Daily Halacha – Is It Permitted to Eat Before Lighting Chanukah Candles?
Essential guidelines for Chanukah candle lighting: timing, eating restrictions, and proper observance based on Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's rulings
- הלכה יומית / מפסקי מרן
- פורסם כ"ו כסלו התשע"ח
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Is it permitted to eat before lighting Chanukah candles?
It is forbidden to eat a fixed meal from half an hour before the time for lighting candles. A fixed meal is defined as consuming more than an egg's volume of bread, but a light snack such as fruits and beverages is permitted.
Similarly, it is forbidden to perform work or study Torah from the time when candle lighting becomes obligatory. These rules apply only to the person who is responsible for lighting the candles; other household members may eat and perform work (Chazon Ovadia, p. 68).
Is it permitted to extinguish the menorah after it has burned for half an hour?
After the menorah has burned for half an hour, it is permitted to extinguish it, even as an initial preference [Yalkut Yosef, Chanukah, p. 364].
Ach Tov V'Chesed – Daily Halacha
