Q & A - WITH RABBI RISKIN
Question:
We are invited for the Friday night dinner of Chanukah at friends. Where should we light Chanukah candles – at home or at our friends and where should we light Shabbat candles?
Answer:
In reference to Shabbat candles- the basic purpose of the Shabbat candles is to add to the atmosphere and pleasure of Shabbat and Holidays. One should enjoy the Shabbat candles Friday night while they are lit. Thus, it would seem that Shabbat candles should always be lit in the area where one is eating their Shabbat meal. If there is a doubt whether one will arrive at the friend's home in time to light candles there, then one is permitted to light at home but it is important to stay near the candles for about 20 minutes in order to read, sing or enjoy family time together in order to enjoy the light of the Shabbat candles.
With regards to the Chanukah candles – the basic requirement is to light in one's own home – Ish u'Veito, to publicize the miracle of Chanukah from within the family home. Thus it is always preferable to light Chanukah candles in the family home. This applies, however, only if there is at least one other person awake in the house or outside the house in order to witness the candle lighting. In the case of public candle lightings such as at Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, weddings or other family gatherings, one may light at the event in order to publicize the miracle, but one should also light at home either before or after the event.
