עברית
Holidays
Lighting Chanukah Candles Before Ma'ariv Prayer
Question
Hello to the site team, Firstly, I must say that I really enjoy the well-crafted site, the amazing lectures, and especially Rabbi Zamir Cohen (I follow every lecture of his!). My question is this: I pray Mincha at work, then I come home and pray Ma'ariv at 10 PM. My question regarding Chanukah is: Is it permitted to light the candles even if I have not yet prayed Ma'ariv, or should I pray Ma'ariv first and then light? Thank you and Chag Sameach!
Answer
Hello. The obligation to light is in the home where you live; therefore, at the time of lighting, you need to be at home and light then. It is certainly permitted to pray Ma'ariv after lighting at your usual prayer time. The times for lighting vary according to the customs of the different communities.
