> Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 673) </ref>
# The Shamash should be placed slightly higher than the other candles or recognizable distant from the others. <Ref> Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 673)</ref>
# Nowadays when we have electric lights if the lights are on some say one doesn’t need a Shamash and some say it’s still part of the Minhag. <Ref> Rav Kanievsky (Sefer Yamei Hallel VeHodah 25 note 11) says that the Minhag applies even if there’s electric candles. Rav Shlomo Zalman Aurbach (Berchat Moshe; quoted by Halichot Yosef pg 319) says if there are electric lights one doesn’t need a Shamash. </ref>


== Who’s Obligated?==
===Sechita===
# Women are obligated in Chanuka candles since they too were part of the miracle of Chanuka. Thus a man who is away traveling he should have his wife light at home for him to fulfill his obligation. Even if he will come that night later than tzet hakochavim (the night to light Chanuka candles), he should still have his wife light. Ashkenazim who have the Minhag that everyone in the household lights and they are able to light where they are should light without a bracha. <ref> S”A 565:5 says that women are obligated in Chanuka candles based on [[Shabbat]] 23a, Rambam (Chanuka 4:9), and Tur 565. Piskei Maharam Riketani (154) holds women can fulfill a man’s obligation on his behalf. So holds Rabbenu Yerucham 9:1, Rokeach Chanuka 226:3, Ritva and Meiri ([[Shabbat]] 23a, Megilah 4a), Maharil (Chanuka pg 407). Levush (675), Bach (675), Taz(675:4), Magan Avraham 675:4, Olot [[Shabbat]] 675:1, Pri Chadash 675:4, Eliyah Raba 675:6, Sh”t Shar Efraim 42, Shulchan Gavoha 675:6, Mor Ukesia 675:6, machzik Bracha 675:4, Mishna Brurah 675:9. Sh”t Yechava Daat 3:51 writes that since some rishonim and achronim hold one can only light at tzet hakochavim one should let his wife light at the right time and fulfill his obligation according to all opinions. The Yechava Daat holds like the Chaye Adam 154:33. Kaf Hachiam 676:25. Chaye Adam adds that Ashkenazim can light without a bracha. Interesting point: S”A 689:2 says a women can read the megillah to fulfill for a man his obligation of megillah, and some hold otherwise. [Bahag (quoted by Tosfot Megilah 4a, Erchin 3a) and Morchedai 4a in name of Ravyah (Megilah 569,843) hold women can’t fulfill the obligation of a man, but Rashi Erchin 3a, Or Zaruh 2:324, Rambam(Megilah 1), Rif (quoted by Sefer Eshkol 2:30) hold a women can fulfill  obligation of a man]. However Smag (brought by Magan Avraham 589:5), Itur (Megilah 113d), Eshkol 2 pg 30 differentiate between Megilah which is like Torah reading but by Chanuka women can fulfill the man’s obligation according to everyone. Also Torat Moadim Chanuka pg 40 says the Behag only held a women can fulfill megilah for a man since a women’s obligation is derebanan and a man’s is from divrei kabalah (Ketuvim). Similarly, Sh”t Maharash Halevi O”C 24 says Chanuka isn’t an obligation on each person but on the household and so a women can fulfill it for a man. Thus even those who say by Megilah a woman can’t fulfill a man’s obligation agree by Chanuka. </ref>
Gemara ([[Shabbat]] 128b) says there’s no [[sechita]] in hair since it doesn’t absorb. Rambam ([[Shabbat]] 9:11) paskins like this. However, the [[Maggid]] mishnah there says he still holds its asur derabbanan.<ref> Hilchot [[Shabbat]] 9:11 and [[Maggid]] Mishnah there, (Kesef Mishnah on Rambam 2:11, and Mishnah Brurah 330) </ref>  
# A deaf and mute, insane, or child not bar/bat-mitzvah isn’t obligated to light and so can’t fulfill the obligation of someone who is obligated. However a deaf who can speak is obligated and can fulfill the obligation of others. <ref> [[Shabbat]] 23a says a deaf, insane person, and child isn’t obligated. So holds Rambam (Chanuka 4:9), Tur and S”A 675:3. The Mishna Trumot 1:2 defines deaf in Talmud as deaf and mute, but someone just deaf is obligated like anyone else. So quotes Pri Megadim M”Z 670:5, Mishna Brurah 675:12, and Torat HaMoadim 2:19. There’s a dispute whether a child who is at the age of Chinuch can fulfill the obligation of an adult. Bet Yosef 675e quotes the Ran ([[Shabbat]] 23a) in name of the Itur (Chanuka pg 116a) that a child can fulfill the obligation of an adult. So writes the Shibolei HaLeket 185, Orchot Chaim (Chanuka 12). However Meiri writes that he disagrees with the Rabbis of Provincia who say a child at age of chinuch can fulfill the obligation of an adult. [Seemingly, this is the opinion of Tosfot (Megilah 19b concerning megilah) that a double derabanan (child only obligated on a chinuch level and it’s only a derabanan mitzvah) can’t fulfill the mitzvah of one obligated on level of rabanan (adult for a mitzvah derabanan). The Tur 689 writes that so is the opinion of the Bahag and Rosh. However Bet Yosef 53 in name of Sh”t HaRashba 1:239, and Raavad disagree with Tosfot.] S”A 675:3 says a child isn’t obligated to light but some permit “a child at age of chinuch to fulfill the obligation of others” Yet, it’s a dispute in the Achronim whether S”A meant it as “Setam and then Yesh Omerim” (anonymous and then a disagreeing opinion) in which case we hold like the anonymous opinion or that it’s not a dispute but the “some say” was just explaining the first line. Magan Avraham 689:4 (as understood by Pri Megadim A”A 689:4), Sh”t Zivchei Tzedek 3:41 say that S”A meant the “some say” is just explanatory. However, Yaavetz in Mor U’Kesia 689 understands S”A that we hold like the anonymous opinion. So holds Sh”t Kol Gadol 100, Chelko Shel Yedid pg 58b, Sh”t Olat Shmuel 105e, Pri Chadash 675:3, Ben Ish Chai Veyeshev 19, Mishna Brurah 675:13, and Torat HaMoadim 2:19. </ref>
*Rav Moshe and Rav Yitzchak Yaakov Weiss say same with a toothbrush because the bristles are tightly packed and therefore you can’t use even liquid toothpaste and can’t wet it before.<ref> Iggeros Moshe (1:112) and Minchat Yitzchak 3:48. 39 Melachos (vol 2, pg 373) agrees. </ref>
# A blind person is obligated in lighting. If he’s married, his wife should light for him, if he lives alone he should light. <ref> Sh”t Maharshal 76, Magan Avraham 675:4, Eliyah Raba 675:7 write that a blind is obligated and preferably should fulfill it through joining with other house members or his wife, otherwise they can light own their own. </ref>
*The Sridei Esh <ref> Sridei Esh 1:30 (in 1999 Jerusalem version, and 1:28 in the older version) </ref> culls a few reasons that we can be lenient with [[sechita]] with a toothbrush.  
# A child, even if he is the age of chinuch but not bar/bat mitzvah, may not fulfill the obligation of others. However, the one making the bracha can light the first candle and then let the child light the other candles. However a child who isn’t at the age of chinuch, shouldn’t light any of the candles except for the Shamash. <ref> Levush 671, Yaavetz in Mor U’Kesia 671, and Ben Ish Chai Vayeshev 18 hold the making the bracha should light all the candles. However Sh”t Maharshal 85, Magan Avraham 671:11, Mishna Brurah 671:49, Ruach Chaim 671:3, and Torat HaMoadim 2:20 (he writes that his father Rav Ovadyah Yosef would hold his hands while lighting in order to satisfy all opinions). </ref>
#Says [[sechita]] is not a problem because you're not intending to squeeze out the toothbrush so its pesik resha (a consequence that will automatically happen)dilo nicha leh (that he doesn't need) on a dirabanan.<ref> The source to be mekil in that case is based on Magen Avraham orach chaim (253:41) and Shu”t terumat hadeshen 64. However, Rama 316:3 disagrees with this assumption </ref>
# A mourner in the first 7 days can light and make Brachot [however he shouldn’t light in shul on the first night because of the Shechianu, even in the 30 days of mourning or 12 months for a parent.] <ref> Sh”t Maharam Mintz 43, Sefer Mnhagim of Rav Yitzchak Tirna (Yom Kippur 155), Taz 671:8 write that a mourner shouldn’t light in shul the first night because of Shehecheyanu. The Nodea Benyehuda Tanina O”C 141 writes that at home one can light even the first night with shechiyanu. So holds Machzik Bracha 671:10, Birkei Yosef Y”D 205:14m,Bet HaRoeh pg 59, Chatom Sofer on S”A 671, Chaye Adam 154:17, Sh”t Binyan Olan O”C 35, Sh”t Olat Shmuel 106, Sh”t Machane Chaim Y”D 2:61, Sh”t Rav Poalim O”C 4:36, Siddur Bet Ovad pf 160b:2, Kemach Solet 137d, Shulchan Lechem HaPanim 676e, Mishna Brurah 671:44, and Kaf HaChaim 671:73. </ref>
# He also says that since main issue involved is [[sechita]] (because of mifarek, which is a form of [[Dash]]) it is permitted since the water or toothpaste goes to waste when you're done. However, had the issue been libun, the fact that the water or toothpaste goes to waste afterwards wouldn't be enough of a reason to permit.<ref> It is a problem of [[dash]] and not libun because the Magen Avraham Seif Katan 19 on shulchan aruch 320:15 says that if the garments main function is to absorb the liquid, (which a toothbrush is) then there is no concern that he will come to launder it). In that case, if the liquid goes to waste after violating [[dash]], then it is permitted. (Shulchan Aruch Orach chaim 320) </ref>
# A mourner on the first day is exempt as he is exempt from all mitzvoth and so he should have a household member who isn’t a mourner light with a bracha, if that’s not possible, he should have another person light without a bracha. <ref> Eliyah Raba 670:19 writes one should have someone else light and answer amen. However, Erech HaShulchan 670:3 writes one should light without a bracha. Kaf Hachaim 670:20 explains that this is only a dispute if the first-day mourner is alone, otherwise his wife or a household member can fulfill for him his obligation. Pri Megadim M”Z 670:5 agrees with Eliyah Raba but argues that one can’t answer amen as in S”A Y”D 341 where we follow the anonymous opinion that a first-day mourner doesn’t answer amen. Torat HaMoadim 2:24 agrees with Erech HaShulchan. </ref>
#You can use a towel ([[Shabbat]] 147b) because if people go in they need to dry off and if you don’t let them dry off they cant wash and people cant live without washing, so too people suffer without clean teeth.  
# A convert can make all the Brachot and say “She’assa Nissim Le’avotenu” but if he wants can change it to say “She’assa Nissim LeYisrael”. <ref> Sh”t Rambam (Pasya edition 158, Kisei Nirdamim Mehuderet Fredman 42, Mehuderet Belav 293) writes that a convert can say all of the Brachot like every Jew because he converted he becomes a descendant of Avraham and part of the Jewish people for all their history, however if he wants to change the brachot that relate to the Jewish history such as Yetsiat Mitzrayim, and Chanuka. So quotes Sh”t Rashba 7:54, Hagot Mordechai Megilah 1:786, Sh”t Ridvaz 5:520; Torat HaMoadim 2:25 says this is also the opinion of S”A based on S”A O”C 53:19, 199:9. </ref>
*Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach says that the first leniency is not true because the people are happy with the [[squeezing]] of the toothpaste because that's what cleans their teeth. He also rejects the second because the liquid doesn't go to waste until after it fulfills its purpose. However, he is still mekil with regard to [[sechita]] for brushing your teeth for the third reason.<ref> Rav Shlomo Zalman's opinion is written in a letter in response to the sridei esh that's quoted in Siman 34 of the Sridei Esh. </ref>


