Who Lights The Menorah?

Halacha Moment
Nov 25, 2021
2 min read

Updated: Dec 16, 2024

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״כל השונה הלכות בכל יום - מובטח לו שהוא בן העולם הבא״ (נידה עג ע״א, מגילה כח:)

“Anyone who studies Halachot every day is guaranteed that he is destined for the world-to-come” (Megilla 28b, Niddah 73a)

Question:

What is the mitzvah of lighting the Menorah?

Who lights the Menorah?

Answer:

The Gemara states that one who is scrupulous with the kindling of the Chanukah lights will be rewarded with children who are Torah scholars. [1]

There are essentially three levels of observance regarding the mitzvah of lighting the Chanukah lights:

1. Basic Requirement (Halachah): Strictly speaking, the minimum requirement is to light one light each night of Chanukah per household. This fulfills the basic obligation of the mitzvah. [2]

2. Mehadrin: For those who seek to enhance the mitzvah, each member of the household lights one light every night. This demonstrates an elevated level of observance and devotion.

3. Mehadrin Min Hamihadrin: The highest level of observance involves lighting one light on the first night and adding an additional light each subsequent night, culminating in eight lights on the last night. This practice further beautifies the mitzvah and publicizes the miracle of Chanukah.

The custom today is to follow the custom of Mehadrin Min Hamihadrin.

In Ashkenazic tradition, each member of the household lights according to the mehadrin min hamihadrin practice, creating a beautiful display of increasing light each night.

However, the Sefardic tradition is that only the head of the household lights the menorah according to the Mehadrin Min Hamihadrin practice, representing the household in the mitzvah. [3]

Sources:

[1]. Shabbat 23b. See also Shulchan Aruch 671 §1; Mishnah Berurah §1. See Shemesh U’Magen, vol. 2, O.C. §75 and Teshuvot VeHanhagot 2:340.

[2]. Rambam, Hilchot Chanukah 4:1; Mishnah Berurah 671:4.

[3]. Shulchan Aruch and Rama 671:2; Kaf HaChaim 671:6.

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