Staying Near the Candles After Lighting

Place and order of lighting Hanukkah candles

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Question

How long should one stay near the candles, and is it necessary to stay near the candles at all?

Answer

It is good to stay near the candles and recite hymns and praises, and to publicize the miracle, but there is no obligation to stay near the candles for half an hour, especially for those who light them outside. [In the book 'Makor Chaim' (by the author of Chavot Yair, Siman 672), it is written that the main mitzvah is for the lighter to be near the candles for half an hour, see there for a detailed discussion. Similarly, in the book 'Menucha VeKedusha' (Shaar HaTorah, Part 2, end of the introduction). But all this applies to those who light indoors].

Source

Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim, Siman 676, Paragraph 4); Makor Chaim (by the author of Chavot Yair, Siman 672); Menucha VeKedusha (Shaar HaTorah, Part 2, end of the introduction); Mishnah Berurah (Siman 672, Sk"a); Azmera Leshimcha (Issue 118).

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