==Who fulfills his/her obligation with the household’s lighting?==
===Uvdin Dichol===  
# The Ashkenazic minhag is that each individual lights for oneself, however, the Sephardic minhag is that one person lights for the whole household. <ref> S"A and Rama 671:2. For the background see [[#Number of candles to light]]. </ref> According to the Sephardic minhag who fulfills his/her obligation with the lighting of the household?
<p class="indent">There is no clear definition of what uvdin dichol is. However, Rav Shlomo Zalman defines it as if you do something during the week that would be assur on [[Shabbat]] and then on [[Shabbat]] do the same actions with the same objects just a little differently.<Ref>Rav Shlomo Zalman Meor Hasshabbat Letter 2:2</ref> Rav Moshe defines it as something that is an easily recognizable weekday activity even if it requires no melachot to be done.<ref>Iggerot Moshe 4:74 </ref> Mishna Brurah (314:41) says that to use a vegetable grinder to grind eggs or cheese would be uvdin dichol. He also says in (303:87) that you can't use a comb even to lightly brush your hair to one side, but instead should get a special brush for [[Shabbat]] with soft bristles so its not uvdin dichol.</p>
# Household members who are “dependant on the household” fulfill their obligation with the lighting of the household. <ref> S"A 671:2 writes that the Sephardic minhag is that one person lights for the entire house. Mishna Brurah 671:8 writes that the household members who fulfill their obligation with the household lighting includes older children and servants if they "dependent on the table of the household regularly" (סומך על שלוחנו). Torat HaMoadim 2:4 uses the same expression. Hopefully, this term will be clarified as we continue. </ref>
<p class="indent">Minchat Yitzchak 3:50 and Rav Ovadia say that this would be a problem unless a special toothbrush is used.<ref> Seemingly then Rav Ovadia would be using a definition of uvdin dichol other than the one's of Rav Shlomo Zalman and Rav Moshe, because for them there is no way to violate uvdin dichol on an action that's permissible during the week. Yalkut Yosef 326:15 writes that it is proper to be strict to get a Shabbat toothbrush to avoid uvdin dichol.</ref> Rav Schachter said intuitively he feels there’s no problem of uvdin dichol with brushing teeth.<ref> Quoted by [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/752802/Rabbi_Aryeh_Lebowitz/Ten_Minute_Halacha_-_Brushing_Teeth_on_Shabbos Rabbi Lebowitz], using the rule that the Chazon Ish said that the parameters of uvdin dichol are defined by the poskim of each generation (39 melachos, Introduction to [[Shabbos]] endnote 522). </ref></p>
===Woman===
# A married woman should rely on her husband’s lighting. Unmarried girls who in still live at in their father’s home can rely on their father’s lighting even according to the Ashkenazic custom. If they want to light, Ashkenazim can light with a Bracha. <ref> A married women is exempt by her husband because “Ishto Kegufo Dami”(a husband and wife are like one person). So writes the Maharshal 88, Knesset Hagedolah 671, Mateh Moshe 982, Eliya Raba 671:3, Machasit Hashekel 675:4. Mishna Brurah 675:9 quotes this in name of Sh”t Olot Shmeul 105 and says if women want they can light with a Bracha like any mitzvah for which one’s exempt according to the Ashkenazi Minhag. Mishmeret Shalom 48 says since a married woman doesn’t light and relies on her husband, her daughters also don’t light as derech eretz. Similarly, Chiddushei Chatom Sofer ([[Shabbat]] 21b D”H Vehamehadrin) writes since the practice used to be to light outside it wasn’t Derech Eretz for women to light if her husband is already lighting and since then the Minhag hasn’t changed. Ashel Avraham Mebustatesh 675:3 says according to kabbalah women don’t light (unless they have to). However it seems as the minhag is that Ashkenzic unmarried girls also light.</ref>
===Single children===
# According to Sephardim, members of the household that are dependant on their parents fulfill their obligation with the one lighting of the household even if they aren’t home such as children in yeshiva or in the army that don’t sleep at home don’t light where they sleep. However, Ashkenazi Minhag is for single children to light themselves even at home and certainly when not sleeping at home. <ref> S”A and Tur 677:1, based on [[Shabbat]] 23a, and Rambam (Chanuka 4:11) rule that a dependant is exempt with his household’s lighting. However, Rambam, Tur, and S”A add that if he has his own household, he should light so people don’t suspect him of not observing Chanuka. However Sh”t Rashba 1:541, Orchot Chaim Chanuka 13, Smak 280, Sefer Trumah 228, Hagot Maimon Chanuka 4:30, Ritva ([[Shabbat]] 23a), Mordechai ([[Shabbat]] 2:226), Ohel Moed (Chanuka) Shibolei HaLeket 185 say that there’s no suspicion of not lighting by a extra doorway nowadays when we light indoors. Sefer HaTrumah (229 Introduction) says clearly students that learn outside their home don’t light if they have someone lighting for them at home. So write Magan Avraham 677:1, Sh”t Yechava Daat 6:43, and Chazon Ovadyah (Chanuka pg 144-151). Meiri [[Shabbat]] 23a and Orchot Chaim (Chanuka 14) say an older and married child should light for themselves. </ref>
'''A wedding on Chanuka'''
# If the wedding takes place at night then the groom fulfills his obligation with the lighting in his father's house which took place before the wedding. <ref>Rav Elyashiv (cited by Bet Chatanim 15:4, Yemeh Chanuka pg 156) rules that if the wedding takes place during the night, then the groom fulfills his obligation with the lighting at his father’s house. Rav Vosner (cited by Imrei Shefer Chanuka pg 172) and Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichot Shlomo 14:14, pg 275) agree. Yalkut Yosef 672:11 agrees that if the wedding takes place during the night then the groom fulfill his obligation with the lighting at his father’s house and adds that if he wants to be strict he may light again without a Bracha after the wedding at his new house.</ref>
# If the wedding takes place during the day before sunset, the groom fulfills doesn't fulfill his obligation with the lighting in his father's house but rather he must light at his new house. Some say he should light after the wedding, some say he should appoint a messenger to light there, and some say he should leave the wedding between the Chuppah and meal to light at his new house. A minority opinion is that one may light at the wedding hall.<Ref>If the wedding takes place during the day before sunset, then there’s a dispute what the groom should do.
* (1) Rav Elyashiv (cited by Bet Chatanim 15:4, Yemeh Chanuka pg 156, Neimat HaChaim pg 244) rules that the groom should light in his new home after the wedding.
* (2) Chacham Ben Tzion Abba Shaul (cited by Bet Chatanim 15:4, Yemeh Chanuka pg 156) rules that if it’s difficult to leave the wedding the groom should appoint a messenger to light for him.  
* (3) Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (cited by HaNesuin KeHilchatam 15:60, Yemeh Chanuka pg 156, Halichot Shlomo (pg 275, note 47)) rules that if the wedding takes place during the day then the groom must light at his new home and should leave the wedding after the chuppah before the meal, go to their new home, have a small meal, light chanuka candles, and return to the wedding.
* (4) Piskei Teshuvot 677:5 (pg 499) rules that if it’s difficult to leave the wedding the groom may light at the wedding hall because they’re renting the place. ([http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=2248 Rabbi Mansour] applies this Piskei Teshuvot even if the wedding takes place during the night but the parents didn’t have a chance to light beforehand. Additionally, Rabbi Mansour seems to say that Yalkut Yosef also agrees with this leniency but was unable to find any proof to this from the words of the Yalkut Yosef.) </ref>
===Traveler===
# A married man traveling should have his wife light for him at home and not make the Bracha of Sh’asa Nisim nor Sh’chianu even when he returns home. <ref> S”A 676:3. There’s a dispute in the Rishonim whether one makes a bracha for seeing Chanuka candles if he is fulfilling his obligation with that which they light for him at home. Rashba ([[Shabbat]] 23a), Sefer HaHashlamah ([[Shabbat]] 23a) in name of Rabbi Asher MeLunil, Smag(Chanuka 250d), Ran(10b D”H Amar Rav Chiya), Tur 676:3, Magid Mishna (Chanuka 3:4) in name of Itur (2 pg 117c), Rosh ([[Shabbat]] 8) imply that one doesn’t make a bracha if one is fulfilling his obligation through his household. However Rambam (Chanuka 3:4), Magid Mishna in name of some Geonim, Ravyah 3:843, Riaz ([[Shabbat]] 23a), Meiri, Sefer HaMeorot ([[Shabbat]] 23a), Orchot Chaim (Chanuka 9) hold that one can make a Bracha even if one is fulfilling his obligation with his house’s lighting. S”A rules 676:3 that one doesn’t make Bracha HaRoeh if is fulfilling his obligation at home. Against the S”A the following rule that one should make the Brachot HaRoeh: Sh”t Maharshal 85, Bach 676:3 (in name of Rif, Rambam, Smak, Rosh, and Aguda), Eliyah Raba Pri Chadash, Biur HaGra, Chaye Adam 154:33. However Shirei Knesset HaGedola 677:3, Taz 676:4, Magan Avraham 676:1, Shulchan Gavoha 676:5, Birkei Yosef 676:3, Mishna Brurah 676:6, and Torat HaMoadim 2:15 rule that one doesn’t make a bracha because of Safek Bracha. </ref>
===A Yeshiva Student===
# There is a dispute whether a Yeshiva student who eats and sleeps at the Yeshiva but is financially supported by his parents is considered dependent on the table of the household or not. Most Sephardic authorities rule that he is considered dependant and fulfills his obligation with the lighting of his household, however, many Ashkenazic authorities rule that he is considered independent and doesn’t fulfill his obligation. <Ref>
* Rav Ovadyah Yosef in Sh”t Yachave Daat 6:43 rules that a Sephardic Yeshiva student fulfills his obligation with the lighting of his parents. He also quotes Rav Ezra Attiyah who ruled this way. Chacham Ben Tzion Abba Shaul (Kovetz Zichron Yehuda, Sefer Zikaron, vol 1, pg 104-8), Rav Shlomo Zalman (Halichot Shlomo 14:12), Aderet Tiferet 2:31, Yaskil Avdi (vol 7, pg 316), Yitzchak Yiranen 5:48, and Banim Chavivim (Siman 16) agree. See also Rav Mazuz in Or Torah (Kislev 5745).
* Torat HaMoadim (2:4 pg 45) explains that since the Yeshiva students return home during break and are still connected to their parent’s home they are considered dependant on their parent’s house. Torat HaMoadim (2:4 pg 48) continues that even if they don’t fulfill their obligation with the lighting at home they fulfill their obligation with the lighting of the Yeshiva. He explains that certainly the administration of the Yeshiva gives a portion of the oil and wicks to the students. He adds that the lighting of the Yeshiva isn’t similar to the lighting in a Shul where some say that one can’t fulfill one’s obligation because the students are in the Beit Midrash all the time and so it’s considered their house.
* However, Shevut Yitzchak (vol 5, pg 113-4) quotes Rav Elyashiv as saying that a Sephardic Yeshiva student doesn’t fulfill one’s obligation with the lighting of one’s parents. The Shevut Yitzchak explains that a married man fulfills his obligation with his wife’s lighting at home because that’s his primary house, however, a Yeshiva student doesn’t live at home and so his parents can’t fulfill his obligation. Peninei Chanuka (pg 81-2) quotes Rav Elyashiva as saying that this is true even if the parents pay for tuition at the Yeshiva. Sh”t Az Nidbaru 3:53, Shulchan Yosef (vol 2, pg 139-140), Yemeh Chanuka (pg 155) quoting Rav Nissim Karlitz agree. See Teshuvot VeHanhagot 3:215(17) who seems to agree. Listen to shiur by [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/751512/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Chanukah Rav Hershel Schachter] (min 14-16) who seems to hold that a person in the Israeli army does not fulfill his obligation with the lighting in his home.
* Background: Sh”t Ginat Veradim says the rule that a guest must chip in for the Chanuka candle expenses to fulfill his obligation (S”A 677:1) only applies to a guest who pays for all his expenses like food and board, but a student in Yeshiva or College who can rely on them for all his needs and doesn’t account for every expense, doesn’t need to chip in for the Chanuka candles since they definitely allow him a portion of the candles. So holds Yad Aharon, Shulchan Gavoha, Kiseh Eliayahu, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 263:9, Kaf Hachaim 677:3, Sh”t Yechava Daat 6:43, and Torat HaMoadim 2:8 (who says he personally asked his father, Rav Ovadyah Yosef). On the other hand, Pri Megadim A”A 677:3 and Mishna Brurah 677:4 disagree with the Ginat Veradim and hold any guest needs to chip in for the Chanuka candles. See Sh”t Bet David O”C 472, Sh”t Chesed LeAlafim Alkelai O”C 24, Sh”t Zivchai Tzedek 2:27, Sh”t Rav Poalim 2:50, Sh”t Mishnat Halachot 7:87. </ref>
# A Sephardic Yeshiva whose parents live outside Israel in a different time zone some say that he may light with a Bracha at Yeshiva, while others say that he can fulfill his obligation with the lighting of his parents. <Ref>
* Chacham Ben Tzion Abba Shaul (Kovetz Zichron Yehuda, Sefer Zikaron, vol 1, pg 106-7) rules that a Yeshiva student whose parents live outside Israel in a different time zone can light with a Bracha at the Yeshiva. Chazon Ovadyah pg 150 and Pri HaAretz 1:9 pg 6d agree. See Sh”t Minchat Yitzchak 7:46 who agrees.
* Rav Shlomo Zalman (Halichot Shlomo, chapter 14, note 22) says that a Sephardic Yeshiva whose parents live outside Israel in a different time zone can fulfill his obligation with the lighting of his parents. Torat HaMoadim 2:7 and Sh”t Mishna Halachot 6:119 agree. </ref>


