What is the preferred place for lighting
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Question
I live in a regular residential building. What is the rabbi's opinion on the best place to light the Hanukkah candles: at the entrance of the building near the street, at the entrance of the apartment in the stairwell, or at the window?
Answer
It is preferable to light at the window.
Source
Shabbat (21b) dispute between Rashi (there d.h. מבחוץ) and Tosafot (there d.h. מצוה); Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim, siman 671, סעיף ה); Biur Halacha (there d.h. פתח החצר); Azmera Leshimcha bulletin (issue 117). There is a dispute between Rashi and Tosafot whether to light at the entrance of the apartment or at the entrance of the building, and there is an opinion that it is critical and one does not fulfill the obligation at another entrance. On the other hand, at the window, one fulfills the obligation according to all opinions. The halacha is ruled according to Tosafot, but it seems that Biur Halacha and Chazon Ish were concerned with Rashi's opinion, therefore it is preferable to light at the window to fulfill all opinions.
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