- Q. See question above. What kind of work is prohibited for women when the menorah lights are lit on Chanuka ? Does it apply also to unmarried women? Or girls?
A. There are various opinions as to what “work” means vis-a-vis this custom. Most communities prohibit “work” that would be forbidden on Chol ha-Moed, such as doing laundry, sewing, ironing, etc., while cooking, baking and light household tasks would be permitted. But in some congregations, “work” includes all work, including cooking and baking.
As mentioned above, there are two basic reasons why women chose to refrain from work as an expression of their special observance of Chanukah:
1) To serve as a reminder that it is forbidden to “benefit” from the Chanukah candles. Refraining from work when the candles are burning reinforces and strengthens the Halacha that the Chanukah candles are not to be used for any other purpose but as a reminder of the great miracle that took place.
2) In order to highlight the fact that Chanukah is indeed a (Rabbinical) Yom Tov, women refrained from doing “work” – as they refrain on a similar Yom Tov – so long as the candles are burning.
The custom in most communities follows the first view. R’ Moshe Feinstein (quoted in Hilchos Chanukah [Rabbi Eider] p. 4); Orchos Rabbeinu III (new edition) p. 124 note 4; Halichos Vehanhagos HaGrish Elyashiv p. 2; Mishnah Halachos XIII:97.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in principle one should follow the opinions kept by his family tradition. However, when in real need one may be lenient following the above mentioned opinions. Yet when possible, as there are obvious variants, one should consult a competent Halacha authority.
See next question.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman Horav, Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
Important Numbers
