How Much Effort to Make to See Hanukkah Candles
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Question
I am abroad and have no possibility to light Hanukkah candles. Am I required to walk 40 minutes to the Chabad house to see the candle lighting ceremony?
Answer
Hello, the mitzvah of Hanukkah is a very precious mitzvah, and it is worthwhile to make great efforts to fulfill it. It doesn't necessarily require candles; you can use a small vessel with a little oil and a wick made from rolled cotton, and according to the basic law, one candle is sufficient. It is advisable to strive immediately to fulfill the mitzvah.
If such an option is not available, it is very worthwhile to make an effort to see Hanukkah candles. It is not necessary to see the actual lighting, but rather to see the candles burning and bless "He who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time." However, this is only on the condition that the candles are halachic Hanukkah candles, meaning that the manager of the Chabad house lit the candles in his private home where he lives. But if the candles were lit in the city square, or at a work party, etc., these candles do not have the status of Hanukkah candles, and there is no halachic significance in seeing them, and certainly, one should not bless "He who performed miracles" upon seeing these candles.