Method of Measuring the Height of Hanukkah Candles
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Question
I live in an apartment that has an entrance to stairs used only by me, and they are above the street, so passersby can clearly see the entrance to the apartment. However, the height of the stairs is 12 meters from the street. Is it sufficient for it to be within twenty cubits from the stairs, or does it need to be twenty cubits from the street?
Answer
These twenty cubits are measured from the ground level of the street [public domain]. [The measurement of twenty cubits is 11.54 meters, and some say 9.60 meters]. Therefore, in your case, where there is no other option because there is no place in the apartment to light them, it is advisable to place flashing colored lights next to the candles [such as those used for decorating a sukkah] in a way that attracts the eyes of passersby in the public domain to look up above twenty cubits, and then it can be said that you have fulfilled your obligation [similar to the case of a painted beam that is effective for an eruv ('amletara'), even if the beam is placed above twenty cubits, because it attracts the eyes of passersby in the alley]. In conjunction with the fact that the buildings opposite can see it, or if there is no other choice, light them at home in view of the household members.
Source
Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim, Siman 671, Sif 6); Mishnah Berurah (Subparagraph 28); Eruvin (3:); Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim, Siman 363, Subparagraph 26); Azmera Leshimcha Bulletin (Issue 118).