Lighting Chanukah Candles: Difference between revisions
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→Getting benefit from the light of the candles
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==Getting benefit from the light of the candles== | ==Getting benefit from the light of the candles== | ||
# | # It is forbidden to get benefit from the light of the candles for the first half hour, even for minimal tasks like checking the value of a coin.<Ref> Shabbat 22a cited by Shulchan Aruch O.C. 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. Bear Hetiev 673:2, Sh”t Ketav Sofer O”C 133, and Simchat Yehuda (Masechet Soferim 20:6) agree. </ref> | ||
# | # A minimal task that is for a mitzvah is permitted, but learning by the light of the candles isn’t considered a minimal task.<Ref> Beiur Halacha 673:1, quoted by Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 673). </ref> | ||
# It is permitted to walk by the light of the Chanuka candles and that isn't considered benefiting.<ref>Yalkut Yosef (Moadim Asur Lishtamesh Lorah n. 3). One proof is the Yerushalmi that the Rosh (Seder Avodat Yom Kippur, cited by Bet Yosef 621:4) quotes that the Kohen Gadol would walk in the Kodesh Kadoshim by the light of the Aron. However, the Zohar 3:16a implies that the Kohen Gadol would close his eyes.</ref> | # It is permitted to walk by the light of the Chanuka candles and that isn't considered benefiting.<ref>Yalkut Yosef (Moadim Asur Lishtamesh Lorah n. 3). One proof is the Yerushalmi that the Rosh (Seder Avodat Yom Kippur, cited by Bet Yosef 621:4) quotes that the Kohen Gadol would walk in the Kodesh Kadoshim by the light of the Aron. However, the Zohar 3:16a implies that the Kohen Gadol would close his eyes.</ref> | ||
# Therefore | # Therefore, the minhag is to light a Shamash (Heb. שמש; lit. service) candle 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> | # 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 | # 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?== | == Who’s Obligated?== | ||
