How Long Do Chanukah Candles Have To Be Lit?: Difference between revisions

<p style="text-indent: 2em">The Gemara ([[Shabbat]] 21b) says the [[Chanukah]] candles should be lit with enough fuel to last for the time  from nightfall<ref>See S”A 672 and Beiur Halacha there whether this refers to Tzeit Hakochavim or [[Shekiyah]].</ref> until the people leave the marketplace.<ref>Even though this is only explanation of the gemara, the Rambam ([[Chanukah]] 4:5) and S”A 672:2 quote this as halacha. </ref> The Rif ([[Shabbat]] 9b) explains that it was a half hour from nightfall until the people left the marketplace.<ref> The Rambam (4:5) and Rosh (2:3) agree. </ref> This is the basis for Shulchan Aruch 672:2 and many achronim who write the one should make sure to have a half-hour’s worth of fuel. </p>

<p style="text-indent: 2em">The question arises whether this amount of fuel should change depending on the modern world. The Ritva (21b s.v. Ad) points out that this amount of time is not an objective time period, but rather is dependent on the time and place. If so, now that people are out in the street until very late in the night, do we have to make sure that the candles stay light much longer?<ref>Seemingly, this discussion doesn’t apply to those who light indoors. See Teshuvot VeHanhagot 2:141 on this point.</ref></p>