Lighting Candles When the Wife is Not Home

Time of lighting Hanukkah candles

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Question

My wife is delayed on a trip and will not make it home in time for candle lighting. Should I wait for her, or should I light on time?

Answer

Shalom Rav and Happy Hanukkah

There is no obligation for the wife to be present at the lighting, and she fulfills the mitzvah through her husband's lighting, based on the principle of "his wife is as himself." In case of concern about causing offense or a problem in marital harmony if he does not wait for her, he should wait until she arrives, and in a situation of necessity, he can light until dawn.

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