Q. I'm a physician (single) who had to assist on the operation of a patient on a Chanuka night and could not be at home for lighting the candles. I did see a lighted Menorah in the office of a colleague, and said the Bracha of Sheassa Nissim as required for Birchat Haroeh. I did so since the medical procedure was long and as expected it ended close to the early morning. Was I correct?
A. Shulchan Aruch (676: 3) rules that; 'One who did not light (Chanuka candles) and is not going to do so on that night and also has no one lighting for him at home, when he sees a Chanuka light, recites the bracha of Sheassa Nissim. On the first night he also recites the blessing of Shecheyanu.'
Tosafos (Suka 46a) quotes two reasons why our sages instituted a special brocho for seeing the lights of Chanuka, (Birchas Haroeh), one of them is that it was enacted because of the Chavivus or endearment and affection we have for this great mitzva, and also for satisfying the need of those who don’t have any dwelling.
Mishna Berura (5) does mention that if possible he should recite later on when he is able to light his own Menorah with the corresponding bracha of 'Lehadlik.'
On question 414 and 1556 we mention that Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in similar situations the best solution would be for you to name a shaliach or agent and have him light at your home.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
