Q. Our large family (we have B'H nine children) are taking Iy'H a trip from Mexico D.F. (City) to Monterrey to visit family there. The trip takes about 14 hours. Since it is during Chanuka, can we light at least one candle in the bus while it is moving? There is a smoking section on the back of the large bus. We likely can do it if we take with us a small metal box, where we can place a candle and we hold it by the window (as it is supported by the frame or other surface). If the bus is moving do we comply with the mitzva?
A. On question 1226 regarding someone vacationing cross country in a trailer, if he can he place his menorah by the window and keep travelling during the half hour, while it is lit, we wrote: "Orchois Chaim (quoted by Beis Yosef O.H. 677), maintains that one sailing in a boat recites a brocho for Ner Chanuka. Although, Rashi (Shabbos 23a) seems to say otherwise, Avnei Yashfa (O.H. 5: 94: 2) explains that the Orchois Chaim refers to someone travelling inside a boat’s cabin.
Horav Tzi Pesach Frank zt”l (Mikroei Kodesh – Chanuka 18) also rules to light on a ship with a brocho. (See Igrois Moishe Y.D. 3: 14: 5 and next question).
Maharsham (4: 146) asserts that one should light Chanuka candles while travelling on a train, since there is no requirement for an established house (diras keva) as you do need for mezuza. Aruch Hashulchan (O.H. 677: 5) also maintains that you recite the brochos while the train is moving. Shearim Metzuyanim Behalacha (3: 139: 13) deduces from the above, that you are also obliged on ner Chanuka when travelling by plane.
See questions 666 and 1212 on this forum as how to comply when flying. See also question 418 about kindling in a car.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should light the menorah with a brocho when travelling in a camper. If possible, one should stop the vehicle for the half hour of compliance with the mitzva."
In your case, since the bus is also not used even as a temporary home, and besides the enviroment in the smoking section of the bus is not recomended for the children, it is better to ask a friend to light for you and in your name at your home.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
Important Numbers
