Friday, December 3, 2010

Chanuka candles and Shabbat

26th day of Kislev, 5771

Every night we light the candles at nightfall but today, Friday, December 3rd we light Chanuka candles 20-25 minutes BEFORE sunset: approximately at 4:05PM (NY time). Why? Because at 4:10PM we need to light Shabbat candles, and Chanuka candles must be lit before them.

Another specific rule for Friday's Chanuka candles: while every night the candles should last for at least half an hour, on Friday, the candles should last for more time. So, make sure your candles are long enough, or have enough oil to burn for approximately one extra hour .

When Shabbat is over, (5:18 PM), at home you should first recite the Habdala and then light the Chanuka candles. In the Synagogue, for practical reasons, we should first light the Chanuka candles and then do the Habdala.

When spending Shabbat at your parents /in laws house,do you have to light your own candles in your room or at home before you leave?

If you will spend the whole Shabbat at you parents/in laws, once you're at their house, you (husband, wife, children) are considered part of the extended family of your parents, and since you also partake the same food, house, etc. you are also included in their Chanuka candle lighting without further requirements. So, you don't really need to light your own Chanukia.

However, if you and your family are going to your parents/in laws house after Shabbat began or for dinner, then you should light Chanuka candles at your own house. In this case, it is recommended that you don't leave your house while the candles are lit, to avoid any fire hazard!

Shabbat Shalom and Chanuka Sameach!!!


Shabbat Candle lighting in NY: 4:10 PM

Shabbat ends in NY: 5:18 PM




Watch: 'Secret to Greatness', by Charles Harary http://www.aish.com/v/ho/78962817.html





Rabbi Yosef Bitton. YMJC 130 Steamboat Rd. Great Neck NY 11024

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