Discover what others are learning
Curated Torah sources across every topic, from classical texts to contemporary responsa.
Hanukkah Menorah at the Doorway
Sources explore the placement and public visibility of the Hanukkah menorah at the doorway as a means of publicizing the miracle. Teachings range from legal specifications for placement to mystical interpretations of how the outward-facing light serves as testimony and spiritual illumination.
נֵר חֲנוּכָּה מִצְוָה לְהַנִּיחָהּ עַל פֶּתַח בֵּיתוֹ מִבַּחוּץ
Chinuch and Hanukkah Candle Lighting
These sources address the halakhic status of children who have reached the age of chinuch (religious instruction) regarding their obligation to light Hanukkah candles, and clarify whether such children must fulfill this mitzvah individually or whether their participation is optional.
קטן שהגיע לחינוך צריך לה
Halachos and Minhagim of Chanukah Candle Lighting
These sources explore the halachic requirements and practices governing Chanukah candle lighting, including the timing of the mitzvah, proper placement of the menorah, and the purpose and validity of the candles according to classical rabbinic sources.
מצות הדלקתו משקיעת החמה עד שיכלה הרגל מן השוק
Chanukah: History, Halakha, and Spiritual Meaning
These sources explore Chanukah from multiple angles: the historical events of the Hasmonean victory and rededication of the Temple, the halakhic requirements for lighting candles, and deeper theological interpretations of the holiday's spiritual significance and symbolism.
מלכות בית חשמונאי ונצחום
Lighting Chanukah Candles After the Proper Time
Sources address whether one can fulfill the Chanukah lighting obligation and recite a blessing if the candles are lit after the designated time window—from sunset until the cessation of marketplace traffic. The sources establish the parameters of the obligation and the conditions under which a blessing may be recited.
עִם שְׁקִיעַת הַחַמָּה עַד שֶׁתִּכְלֶה רֶגֶל מִן הַשּׁוּק
The Order of Lighting Chanukah Candles
Sources discuss the halakhic practice and mystical reasoning behind the directional sequence of lighting Chanukah candles, including whether one lights from right to left or left to right depending on placement and perspective.
יתחיל להדליק בליל ראשון בנר היותר ימיני
Sefas Emet on Publicizing the Chanukah Miracle
These passages from Sefas Emet develop the theme of pirsumei nisa (publicizing the miracle) in the context of Chanukah, exploring how the lighting of the candles serves to reveal divine sovereignty, strengthen faith, and commemorate Jewish redemption and return to serving God.
נר חנוכה מצוה להניחה על פתח ביתו מבחוץ
Hanukkah Candle Lighting: Ascending Night by Night
These sources address the proper number of candles to light each night of Hanukkah, presenting the classical dispute between Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel and the halachic ruling that follows the practice of ascending in holiness rather than descending—beginning with one candle on the first night and adding one each subsequent night.
בֵּית שַׁמַּאי אוֹמְרִים: יוֹם רִאשׁוֹן מַדְלִיק שְׁמֹנָה