==A Guest on Chanuka==
===Chavalah===
===According to Ashkenazim===
Brushing your teeth can cause the gums to bleed which is asur under the melacha of shochet.<ref> Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 316:8, Mishna Brurah 30 Mishna Brurah 328:147; 39 Melochos, p. 893-94. </ref>
# Someone who is a guest at another person’s house on Chanuka, according to Ashkenazim, should light one’s own Chanukia (see footnote for background). <ref>  
*Rav Yitzchak Yaakov Weiss says that this would be a problem with toothbrushes especially ones with hard bristles.<ref> Minchat Yitzchak 3:50 </ref>  
* Rav Sheshet in Gemara [[Shabbat]] 23a states that a guest is obligated in lighting chanuka candles. Rabbi Zeira said that when he was a guest before he was married he would give the host a [[Measurements#Prutah|prutah]] to join with the host’s lighting and after he was married he would fulfill his obligation with his wife’s lighting. Shulchan Aruch 677:1 rules that a guest must contribute a [[Measurements#Prutah|prutah]] to the host’s lighting.
*Rav Ovadia says this isn’t really a problem because people usually don’t bleed, it only happens when you don’t brush often so its davar she’eno mitkaven if you do end up bleeding. And even if one does bleed often, then its pesik reshe its not nichah leh bidarabanan and there may be room to be lenient.
* The Rif ([[Shabbat]] 10a), (Chanuka 4:11), and Rosh ([[Shabbat]] 2:8) add that if the guest is staying in his own house with a separate doorway he must light by himself and can’t join with the host’s lighting because people seeing his doorway without Chanuka candles will suspect that he didn’t light. The S”A 677:1 rules that a guest must contribute a pruta to the host’s lighting and if he sleeps in separate house and eats with the host he should light by the doorway of the separate house. The Rama 677:1 comments that since nowadays we light inside one should light where one eats (meaning, if he eats with the host, he doesn’t have to light by the separate house where he is sleeping).
* The idea of suspicion is based on a later statement of Rav Huna in [[Shabbat]] 23a who says that if one has a house with doorways on two sides of the house one must light in both of them so that people don’t suspect that he didn’t light Chanuka candles. Rama 671:8 writes that since nowadays we light inside there’s no concern of suspicion and one does not have to light by both doorways. The Rama is accepted by many achronim including Mishna Brurah 671:54 and Yalkut Yosef 671:24.
* The Magan Avraham 677:3 (as explained by the Biur Halacha D”H LeAsmo) says that we only strict for the opinion of the Mahariv when the guest eats and sleeps in a separate house.
* The Darkei Moshe 677:1 quotes a dispute between the Sefer HaMinhagim (Rabbi Yitzchak Tirna, Chanuka, pg 143) who says that even nowadays a guest may fulfill his obligation by giving a [[Measurements#Prutah|prutah]] to the host, while the Sh”t Mahariv 31 argues that since the minhag is that everyone in the house lights their own candles, if the guest doesn’t light on his own there will be a suspicion that he didn’t light. Sh”t Maharil 145 agrees with the Mahariv.
* Mishna Brurah 677:3 rules that in order to satisfy the opinion of the Mahariv it’s better for a guest to light by himself than to contribute a [[Measurements#Prutah|prutah]] to the host. So rules the Nitai Gavriel (Chanuka 12:6). However, the Kaf HaChaim 677:11 comments that the suspicion introduced by the Mahariv doesn’t apply to Sephardim who don’t have the minhag that everyone in the house lights. </ref>. Some say that one may not light at a person’s house unless one stays there for all 8 days of Chanuka and if one stays there for less one should give the host a [[Measurements#Prutah|prutah]] to fulfill one’s obligation). However, some say that as long as one stays there one ‘day’ one may light there. <ref> Biur Halacha 677:1 D”H BeMakom quotes the Pri Chadash who says a guest and his whole family who stay at someone else’s home for all 8 days of Chanuka should light at the place they are staying. Rav Elyashiv (Shevut Yitzchak Chanuka pg 110) holds that one needs to be there 8 days in order to have some connection to that house in order to light there. Rav Herschel Schachter (B'ikvei Hatzon chapter 20 footnote 2) rules that a guest can’t light with a beracha at the house he is staying at unless one is staying there for all 8 days of Chanuka or if one stayed there for 30 days before Chanuka and if leaving in middle of Chanuka, or if one came in middle of Chanuka and is staying 30 days. However, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichot Shlomo 14:18, 19) rules that if a guest stays at a person’s house for one day, he may light at that house. For example, if a person sleeps and eats at a house for [[Shabbat]] he can light there Friday afternoon. Rav Wosner (Piksei Shemuot pg 136, Kovetz MeBet Levi (Kislev 5757)), and Rav Shternbuch (Sh”t Teshuvot VeHanhagot 1:391) agree. </ref>
===According to Sephardim===
# According to Sephardim, if one has someone lighting for him (such as his wife or parents) one is exempt from lighting. Therefore, a Sephardic yeshiva student fulfills his obligation with his parent’s lighting. <Ref> For the background see [[#cite_note-23]]. Rav Ovadyah Yosef in Sh”t Yachave Daat 6:43, Chazon Ovadyah (Chanuka pg 144) rules a Sephardic yeshiva student fulfills his obligation with his parent’s lighting. </ref>  
# According to Sephardim, a guest who is not independent of the homeowner (such as where one doesn’t pay for expenses or he only pays for some expenses but not for every need) should give his host a [[Measurements#Prutah|prutah]] to join with his lighting. He may not have intention not to fulfill his obligation with the owner’s lighting and then light himself with a Bracha, however, he is allowed to light by himself without a Bracha. <ref> Torat Moadim 2:12 writes that for Sephardim since some authorities hold that he is included in the household members even without giving a [[Measurements#Prutah|prutah]] and so he is exempt with the owner’s lighting, one shouldn’t light independently because of Safek Brachot. However, Torat HaMoadim 2:8 points out that this is only for a regular guest but an orphan Yeshiva student fulfills his obligation with the lighting of the Yeshiva. </ref>


