Machshava:

Chanukah,  Chinuch 

Collections: R' Goldin Parenting from the Parsha

Description

There a number of strange halachot regarding the mitzvah of lighting Channukah candles. Firstly, the Gemara describes the mitzvahs as "neir ish u'beiso", "a candle for each person and his home"- why is there a focus on the home itself? Secondly, why are the candles commanded to be placed at the doorway to the home, opposite the mezuzah? What can these halachot teach us about the aim of the Channukah candles, and their unusual connection to the Jewish home?