Laws of Hanukkah

Who Lights the Chanukiya - When, Where & How?

16. Fields and Vehicles

Chapter 13: When and Where to Light Hanuka Candles

The poskim disagree about whether the obligation to light Ĥanuka candles is limited to the home. Some argue that the Sages ordained that only one who has a home must light candles. Others maintain that even one who does not have a home must light candles wherever he is.

15. Hospital Patients

Chapter 13: When and Where to Light Hanuka Candles

A patient in a hospital is still obligated to light Ĥanuka candles. However, if he is married, he fulfills his obligation through his spouse’s lighting at home.

14. Hotels

Chapter 13: When and Where to Light Hanuka Candles

People staying in a hotel must light Ĥanuka candles. It is best to light in one’s hotel room. If the hotel management does not permit guests to light candles in their rooms, then since there is no alternative one should light in the dining room.

13. Yeshiva Students, Soldiers, and College Students

Chapter 13: When and Where to Light Hanuka Candles

A yeshiva student who sleeps in his dormitory room and eats in a cafeteria must light in his room. An uncertainty arises regarding Sephardic students.

12. Unmarried People who Live Alone

Chapter 13: When and Where to Light Hanuka Candles

If an unmarried person has his own home, regardless of whether it is owned or rented, he must light candles there. If he is visiting friends at candle-lighting time but will return home to sleep, he cannot fulfill his obligation at his hosts’ home. Rather, he must return home to light.

11. A Married Person Who Is Away from Home

Chapter 13: When and Where to Light Hanuka Candles

If a married man goes alone on Ĥanuka to visit friends or family while his wife remains at home, his wife must light the candles, and this exempts him from lighting.