===Giving a [[Measurements#Prutah|prutah]] to the host===
===[[Hachanah]]===
# If one is fulfilling one’s obligation by giving the host a [[Measurements#Prutah|prutah]] (a few cents) <ref> S”A CM 88:1 says a [[Measurements#Prutah|prutah]] is a half of a pearl of barley. Shiurei Torah (Rav Chaim Noeh pg 177) and Shiurei HaMitzvot (Chazon Ish pg 65) say a [[Measurements#Prutah|prutah]] is 1/40 of a gram of silver (which currently is about 2.3 cents). See Halachos of Other People’s Money (Rabbi Bodner pg 150). </ref>one should make sure to
Gemara [[Shabbat]] (118a) says you can wash dinner and lunch dishes because you need it for the next meal, but you can’t wash dishes from seudat shlishit because that’s preparing for after [[Shabbat]].<ref> Shulchan Aruch 323:6 </ref>
##  give a [[Measurements#Prutah|prutah]] every night or acquire a portion of the oil and wicks of all of the nights <ref> Biur Halacha 677:1 D”H LeHishtatef, Nitai Gavriel 12:2 </ref>,
* Therefore, some say washing the toothbrush for the next day may be this same problem.<ref>39 Melachos (vol 2, pg 373)</ref>
## make a kinyan (such as raising it up) to acquire the oil and wicks <ref> Shaar HaTziyun 677:9, Nitai Gavriel 12:3 </ref>,
* Rav Ovadia, Rav Moshe, Chacham Benzion Abba Shaul all agree that washing the brush after would be asur.<ref> Iggerot Moshe 1:112, Yabia Omer 4:30, Or Litzion 2:253 </ref>
## listen to the host make the Brachot <ref> Mishna Brurah 677:4, Nitai Gavriel 12:5 </ref>, and
* Rav Shlomo Zalman (28:81) says if you normally do something, and its no tircha you can do it on [[Shabbat]], even if theres a benefit for the next day as long as you don’t specifically say its for the next day.<ref> Shmirat [[Shabbat]] Kihilchitah 28:81(For example: you can bring your tallet home after shul, you can put a sefer back in its place, put a bottle of water back in the fridge) This can also be applied to a toothbrush (This point is raised by Yalkut Yosef 326: 27) although he disagrees. </ref>
# Some say that the host should add a little oil because of the guest. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 677:3, Torat HaMoadim 2:1, Yad Aharon 677, Sh”t Ginat Veradim (Gan HaMelech 40), and Pri Megadim (A”A 677:1) rule that any amount is sufficient against Eliyah Rabba(677:1,2) who says that one must chip in the amount of oil to burn for a half hour. </ref>
* Rav Schachter also allows this because people don’t clean it to have it clean for after [[Shabbat]] but because people don’t want dirty toothbrushes [[lying]] around.<ref> Quoted by  [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/735717/Rabbi_Aryeh_Lebowitz/Brushing_Teeth_On_Shabbos Rabbi Aryeh Leibowitz in an article on yutorah.org]. This is based on a psak by Mishna Brurah 302:19 which allows one to make one's bed on [[Shabbat]] for the same reason. </ref>
# The host can give the guest the oils and wicks as a gift (and the guest doesn’t have to give the host a [[Measurements#Prutah|prutah]]). <ref> Sh”t HaRashba 1:542, Magan Avraham 677:1, Pri Chadash 677:1, Eliyah Raba 677:2, Derech HaChaim 677:2, Mishna Brurah 677:3 say that the host can give the guest the portion even as a gift. </ref>
===If someone is lighting at home===
# A married man who is away from home during Chanuka and his wife is lighting at home, according to Ashkenazim, there is what to rely on light with a Bracha as long as one has in mind not to fulfill one’s obligation with one’s wife’s lighting. However, it’s preferable to either hear the Bracha from someone else and then light or make sure to light before one’s wife. According to Sephardim, one is exempt with one’s wife’s lighting and if one wants to be strict and light one may only light without a Bracha, even if they have in mind not to fulfill their mitzvah with one’s wife’s lighting. <ref>  
* Sh”t Trumat HaDeshen 101 writes that a married man who is away from home during Chanuka and his wife is lighting at home and his wife is lighting at home, he is still allowed to light with a Bracha to fulfill the mitzvah of Mehardin (performing the mitzvah in the best possible way). Rama 677:3 rules like the Trumat HaDeshen and writes that such is the minhag. See Agur 1036. However, the Bet Yosef 677:3 writes that not to rely on the Trumat HaDeshen because it is an unnecessary Bracha (Bracha Sheina Tzaricha).
* The Sh”t Maharil 145 agrees that one may light at the place one is staying even if one’s wife is lighting at home but adds that this is only where one has in mind not to fulfill one’s obligation with one’s wife’s lighting. This is also the ruling of the Levush 677:1, and Magan Avraham 677:9. See also Olat [[Shabbat]] 677:1, and Rav Shalom Mashash in Sh”t Tevuot Shemesh O”C 7 who agree with this approach.
* However, Sh”t Maharshal 85 argues on the Maharil saying that one fulfills one’s obligation with one’s wife’s lighting at home even if one has intent not to fulfill one’s obligation. The Taz 677:9 who doesn’t understand the Maharshal and defends the Maharil explaining why it’s not considered an unnecessary Bracha. The Chida in Birkei Yosef 677:2 explains the approach of the Bet Yosef saying that by other Brachot where there is a personal obligation one may have intent not to fulfill one’s obligation, however, by Chanuka the obligation is for the house to have lit candles and so one’s intent not to fulfill one’s obligation is useless. [See Pri Chadash 677:1, Mateh Moshe (Siman 983), Sh”t Zera Emet 1:97, Kaf HaChaim 677:25, Chaye Adam 154:33, Maamer Mordechai 677:5, Sh”t Sadeh Eretz O”C 42, Sh”t Chesed LeAvraham Alkelai O”C 24, and Sh”t Zivchei Tzedek 2:37 who agree with this approach of the Chida.] Sh”t Yechava Daat 6:43 quoting Rav Ezra Attiah, and Torat HaMoadim 2:6 rule like the Bet Yosef that one should not have in mind not to fulfill one’s obligation. Yalkut Yosef 677:8 rules that a married man fulfills his obligation with the lighting of his wife and if he wants to be strict to light where he is staying he should light without a Bracha.
* Mishna Brurah 677:15-6 writes that many achronim agree with the Maharil and there is what to rely on but because of those who argue it’s preferable that either one hear the Bracha from someone else and then light or make sure to light before one’s wife. </ref>
# Someone in a city that’s totally not Jewish even if he has family lighting for him at home he should light with a bracha. <ref> S”A 677:3 writes “some say to light with a bracha when in a city that totally not Jewish” based on Orchot Chaim (Chanuka 13,18) and Mordechai 267. So writes Sh”t She’erit Yosef 73e. Pri Chadash 677:3 argue that one shouldn’t rely on this to make a bracha since it’s not an obligation [just like the Bet Yosef 677:1 argued against the Trumat Hadeshen 101 who says that a guest who was married was allowed to light on his own for Hiddur Mitzvah because, says the Bet Yosef, one shouldn’t rely on this to make an unnecessary bracha.] Buir HaGra 677:3 argues similarly. So rules the Mishna Brurah 677:14. On the other hand, Chazon Ovadyah pg 158-60 says that the Bet Yosef 677:3 only quotes the Orchot Chaim and Mordechai without anyone who argues and then rules that way in S”A implying that no one disagrees. The difference between the a guest and this traveler is as the Mamer Mordechai 677:4 explains that the guest can’t light if there’s already a Pirsume Nisa and he’s fulfilled his obligation with his wife’s lighting, but a traveler has an obligation of Pirsume Nisa (just like in lighting in Shul) even if his wife is lighting because no one around is lighting. So holds the Shulchan Gavoha 677:5 (and that so was the Minhag of Selanica), Chasidei David Chasan pg 61b, Chelko Shel Yedid pg 48b, Sh”t Besamim Rosh 343, Chazon Ovadyah, and Moed Kol Chai 27:49. Why did S”A begin the halacha with words “some say”? Mamer Mordechai says it’s because S”A was unsure about this. Yet, Chazon Ovadyah responds that the S”A was intending to the opinion of the Meiri (who argues on the Orchot Chaim and Mordechai). </ref>
===Other laws of a guest===
# A guest who is relying on the home owner and the home owner asks him to light, he can light for everyone with a bracha. <ref> Torat HaMoadim 2:13 quoting his father, Rav Ovadiah, based on the fact that one can appoint a Shaliach to light for him and all the more so if the Shaliah is a household member. So holds Rav Elyashiv (Kuntres Halichot VeHanhagot, quoted in Halichot Yosef pg 244), Sefer Chanuka of Rav Kenievsky 13:14b. </ref>  
# A guest of a motel or hotel which is just for guests and not a home owner, needs to light for himself (unless there is someone lighting for him at home). <ref> Torat HaMoadim 2:14 says a hotel guest doesn’t have the laws of a guest at his friend’s house because he’s not living with the owner of the house and he’s renting his own room. So holds the Chovat Hadar 39. Implied from Piskei Riaz ([[Shabbat]] 23a), Piskei Rid ([[Shabbat]] 23a), and Shebolei HaLeket 185 that there’s an obligation on a renter even if it’s a just a room in a house. </ref>
# Two people who live in a one apartment if they eat together and pay for the food together, they should light one set of candles (in which they both have a potion) and switch off with who should do the Bracha. If they pay for their own food separately even if they are family members they should light separately. <ref> Sefer Pardes Gadol 199e, Sh”t Maaseh Geonim 44, and Shiboeli HaLeket 185 bring a dispute between Rabbenu David who hold that two people living in one house should light separately and Rabbotenu who said that they can light together. Torat Hamoadim 2:17 explains that this dispute concerns two people who have separate funds for food because otherwise it’s untenable why Rabbenu David requires separate lighting, however if they didn’t separate the cost of food everyone agrees that they can light together.  Magid Mishna (Chanuka 4:4), Pri Chadash 677:1, Sh”t Shaarei Yehoshua O”C 7:4 agree with Rabbenu David. However, Sefer HaTrumah 229, Eliyahu Zuta 671:6 in name of Tosfot, Levush 677:3, Pri Megamdim A”A  678:3, and Ben Ish Chai Vayeshev 17 agree with Rabbotenu. Mishna Brurah in Biur Halacha (677:1 D”H Imo) quotes this dispute and doesn’t rule on it. Torat HaMoadim 2:17 advises that since everyone agrees that one can light separately and it’s dispute whether one can light together one should light separately to satisfy all opinions. </ref>
# Someone who doesn’t have a house and isn’t a dependant of someone’s house, can’t light candles. If he eats at someone’s house, he can light without a bracha or join in the lighting of the owner (by paying for a portion of the candles). However he can make the Brachot HaRoeh for seeing the candles (She’assa Nisim and Shechianu on the first night). <ref> Rav Moshe Feinstein in Igrot Moshe Y”D 3:14(5) based on Rashi (23a D”H HaRoeh) and Torat HaMoadim 2:18 based on Tosfot (Sukkah 46a D”H HaRoeh) rule that someone who doesn’t have a house doesn’t light and can only make Brachot HaRoah. [It seems, Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 15:29 holds one should light even if he doesn’t have a house.] Bach 677 D”H “U’Mah Shekatav HaRosh” implies if not for suspicion one can light in the place he ate. However Taz 677:2 argues that one can not light in the place he ate. Thus one can only light without a Bracha (Safek Brachot Lehakel). </ref>
# If one is eating at someone’s house (even if it’s one’s parents) on Friday night Chanuka, and is going to sleep at home that night, should light at home after Plag Mincha. <Ref> Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 672:11) </ref>


