עברית
Holidays
Must One Remain Next to the Chanukah Candles for a Half Hour After Lighting?
Question
Hello, after lighting the Chanukah candles, is one required to remain next to them for half an hour? Or is it permitted to leave the house immediately after lighting if there is no other option (other than to light later)? And is it allowed to eat after lighting? Thank you in advance.
Answer
Hello and greetings
There is no obligation to remain next to the candles; it is merely a pious practice
It is preferable to light at the right time even if there won't be time to remain next to the candles
It is permitted to eat immediately after lighting.
Regards,
Binyamin Shmueli
