Post date: Dec 18, 2014 4:8:26 AM
Late and in danger
Based on a Gemara (Shabbos 21b), the Rosh teaches two Halachos*: (1) The Mitzvah of lighting the Chanukah candles is from sunset until the market empties from all foot traffic, and after that time the candles should not be lit since the miracle can no longer be publicized. (2) The Menorah is preferably placed in the doorway. But in times of danger, one may place the menorah on a table within his home.
The Maharal feels that the post facto solution for each case would seem to be more applicable to the other case. Meaning, even when the hour is very late, there’s at least a possibility that someone might walk by and witness the burning of the candles, whereas in time of danger, it would seem to be more appropriate to exempt people from lighting the candles altogether.
However, if we analyze the reason behind these Halachos, we can have a better understanding of them. The Mitzvah of lighting the Chanukah candles serves two purposes; to publicize the miracle and to rekindle hope in the hearts of every Jew. Once it’s so late at night that the market has already cleared out, the opportunity for publicity is gone, so the reason to light has passed. But this is in contrast to a situation when lighting the Chanukah candles could be dangerous, as such a situation is precisely a time when the Jews need the inspiration provided by the Chanukah candles. A time when we feel threatened is precisely when we need to see the candles burning, to remind us of the redemption of old and the upcoming redemption with the arrival of the Mashiach.
* Consult your LOR for practical guidance.
[Likutei Peshatim on Chanukah, p. 11]
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A new answer each night! -- The Beis Yosef poses a very famous question about the length of the Chanukah holiday. “When the Chashmonaim found the jar of oil, they had the first day’s oil at that point. Since the miracle seemed to begin with the second night, why was Chanukah instituted for eight days instead if just seven?” (Below is another possible answer.)
The Pri Chadash answers that on the first night they began pouring the oil into the Menorah. However, after pouring just a few drops, they discovered that the cups of the Menorah were completely full.
[The Essence of Chanukah, p. 30]