== Brachot HaRoah (Seeing)==
==Halachic Summary==
# Someone traveling all night in a car, train, plane, or boat and has no one lighting for him at home should preferably light there without a Bracha and make Brachot HaRoeh. <ref> Rashi 23a D”H HaRoah says one only makes Brachot Haroah when on a boat. So quotes in name of Rashi, Machsor Vitri pg 201, Itur (Chanuka 2 pg 117c), Smag (Chanuka), Smak (280), Ravyah 3:843, Or Zaruah 2:325, Tosfot Rid([[Shabbat]] 23a), and Rosh ([[Shabbat]] 2:8). So rules Rav Moshe Feinstein in Igrot Moshe Y”D 3:14(5). However Sh”t Maharsham 5:144 writes only in an unroofed boat one can’t light but in a train one should light. So rules Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank in Mikra’eh Kodesh (Chanuka 18e), Rav Ovadyah Yosef (Kol Sinai Kislev 5725), Aruch HaShulchan 677:5, Sh”t Mishna Halachot 7:86, and Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 15:29 (he says one should light even if he’s in an unroofed boat); Torat Hamoadim 2:18 says since there’s a safek for Rashi’s opinion one shouldn’t make the Bracha but can make Brachot HaRoeh. </ref>
# Some poskim permit brushing one’s teeth on [[Shabbat]], while some forbid doing so. Some poskim hold that if one does brush his teeth on [[Shabbat]], he should use liquid toothpaste.<ref>
* '''Memarei’ach''': The Gemara (146a) states that if one smears wax in order to seal a barrel, he violates Memarei’ach, which the Rambam ([[Shabbat]] 11:6) explains is a [[Toldah]] of [[Memachaik]] ([[smoothing]] hides).
* Rav Soloveitchik (quoted in Nefesh HaRav p. 168-9) held that Memarei’ach applies only if one smears a substance onto something else and it forms a new layer; however, the toothpaste dissolves within minutes and thus does not pose an issue of Memarei’ach.
* Rav Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer 4:27) agrees. He supports this position from the Magen Avraham (316:24), who writes that Memarei’ach applies only if one wants to smooth one substance onto another, but not if one merely smears saliva on the ground in order for it to be absorbed. The Tzitz Eliezer 7:30:8 rejects this proof, because [[smoothing]] out the saliva doesn’t accomplish anything, but [[smoothing]] the toothpaste does serve to clean one’s teeth.
* Rav Ovadia adds that perhaps it is similar to the Rambam (Responsa 339), who permitted using soap on [[Shabbat]] and was not concerned with Memarei’ach. Yet Mishna Brurah 326:30 quotes the Tiferet Yisrael, who thinks that there also is a prohibition of Memarei’ach in using soap on [[Shabbat]].  
* Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe 1:112) writes that using toothpaste is a violation of [[Memachaik]]. Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz (“Brushing Teeth on [[Shabbos]]”) points out that most likely Rav Moshe meant Memarei’ach, as there is no scraping or sanding done to the teeth that would constitute [[Memachaik]]. Minchat Yitzchak 3:48 agrees.
* Ohr Letzion (v. 2, 35:6) writes that Memarei’ach can be avoided using liquid toothpaste. While this seems to be the opinion of Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata (ch. 14 n. 49 and 102), it is disputed by Tzitz Eliezer (7:30) who argues that Memarei’ach can even apply to liquids.
* '''[[Molid]]''': The Gemara ([[Shabbat]] 51b) states that one may not crush ice in order to produce water on [[Shabbat]]. Rashi (s.v. Kedei) explains that it is rabbinically forbidden because the “creating” water is similar to a melacha. The Rashba (s.v. VeLi) however, argues that the prohibition is because it is similar to [[squeezing fruits]].  
* The Rama 326:10 rules that it is forbidden to use soap on [[Shabbat]] because of [[Molid]]. Ginat Veradim 3:14 argues that not only according to the Rashba is it permitted, but even according to Rashi there’s no [[Molid]], since the soap is nullified by the water and there isn’t any noticeable new formation. Yabia Omer 4:28 applies this logic to toothpaste. Menuchat Ahava (v. 2, p. 119) suggests that [[Molid]] may not apply in this case where the transformation isn’t visible since it happens in one’s mouth.
* Rabbi Hershel Schachter (quoted by Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz) says that there is an issue of [[Molid]] only when changing a solid into a liquid or visa versa, but not if one is changing a quasi-solid paste to a quasi-liquid foam. Ketzot HaShulchan (v. 7 p. 99) agrees.
* '''[[Refuah]]''': Rav Ovadia Yosef (4:29:16) explains that there is no concern of [[Refuah]], since brushing one’s teeth does not heal or remove pain but rather prevents cavities and illnesses. He maintains that this is permitted not only according to the Beit Yosef 328:37, who permits a healthy person to take medicine, but even according to the Magen Avraham 328:43, who rejects the Beit Yosef’s position, because brushing teeth is not clearly a medicinal activity. Ketzot HaShulchan (v. 7 p. 99) and Ohr Letzion (v. 2, 35:6) agree.
* '''[[Sechitah]]''': Rav Moshe Feinstein (1:112) writes that it is preferable not to wet the brush to avoid the Melacha of [[Sechitah]], wringing out a liquid from a solid. Rav Hershel Schachter (oral communication) holds that [[squeezing]] out hair is only d’rabanan since it appears like it absorbs liquid; bristles, however, are stiff and clearly don’t look like they absorb liquid. Seridei Eish 1:30, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (quoted in Seridei Eish), and Rav Ovadia agree.
* '''[[Uvda DeChol]]''': Ketzot HaShulchan (v. 7 p. 99) writes that using a toothbrush is considered [[Uvda DeChol]]. Rav Hershel Schachter (quoted by Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz), however, holds that there is no issue of [[Uvda DeChol]]. Rav Ovadia 4:30 says that it may be a tzorech [[Shabbat]], in which case [[Uvda DeChol]] does not apply.
* '''[[Hachanah]]''': Rav Moshe writes that one should not clean off the brush after using it because there’s no use for it until after [[Shabbat]]. Yabia Omer 4:30 agrees. Rav Hershel Schachter ([http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/752802/Rabbi_Aryeh_Lebowitz/Ten_Minute_Halacha_-_Brushing_Teeth_on_Shabbos cited by Rabbi Lebowitz]), though, permits cleaning the brush since people generally do so after brushing because it is unappealing to leave a dirty toothbrush [[lying]] around.
* '''Chavalah''': Minchat Yitzchak 3:48 writes that since it is hard to be careful not to make oneself bleed, one should not brush so as not to violate Chavalah. Rav Ovadia 4:29 writes that this is an issue only for someone who rarely brushes and almost certainly will bleed; otherwise, it is considered a [[davar she’eino mitkavein]] and is permitted.</ref>
# It is permitted to use mouthwash on [[Shabbat]].<ref>Be’eir Moshe 1:34:7 permits using mouthwash, as he maintains that [[Molid]] Rei’ach does not apply to a person’s body. Rivevot Efraim 2:115:23 agrees.</ref>
 
