Lighting Hanukkah Candles in Courtyard Minyans
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Question
We have a minyan in the courtyard, are we required to light Hanukkah candles there like in any synagogue, and can we recite a blessing over the candles? [The question was sent during the COVID-19 pandemic].
Answer
In courtyard minyans, Hanukkah candles should be lit without a blessing.
Source
Two reasons are given for lighting in the synagogue. In the responsa of the Rivash (siman 111), it is written that the reason for lighting in the synagogue is for publicizing the miracle. According to this, one should light with a blessing even in courtyard minyans where many gather for prayer. However, according to the reason explained in Orchos Chaim (Laws of Hanukkah, siman 17), in the book Mikhtam (Pesachim 101), in Tanya Rabati (siman 35), and in Beit Yosef (Orach Chaim, siman 671) — it is to fulfill the obligation for guests who sleep and eat in the synagogue. According to this, there is no need to light in courtyard minyans where there is no possibility of guests residing. See the aforementioned sources carefully. Therefore, in practice, one should light without a blessing. Azmera Leshimcha (issue 118).
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