FRIDAY, BEFORE SUNSET
In New York, we will light the second Hanukka candle this coming Friday, December 8th, around 4.05 pm. Why so early? Although we light the candles after sunset every day of Hanukka, on Friday, we light Hanukka candles earlier, right before we light Shabbat candles.
See the time of candle-lighting in your city of residence in this link
There is another essential rule for lighting the Hanukka candles on Friday afternoon: while every night of Hanukka, candles should last for at least half an hour, on Friday, the candles must remain burning for a longer period of time. Therefore, today, we must ensure that the Hanukka candles have enough oil or are long enough to last for about an hour after sunset.
It is also customary to light the Hanukka candles in the Synagogue, and today, Friday, we should light the candles in the Synagogue before sunset (if possible, after Minha). The Berakhot will be recited in the Synagogue only if ten or more people are present while lighting the candles. If ten people are NOT present in the Synagogue at that time, we should light the candles without saying any Berakha.
We cannot light any candles after sunset (4.28 pm).
SATURDAY NIGHT
When Shabbat is over, in the Synagogue, we first light Hanukka candles, and then we recite the Habdala, to increase the public’s awareness of the miracle of Hanukka (pirsume nissa). If we would recite Habdala first, many may leave the synagogue before we light the Hanukka candles.
In our homes, however, we first recite the Habdala, and only then do we light Hanukka candles.
QUESTION
If I spend Shabbat at my parents’, in-laws’, or friends’ house, do I light my Hanukka candles at home before leaving, or do I light the candles in their house?
1. If you are “moving” into your parents’ (or other relatives’ house) for Shabbat, and you will have dinner and sleep there too, you –and/or your wife, your children–will be automatically included in the lighting of the candles of your parents, family or friends. Therefore, you do not need to light your own Hanukka candles before you leave your home. You also do not need to light your own Hanukka candles in your room when you spend Shabbat at someone’s house. You participate with the host and be present there at the time of candle lighting.
2. Now, if you go with your family to your parents or someone else’s home just for Shabbat dinner, you should light the Hanukka candles in your home with your wife and children.
WARNING: In this case, it is essential not to leave your home while the Hanukka candles are lit to avoid any fire hazard.
