Sicha, Fifth night of Chanukah 5730
A. Where to Light the Menorah?
The Talmud says that the menorah should be placed at the entrance of the house, outside. However, one living on an upper floor should place it in the window facing the street. In times of danger, the menorah is lit indoors (Source 1). What is considered a time of danger? When there is fear of hostility from non-Jews, as was the case in Persia and later France (Source 2). When lighting the menorah indoors, a shamash should also be lit, so as not to use the light of the menorah itself (Source 3). The Rema states simply that in his time, all Jews lit indoors (Source 4). The menorah is placed to the left of the door, as the mezuzah is on the right, so that the one entering is surrounded by mitzvahs. (Source 5)
The Rebbe says that, in practice, the Chabad Rebbes, and thus Chabad Chassidim, customarily light the menorah indoors, even when there is no danger of hostility from non-Jewish neighbors.
If the Previous Rebbe did so, it is clear that he observed this practice from his teacher, who in turn observed it from his teacher, all the way back to the Alter Rebbe and the Baal Shem Tov. This is because Chassidim are particular to follow the customs of their Rebbes. There is a source in the Talmud about Rav Acha, who was particular about using a specific hadas on Sukkot that followed the opinion of his teacher Rav Kahana, even though he could have been stringent and also followed the opinion of the other sages who disagreed. This was out of respect and love for his teacher. (Source 6)
The Rebbe asks: But what was the reason that the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe followed this practice?
B. Inside or Outside?
First, it should be clarified that the option to place the menorah on a window facing the street is only valid when the window’s height does not exceed twenty amot (about 32 feet), according to the ruling of the Talmud, that a menorah placed higher than twenty amot is invalid. (Source 7)
Secondly, nowadays many menorahs have a raise back. Therefore, if the menorah is placed facing the street, the candles will be hidden from the view of those in the house, whic negates much of the purpose of the lights. Also, lighting the menorah facing the street makes it difficult to light the candles without burning oneself. It is forbidden to light the menorah and then turn it toward the street, as the menorah must be lit in the place where it is positioned.
For these reasons, it is preferable for the family to see the menorah, and therefore it should be lit inside the house, near one of the entrances.
As an aside, it should be noted that when lighting indoors, the practice is also to sit by the candles for half an hour (Source 8), with the entire family, and “listen to what the candles are telling.”
C. The Rebbe’s Conduct
In practice, one should follow the customs of our Rebbes and other students of the Baal Shem Tov. Regardless of the decision made, the main thing is to light the menorah with joy and a full heart.
