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Hanukah – Should Hanukah Candles be Lit at a Minyan in an Office?

Hanukah candles are lit each night at home and also in the synagogue. Although the Gemara makes no mention of the candle lighting in the synagogue, this is a time-honored custom that is documented already in the time of the Rishonim. The question was posed to Hacham Ovadia Yosef as to whether this practice applies only in the synagogue, or anywhere ten men assemble for prayer. For example, many observant Jews host Minha and Arbit services in their offices. Should candles be lit at such a Minyan?

Hacham Ovadia answered that indeed, anytime ten men assemble for an evening Minyan the candles should be lit with the Berachot. Moreover, if ten men assemble for some other event, such as a family Hanukah celebration, candles should be lit, and if the people had not yet lit the candles at home, the Berachot should be recited. This ruling is written in Yalkut Yosef (p. 96).

Summary: Anytime ten men assemble for an evening Minyan during Hanukah, even if this does not occur in a synagogue, the candles should be lit, with a Beracha.

 


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