These notes are intended solely to aid in the learning process and should not be considered authoritative halachic conclusions
Please do not rely on these notes l’maaseh
וChelek 6
- From The 25th of Kislev Chanuka begins. For these eight days it is forbidden to fast or eulogize. (ShA )
- The only prohibition to work applies to women during the half hour after the candles are lit each night at home. In some communities men also observe this restriction. (ShA – MB , )
- Some poskim hold that festive meals during Chanuka count as seudos mitzva celebrating the rededication of the mizbayach. If you blend the meal with simchas haTorah, it will count as your kvius ittim.Our custom is to have these meals amidst song and praise which makes them into proper seudos mitzva. (Rama – BeH “v’nohagin”)
- Do not play cards in place of songs and praise. (BeH “v’nohagin)
- Eat cheese during Chanuka to recall the miracle when Yehudis fed cheese to the enemy governor until he was drunk – she then cut off his head and the enemies all fled. (Rama – MB )
- Eulogize only a chocham in his presence. (ShA )
- Do not fast even for a yohrtzeit or to dispel a bad dream. (Rama )