==Links==
* Article on [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/735717/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/brushing-teeth-on-shabbos/ Brushing Teeth on Shabbos] and [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/752802/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-brushing-teeth-on-shabbos/ Ten Minute Halacha: Brushing Teeth on Shabbos] by Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz
* Article on [http://www.zomet.org.il/eng/?CategoryID=160&ArticleID=6461 Brushing Teeth ] from Zomet


==Related Pages==
==Related Pages==
* [[Chanukah]]
# [http://halachipedia.com/documents/5773/23.pdf Halachipedia article on Brushing Teeth]
* [[Placement of the Chanuka Candles]]
* [[Earliest and Latest time to light Chanuka Candles]]
* [[Lighting Chanuka Candles on Friday afternoon]]
* [[Lighting in Shul|Lighting Chanuka Candles in Shul]]
* [[Doing an activity before lighting Chanuka Candles]]
* [[Leftover oil and wicks]]
* [[Having a kosher Chanukia]]
* [[Kosher oil, wicks, and candles for Chanuka Candles]]
* [[A poor person lighting Chanuka Candles]]


==References==
==Sources==
<references/>
<references/>
[[Category:Shabbat]]
{{Shabbat Table}}

Revision as of 02:26, 12 July 2024

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Brushing Teeth on Shabbat

The following is a discussion of the various potential halachic concerns regarding brushing one's teeth on shabbat.

Mimachaik / Mimareach

The Mishnah in Shabbat (73a) lists Memachaik (lit: scraping) as one of the avot melacha, scraping a surface to leave a smooth remainder (e.g. sandpaper, scraping hairs off a hide of leather). The Mishnah Shabbat (146a) also discusses a toldah or derivative of mamaechaik known as mimareach (lit: smoothing), which is accomplished not by scraping down a surface, but rather by spreading a malleable substance (e.g. wax) over a surface.[1]

There are two potential memacheik concerns regarding brushing teeth on shabbat:

  1. Removing the plaque and dirt from the teeth and thereby smoothing them out (av melacha of memachaik).
    1. Rav Soloveitchik[2] said removing dirt or plaque is certainly not mimachek, just like washing dirt off of dishes is permissible.[3] Mimachek is only when you’re removing something that is part of the essence of the object itself.[4]
  2. Spreading out the toothpaste over the surface of your teeth (toldah of mimareach).
    1. Rav Moshe Feinstein says that it’s forbidden to use toothpaste due to "mimachaik", but that brushing without toothpaste is allowed, as this is just like washing the rest of your body.[5]
      1. Seemingly, Rav Moshe meant mimareach, the toladah of mimachek, and this is why he only prohibited brushing with toothpaste but permitted brushing without toothpase.
    2. Rav Ovadia Yosef says even toothpaste is allowed.[6]
      1. This is based on the Magen Avraham (316:24), that one is allowed to smear spit on the ground since it gets totally absorbed in the ground, and is thus not considered to be smoothed out in any significant way. Similarly, toothpaste doesn’t stay on the teeth for a long time.
      2. His second proof is that the Rama (Orach Chaim 326:10) prohibits washing with hard soap due to molid, but does not mention anything about mimareach, presumably because the soap only remains on one's hands temporarily.
    3. The Tzitz Eliezer rules like Rav Moshe.[7]
      1. Brushing teeth is not subject to the same leniency as the case of the Magen Avraham. There, the whole purpose of rubbing the spit on the ground is to get it absorbed into the ground, and so that's why the smoothing is deemed insignificant. But with toothpaste, there is a purpose in the smearing itself on the teeth, even if just for a minute, and so the smearing itself is significant.
    4. Rav Soloveitchik agreed to Rav Ovadia.[8]
      1. Even though the toothpaste companies claim that the paste coats the tooth for 24 hours, he wasn’t convinced this was true. And even if it is true, an invisible coating isn’t halachically significant.[9]

Molid

The toothpaste becoming a foamy, more fluid liquid maybe a problem of molid. This problem is raised based on Rashi (Shabbat 51a) which says its asur to squeeze or crush ice on Shabbat because of molid.[10] Shulchan Aruch however holds like the Rambam saying squeezing ice is asur because it looks like squeezing fruit which falls under the category of sechita.[11]

  • Rav Yitzchak Yaakov Weiss[12] prohibits brushing teeth with toothpaste based on this also.
  • Rav Ovadia[13] paskins like the Shulchan Aruch that Sephardim don't have to worry about molid. He adds that Ashkenazim should hold like the Rama and brushing teeth is forbidden for them.[14]
  • Rabbi Herschel Schachter[15] holds that even for Ashkenazim it should not be a problem because molid is solid to liquid not paste to liquid.

