Lighting Indoors or Outdoors

Question: My brother-in-law brought me a box back from Eretz Yisrael to place my menora in so I can light outdoors. Is that preferable?

Answer: The Gemara (Shabbos 21b) teaches that originally, the menora was lit outside one’s front door. However, due to periods of danger, it became permissible to light it inside on one’s table. Rashi explains that this change was prompted by Persian authorities who forbade lighting on their festivals (see Shulchan Aruch OC 671:5).

The Ohr Zarua (2:323) questions why, in places where there is no danger or prohibition, people do not resume the practice of lighting outdoors. R’ Yaakov Emden (Sheilas Yaavetz 1:149) and R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yalkut Yosef, Chanuka 671:25) argue that nowadays, with the absence of such dangers, it is preferable to light outdoors. If available, using a glass box is recommended to protect the flames from wind and other elements (see Az Nidberu 10:26).

However, other poskim offer reasons why the prevailing practice in chutz la’aretz is to light indoors. The Shibolei Haleket (185) explains that once the custom of lighting indoors began, it became established. The Rema (OC 671:7) confirms that current practice is to light indoors, citing concerns about theft if the menora is left outdoors (Darchei Moshe OC 671:9). The Magen Avraham (671:8) and Mishna Berura (671:38) advise placing the menora in a window facing the street for optimal pirsumei nisa (publicising the miracle).

The Ritva (Shabbos 21b) notes that concerns about danger include windy conditions, prompting the Aruch Hashulchan (OC 671:24) to recommend lighting indoors during Europe’s winter months. Nonetheless, the preferred location remains a window facing the street (see Minchas Yitzchak 6:66).

R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe 4:125) emphasises that while traditionally the menora was placed opposite the mezuza by the doorway, the primary consideration today is pirsumei nisa, making a window facing the street the ideal location (see Shevet Halevi 7:84).

In conclusion, in chutz la’aretz, it is customary to light the menora indoors by a window facing the street, unless one’s minhag dictates otherwise.

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