1) It is forbidden to utilize the "light" of the Chanukah candles for any purpose. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 673).
This applies to all the candles that were kindled for that night, even though the extra candles are only for "Hiddur Mitzvah- beautification of the Mitzvah",e.g. on the fifth night, one may not "use" any of the 5 candles, even though Min HaDin only one candle must be kindled each night. (See Be'er Heitev ibid.)
The "uses" that are prohibited include mundane uses such as counting money by the lights of the menorah, as well as holy purposes, such as davening or learning Torah via the light of the menorah.
2) Some opinions allow using the light of the menorah for holy purposes (opinion of the Ba'al HaItur and other Rishonim, brought in the Tur), but the consensus of virtually all Poskim, and the prevalent practice, is to prohibit even holy uses. (Magen Avraham, Levush, Elya Rabbah, Aruch HaShulchan etc.)
It is for this reason that the widespread minhag is to add an extra candle, known as the "Shamash" to the menorah each night, this way when/if you "use" the light of the menorah it will be the light of that candle that we are using and not the lights of the menorah.
The "Shamash" should be placed a little higher than the other candles so it should be evident that it isn't one of the "Mitzvah candles". (Ram'a Siman 670:2)
All the menorahs that are being lit require their own "shamash", even if there is other light in the room. (See Magen Avraham Siman 670:5 and Mishna Berura 670:18)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) Many otherwise righteous Jews have a "custom" to play "Kvitlach", a gambling card game (Basically a poker type game with a Jewish sounding name to make it seem kosher) on Chanukah.
It isn't clear exactly where this minhag came from or how it developed, but it isn't a proper Minhag, but rather a sinful expression of "empty partying" that has replaced the "Shiros V'Tishbachos, praising of Hashem that used to (and still should) characterize Chanukah celebrations, and one who values his/her soul should avoid these card games at all costs. (Biur Halacha Siman 670)
2) Those who play "Kvitlach"on Chanukah will be punished severely in the next world, as many other Aveiros, sins, are inevitably involved whenever these card games take place (gambling, stealing, Nivul Peh, Bitul Torah, Prikus Ol, Lashon Hara, [as well as lack of Tzniyus, Histaklus B'Arayos etc. when there are men and women involved in the same game, Chas V'Shalom] just to name a few).
One who has the capacity to stop these games from taking place and discontinue this sinful practice will be greatly rewarded in the next world (Aruch HaShulchan Siman 670:9. See also Yesod V'Shoresh Ha'Avodah Sha'ar 12: end of Perek 1)
If you have been invited to participate in such a game, it would be best to cancel and let them know that you won't be attending. Although this may be a difficult decision and one that may cause you embarrassment and "hard feelings", it is the right decision and one that a G-d fearing Jew must make. The Mishna in Pirkei Avos teaches us that "L'Fum Tzaarah Agrah- the more painful a [right] decision is to make, the greater the heavenly rewards" (See also Kedushas Levi, Derushei Chanukah, where he too decries the practice of card playing on Chanukah)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
Is there a way to be able to wear gloves on shabbos?
Answer:
If they are firmly tied on to the coat it is less of a problem according to some Poskim. (See Biur Halacha Siman 301:37)
If not, although there are lenient opinions on which many people rely, it is best for a Yerei Shomayim to avoid wearing gloves on Shabbos.(See Shulchan Aruch Siman 301:37 and Mishna Berura S"K140 and 141)
In extreme weather conditions where there is no chance they will be removed, many Poskim allow it. Additionally, many Poskim are more lenient for women and allow them to wear gloves even when they arent tied to the coat.
[All of the above is when there is no Eruv, as within an Eruv they may be worn of course, as the problem with gloves in the first place is lest they be removed in Reshus Harabim and be carried more than 4 Amos.]
For Halacha L'Ma'aseh a Rav must be consulted.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
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THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
A wise man was asked, "is there anything a person can do to alleviate his desire for revenge, since the Torah forbids acting vengefully?"
He answered, "do something to improve yourself. When you become a better person, it will torment your enemies to no end!"
Rabbi Doctor Abraham J. Twerski quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
Important Numbers