Refuah

Rav Moshe Yonah Halevi Zweig raises the issue that it may be refuah on Shabbat. This is based on the Rambam who says that if you put a certain liquid in your mouth, it is prohibited to put it in if you have intention to heal, but if your intention is just for your breath then its ok. He says, that maybe since there's flouride and the brushing strengthens your teeth it may be asur. Rav Ovadia rejects this and says even if the toothpaste has flouride because even healthy people brush their teeth daily, and the gezeira of refuah doesn't apply to preventative refuah.[16]

Sechita

Gemara (Shabbat 128b) says there’s no sechita in hair since it doesn’t absorb. Rambam (Shabbat 9:11) paskins like this. However, the Maggid mishnah there says he still holds its asur derabbanan.[17]

  • Rav Moshe and Rav Yitzchak Yaakov Weiss say same with a toothbrush because the bristles are tightly packed and therefore you can’t use even liquid toothpaste and can’t wet it before.[18]
  • The Sridei Esh [19] culls a few reasons that we can be lenient with sechita with a toothbrush.
  1. Says sechita is not a problem because you're not intending to squeeze out the toothbrush so its pesik resha (a consequence that will automatically happen)dilo nicha leh (that he doesn't need) on a dirabanan.[20]
  2. He also says that since main issue involved is sechita (because of mifarek, which is a form of Dash) it is permitted since the water or toothpaste goes to waste when you're done. However, had the issue been libun, the fact that the water or toothpaste goes to waste afterwards wouldn't be enough of a reason to permit.[21]
  3. You can use a towel (Shabbat 147b) because if people go in they need to dry off and if you don’t let them dry off they cant wash and people cant live without washing, so too people suffer without clean teeth.
  • Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach says that the first leniency is not true because the people are happy with the squeezing of the toothpaste because that's what cleans their teeth. He also rejects the second because the liquid doesn't go to waste until after it fulfills its purpose. However, he is still mekil with regard to sechita for brushing your teeth for the third reason.[22]

Uvdin Dichol

There is no clear definition of what uvdin dichol is. However, Rav Shlomo Zalman defines it as if you do something during the week that would be assur on Shabbat and then on Shabbat do the same actions with the same objects just a little differently.[23] Rav Moshe defines it as something that is an easily recognizable weekday activity even if it requires no melachot to be done.[24] Mishna Brurah (314:41) says that to use a vegetable grinder to grind eggs or cheese would be uvdin dichol. He also says in (303:87) that you can't use a comb even to lightly brush your hair to one side, but instead should get a special brush for Shabbat with soft bristles so its not uvdin dichol.

Minchat Yitzchak 3:50 and Rav Ovadia say that this would be a problem unless a special toothbrush is used.[25] Rav Schachter said intuitively he feels there’s no problem of uvdin dichol with brushing teeth.[26]

Chavalah

Brushing your teeth can cause the gums to bleed which is asur under the melacha of shochet.[27]

  • Rav Yitzchak Yaakov Weiss says that this would be a problem with toothbrushes especially ones with hard bristles.[28]
  • Rav Ovadia says this isn’t really a problem because people usually don’t bleed, it only happens when you don’t brush often so its davar she’eno mitkaven if you do end up bleeding. And even if one does bleed often, then its pesik reshe its not nichah leh bidarabanan and there may be room to be lenient.

Hachanah

Gemara Shabbat (118a) says you can wash dinner and lunch dishes because you need it for the next meal, but you can’t wash dishes from seudat shlishit because that’s preparing for after Shabbat.[29]

  • Therefore, some say washing the toothbrush for the next day may be this same problem.[30]
  • Rav Ovadia, Rav Moshe, Chacham Benzion Abba Shaul all agree that washing the brush after would be asur.[31]
  • Rav Shlomo Zalman (28:81) says if you normally do something, and its no tircha you can do it on Shabbat, even if theres a benefit for the next day as long as you don’t specifically say its for the next day.[32]
  • Rav Schachter also allows this because people don’t clean it to have it clean for after Shabbat but because people don’t want dirty toothbrushes lying around.[33]

Halachic Summary

  1. Some poskim permit brushing one’s teeth on Shabbat, while some forbid doing so. Some poskim hold that if one does brush his teeth on Shabbat, he should use liquid toothpaste.[34]
  2. It is permitted to use mouthwash on Shabbat.[35]

