Measuring the Height of Chanukah Candles
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Question
I live in a building on the third floor, and according to my measurements, the window height is 11.40 meters. However, when I place the Chanukiah, which is 30 cm high, the candles will be at a height of 11.70 meters. Am I allowed to light there?
Answer
Shalom Rav and Happy Chanukah!
Lighting above 20 cubits from the street does not fulfill the mitzvah properly and does not publicize the miracle to the people in the public domain. The measure of 20 cubits depends on opinions, whether it is 9.60 meters or 11.52 meters. It is permissible to be lenient in a rabbinic mitzvah with the larger measure. However, the measurement is at the place of the flame, so if you light in your Chanukiah, you will not light at the proper height. Therefore, the advice is to light in a lower Chanukiah, and all the candles should be within the lighting height. [Although there is an enhancement of the mitzvah in a tall and beautiful Chanukiah, it is not as important as the main fulfillment of the mitzvah according to the law].