Entrance of the Apartment in the Stairwell
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Question
It is most convenient for me to light at the entrance of the house facing the stairwell. Is this permissible?
Answer
Ideally, it is preferable not to light there, as it is unclear whether it is considered a public domain, and on the other hand, it is not so noticeable to the household members, and often there is no possibility to light within a tefach of the entrance, so it may be that the mitzvah is not fulfilled. However, if he has no other place to light, he can light there and rely on the opinion that this is also considered a public domain, and combine the opinion that it is sufficient for other residents of the building to pass by and see the publicizing of the miracle, and that it is noticeable to his household members, and in the absence of another option, he can light inside his home.
Source
Shabbat (21b) dispute of Rashi (there d.h. מבחוץ) and Tosafot (there d.h. מצוה); Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim, Siman 671, Paragraph 5); Azmera Leshimcha Bulletin (Issue 117).
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