Links

Related Pages

  1. Halachipedia article on Brushing Teeth

Sources

  1. Rambam Hilchot Shabbat 11:5,6
  2. Nefesh Harav p. 168
  3. Gemara Shabbat 50a
  4. In a funny anecdote, Rav Schachter recalls how one of the talmidim asked Rav Soloveitchik that perhaps brushing teeth on shabbat should be prohibited because enamel is removed via the brushing, and he responded that if that were true, then eventually you would have no tooth left from brushing, so obviously that is not the case (to any degree which the halacha would deem significant).
  5. Sh"t Iggerot Moshe Orach Chaim, 1:112
  6. Sh"t Yabia Omer 4:30.
  7. Sh"t Tzitz Eliezer(7:30:8). The 39 Melachos (vol 2, pg 373) also paskens this way.
  8. Nefesh Harav 168.
  9. Aruch HaShulchan Yoreh Deah 83:15
  10. (a dirabanan issur of changing form because it’s so creative it’s like a quasi-melacha.(Shu”t Maharal Diskin 66)
  11. Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 320:9 based on Rambam Mishneh Torah Hilchot Shabbat 21:13. This same machloket applies to the permissibility of using a bar of soap. Shulchan Aruch (326:10) permits it, but the Rama there forbids it because of molid.
  12. Minchat Yitzchak (3:50)
  13. Yabia Omer OC 4:29
  14. Yabia Omer Orach Chaim 4:28
  15. Rav Schachter is quoted by Rabbi Aryeh Leibowitz between 2:30 and 3:30 http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/752802/Rabbi_Aryeh_Lebowitz/Ten_Minute_Halacha_-_Brushing_Teeth_on_Shabbos
  16. Rabbi Zweig in Ohel Moshe (2:98) is quoted by yabia omer (Yabia Omer Orach Chaim 4:29) as comparing it to the Rambam in Hilchot Shabbat 21:24 which discusses the issue of refuah.
  17. Hilchot Shabbat 9:11 and Maggid Mishnah there, (Kesef Mishnah on Rambam 2:11, and Mishnah Brurah 330)
  18. Iggeros Moshe (1:112) and Minchat Yitzchak 3:48. 39 Melachos (vol 2, pg 373) agrees.
  19. Sridei Esh 1:30 (in 1999 Jerusalem version, and 1:28 in the older version)
  20. The source to be mekil in that case is based on Magen Avraham orach chaim (253:41) and Shu”t terumat hadeshen 64. However, Rama 316:3 disagrees with this assumption
  21. It is a problem of dash and not libun because the Magen Avraham Seif Katan 19 on shulchan aruch 320:15 says that if the garments main function is to absorb the liquid, (which a toothbrush is) then there is no concern that he will come to launder it). In that case, if the liquid goes to waste after violating dash, then it is permitted. (Shulchan Aruch Orach chaim 320)
  22. Rav Shlomo Zalman's opinion is written in a letter in response to the sridei esh that's quoted in Siman 34 of the Sridei Esh.
  23. Rav Shlomo Zalman Meor Hasshabbat Letter 2:2
  24. Iggerot Moshe 4:74
  25. Seemingly then Rav Ovadia would be using a definition of uvdin dichol other than the one's of Rav Shlomo Zalman and Rav Moshe, because for them there is no way to violate uvdin dichol on an action that's permissible during the week. Yalkut Yosef 326:15 writes that it is proper to be strict to get a Shabbat toothbrush to avoid uvdin dichol.
  26. Quoted by Rabbi Lebowitz, using the rule that the Chazon Ish said that the parameters of uvdin dichol are defined by the poskim of each generation (39 melachos, Introduction to Shabbos endnote 522).
  27. Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 316:8, Mishna Brurah 30 Mishna Brurah 328:147; 39 Melochos, p. 893-94.
  28. Minchat Yitzchak 3:50
  29. Shulchan Aruch 323:6
  30. 39 Melachos (vol 2, pg 373)
  31. Iggerot Moshe 1:112, Yabia Omer 4:30, Or Litzion 2:253
  32. Shmirat Shabbat Kihilchitah 28:81(For example: you can bring your tallet home after shul, you can put a sefer back in its place, put a bottle of water back in the fridge) This can also be applied to a toothbrush (This point is raised by Yalkut Yosef 326: 27) although he disagrees.
  33. Quoted by Rabbi Aryeh Leibowitz in an article on yutorah.org. This is based on a psak by Mishna Brurah 302:19 which allows one to make one's bed on Shabbat for the same reason.
    • Memarei’ach: The Gemara (146a) states that if one smears wax in order to seal a barrel, he violates Memarei’ach, which the Rambam (Shabbat 11:6) explains is a Toldah of Memachaik (smoothing hides).
    • Rav Soloveitchik (quoted in Nefesh HaRav p. 168-9) held that Memarei’ach applies only if one smears a substance onto something else and it forms a new layer; however, the toothpaste dissolves within minutes and thus does not pose an issue of Memarei’ach.
    • Rav Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer 4:27) agrees. He supports this position from the Magen Avraham (316:24), who writes that Memarei’ach applies only if one wants to smooth one substance onto another, but not if one merely smears saliva on the ground in order for it to be absorbed. The Tzitz Eliezer 7:30:8 rejects this proof, because smoothing out the saliva doesn’t accomplish anything, but smoothing the toothpaste does serve to clean one’s teeth.
    • Rav Ovadia adds that perhaps it is similar to the Rambam (Responsa 339), who permitted using soap on Shabbat and was not concerned with Memarei’ach. Yet Mishna Brurah 326:30 quotes the Tiferet Yisrael, who thinks that there also is a prohibition of Memarei’ach in using soap on Shabbat.
    • Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe 1:112) writes that using toothpaste is a violation of Memachaik. Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz (“Brushing Teeth on Shabbos”) points out that most likely Rav Moshe meant Memarei’ach, as there is no scraping or sanding done to the teeth that would constitute Memachaik. Minchat Yitzchak 3:48 agrees.
    • Ohr Letzion (v. 2, 35:6) writes that Memarei’ach can be avoided using liquid toothpaste. While this seems to be the opinion of Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata (ch. 14 n. 49 and 102), it is disputed by Tzitz Eliezer (7:30) who argues that Memarei’ach can even apply to liquids.
    • Molid: The Gemara (Shabbat 51b) states that one may not crush ice in order to produce water on Shabbat. Rashi (s.v. Kedei) explains that it is rabbinically forbidden because the “creating” water is similar to a melacha. The Rashba (s.v. VeLi) however, argues that the prohibition is because it is similar to squeezing fruits.
    • The Rama 326:10 rules that it is forbidden to use soap on Shabbat because of Molid. Ginat Veradim 3:14 argues that not only according to the Rashba is it permitted, but even according to Rashi there’s no Molid, since the soap is nullified by the water and there isn’t any noticeable new formation. Yabia Omer 4:28 applies this logic to toothpaste. Menuchat Ahava (v. 2, p. 119) suggests that Molid may not apply in this case where the transformation isn’t visible since it happens in one’s mouth.
    • Rabbi Hershel Schachter (quoted by Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz) says that there is an issue of Molid only when changing a solid into a liquid or visa versa, but not if one is changing a quasi-solid paste to a quasi-liquid foam. Ketzot HaShulchan (v. 7 p. 99) agrees.
    • Refuah: Rav Ovadia Yosef (4:29:16) explains that there is no concern of Refuah, since brushing one’s teeth does not heal or remove pain but rather prevents cavities and illnesses. He maintains that this is permitted not only according to the Beit Yosef 328:37, who permits a healthy person to take medicine, but even according to the Magen Avraham 328:43, who rejects the Beit Yosef’s position, because brushing teeth is not clearly a medicinal activity. Ketzot HaShulchan (v. 7 p. 99) and Ohr Letzion (v. 2, 35:6) agree.
    • Sechitah: Rav Moshe Feinstein (1:112) writes that it is preferable not to wet the brush to avoid the Melacha of Sechitah, wringing out a liquid from a solid. Rav Hershel Schachter (oral communication) holds that squeezing out hair is only d’rabanan since it appears like it absorbs liquid; bristles, however, are stiff and clearly don’t look like they absorb liquid. Seridei Eish 1:30, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (quoted in Seridei Eish), and Rav Ovadia agree.
    • Uvda DeChol: Ketzot HaShulchan (v. 7 p. 99) writes that using a toothbrush is considered Uvda DeChol. Rav Hershel Schachter (quoted by Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz), however, holds that there is no issue of Uvda DeChol. Rav Ovadia 4:30 says that it may be a tzorech Shabbat, in which case Uvda DeChol does not apply.
    • Hachanah: Rav Moshe writes that one should not clean off the brush after using it because there’s no use for it until after Shabbat. Yabia Omer 4:30 agrees. Rav Hershel Schachter (cited by Rabbi Lebowitz), though, permits cleaning the brush since people generally do so after brushing because it is unappealing to leave a dirty toothbrush lying around.
    • Chavalah: Minchat Yitzchak 3:48 writes that since it is hard to be careful not to make oneself bleed, one should not brush so as not to violate Chavalah. Rav Ovadia 4:29 writes that this is an issue only for someone who rarely brushes and almost certainly will bleed; otherwise, it is considered a davar she’eino mitkavein and is permitted.
  34. Be’eir Moshe 1:34:7 permits using mouthwash, as he maintains that Molid Rei’ach does not apply to a person’s body. Rivevot Efraim 2:115:23 agrees.
Category Topic
Mitzvot of Shabbat
Kiddush Levana - Enjoying Shabbat - Fourth meal of Shabbat - Havdalah - Having a meal on Friday - In the Spirit of Shabbat - Kiddush - Lighting Shabbat Candles - Making Early Shabbat - Making one hundred Brachot on Shabbat - Preparing foods on Shabbat - Preparing for Shabbat - Shenayim Mikrah - Kavod Shabbat - Shabbos Davening - Seudat Shabbat - Seudat Shelishit - Lechem Mishneh - Motzei Shabbat - When Does Shabbat Start?
Restrictions of Shabbat
Allowing Carrying Using an Eruv Chatzerot - Animals on Shabbat - Asking a Jew to work on Shabbat - Asking a non-Jew to work on Shabbat (Amirah LeNochri) - Benefiting from a Violation of Shabbat (Maaseh Shabbat) - Books, notebooks, and papers - Brushing Teeth on Shabbat - Building a structure on Shabbat (Boneh) - Carrying on Shabbat - Cleaning the dishes - Cleaning and Folding Garments on Shabbat - Clearing the table - Cooking (Ofeh and Bishul) - Cosmetics on Shabbat - Dancing and clapping on Shabbat - Electricity on Shabbat - Eruv Chatzerot - Eruvin - Games on Shabbat - Getting dressed on Shabbat - Giving birth on Shabbat - Grinding (Tochen) - Handling objects on Shabbat (Muktzeh) - Infants on Shabbat - Introduction to the Modern Eruv - Kneading (Lash) - Mail on Shabbat - Medicine on Shabbat (Refuah on Shabbat) - Melacha That Begins Before Shabbat - Opening bottles and containers (Boneh) - Plants on Shabbat (Zoreah) - Preparing for after Shabbat (Hachana) - Reading on Shabbat (Daber Davar) - Recreation on Shabbat - Sechirut Reshut - Separating mixtures (Borer) - Squeezing fruits (Sechita) - Speaking on Shabbat (Daber Davar) - Taking a cruise over Shabbat - Taking measurements on Shabbat - Techum - Transactions on Shabbat - Transportation on Shabbat - Going to and Staying in the Hospital on Shabbat - Wages on Shabbat (Sachar Shabbat) - Washing one’s body on Shabbat
Melachos
Introduction to Melechet Machshevet - Marbeh Bshiurim - Plowing - Planting - Harvesting - Gathering - Threshing - Winnowing - Separating - Grinding - Sifting - Kneading - Baking and Cooking - Shearing - Laundering - Combing - Dyeing - Spinning - Mounting warp threads - Making two loops - Weaving - Unraveling fabric - Tying - Untying - Gluing, taping, or stapling - Ripping - Trapping - Slaughtering - Skinning - Tanning - Smoothing - Scoring - Cutting precisely - Writing - Erasing - Building - Demolishing - Completing a vessel - Extinguishing a flame - Kindling a fire - Carrying