Translation:Arukh ha-Shulchan/Orach Chaim/680

by Yechiel Michel Epstein

This chapter contains two sections: 1 | 2

Section 1

Our teacher the Beis Yosef writes:

"On the eve of Shabbos one must to place an object between the Hanukkah candles and the door, so that wind will not blow out the candles when the door is opened."

So are his words. This applied to their practice of lighting at the entrance of the house near the courtyard, where wind is present. We, however, who light in inside rooms need not be concerned about this issue.

And do not ask: If there is a concern that the wind will blow out the candles, then this should also apply during the weekdays as well and one would not fulfill his obligation, since it is not set up in a location where it can burn for the prescribed time! There is a ready response to this: Truthfully it is far from certain that they will blow out, and furthermore as long as the door is closed there is obviously nothing to be concerned about. It is only in regard to Shabbos prohibitions that we are more stringent and are concerned about this situation [although it will most likely not occur].

Details related to this issue are expanded upon in chapter 277 (see there).

Section 2

The Beis Yosef writes further:

"On the eve of Shabbos it is forbidden to affix the Menorah to the door itself - that is, to the back of door. However, there are those that permit this."

Until here is the quote. This ruling depends as well on the specifics that are discussed [in the chapter mentioned above]. In addition, there is no distinction to be made whether it is affixed to the rear of the door or the inward facing side [the front], as all depend on the same reasoning: Whether this will cause the candles to extinguish or not. The referred-to chapter contains the various positions and reasons of those in dispute over this issue (see there).