Q. See question above. Is it then permitted for a woman to talk on the phone during the half an hour after lighting candles?
A. There are different opinions as to what is the prohibited works women should avoid during the time the Chanuka candles are alight.
Some prohibit only the work that is specially dedicated to women such as knitting, needlework, laundering etc. (Devek Tov, Moed Kol Chai (26: 65) and others. Some Poskim prohibit all works (See Rivavos Efraim 1: 436)
Nitei Gavriel (38: 1) maintains that the common tradition is to be lenient and permit work that would be permitted during Chol Hamoed. Therefore, using a phone is in principle permitted.
However, emphasis should be given not to spend that precious time on the phone while ignoring the lights. A most important part of Ner Chanuka is observing, meditating and understanding the great mitzva in front of us. The 'Pirsumei Nissa' or publicity of the miracle and its meaning is such an essential part of it.
More so, the telephone use should be avoided when that talking may disturb the others present.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
Important Numbers
