Q&A: Women and Hanukkah Candles
Women and Hanukkah Candles
Question
Hello Rabbi,
Is it preferable for women to light Hanukkah candles under the standard of "those who are especially meticulous among the meticulous"? Is there a distinction here between unmarried and married women? (The question is, of course, according to the rulings of our Ashkenazi brothers.)
Thank you in advance!
Answer
At first glance, it depends on the dispute between Rashi and Tosafot regarding rabbinic commandments that are time-bound. However, there it says that women too were part of that same miracle, and therefore women are obligated according to all opinions. Once they are obligated, I see no logic at all in distinguishing between them and men. The Jewish custom that women do not light is really unclear to me, and I see no reason or need to practice that way.
By the way, from your name it appears that you too belong to "our Ashkenazi cousins."