778. Chanukah for Partier and Travelers
The Rambam states that the Chanukah lights are an extremely precious mitzvah.We must be extra careful in observing this mitzvah in order to publicize the miracle and to praise Hashem and thank Him for the miracles that He performed for us. Even a pauper who survives on tzedakah (charity) is expected to sell his clothing, if needed, to purchase oil for his menorah.
There is halachic debate whether a traveler or vagrant is obligated to buy or rent a home for the sake of the mitzvah of lighting the menorah. Although the consensus is that this is not necessary, it is still incumbent on each person to avoid putting themselves in a situation where kindling the menorahs is neglected. Someone who intends to travel should organize his schedule in advance so that they will be able to personally light the menorah at its proper time in their own living quarters. It is a far greater mitzvah to personally light the menorah rather than delegate it to an emissary.
Guests should light the menorah in the home of their host (if staying there for the night). However, if during the halachic time for lighting, that location will no longer be considered their place of residence – for example, if they permanently leave the location at which they were staying immediately after lighting, and now travels elsewhere, they may not have fulfilled their obligation altogether.
Those organizing Chanukah parties for friends or relatives should time and host these events at a location and hour that will allow the participants to light their own menoros at the correct time in their own homes. It is therefore best to avoid arranging parties in the early hours of the evening, from a half hour before sunset until after nightfall. It is also forbidden a sit-down to a meal within the half-hour prior to kindling time. Needless to say, if the participants are not actually staying overnight at the location in which the party is held, they cannot fulfill their obligation by lighting the menorah there.