Fruit that was picked on Shabbat may not be eaten on that Shabbat - even if a non-Jew picked it for himself.
Even fruit that is lying under a tree is forbidden, since it may have fallen off on Shabbat.
Chanuka lights can already be lit from Plug HaMincha, with the Brachot.
Plug HaMincha is 75 Halachic-minutes before sunset. In Winter this is closer to 60 minutes; on the first day of Chanukah this year in Jerusalem, Plug HaMincha is at 15:32 which is 63 minutes before sunset.
When lighting early, the Menora has to burn until 30 minutes after nightfall.
(As we already learned: there are 2 opinions regarding nightfall: Some say it refers to dusk, other say it refers to 3 stars appearing (like Motzai Shabbat). Everybody should follow their family custom.)
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:1, 10
- Danny
Wednesday, 14 Kislev 5773
Since both men and women were included in the miracle of Chanukah, both need to light the Chanukah Menorah.
At least one person per household must light.
The custom is for everybody to light, including children under Bar Mitzva. However, married couples share one Chanukah Menorah that either the husband or wife lights.
Even blind people should light, if they live by themselves.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:16
- Danny
Tuesday, 13 Kislev 5773
On Motzai Shabbat - the first and last nights of Chanuka this year - one lights the Chanuka Menora after Shabbat ends.
The 8 days of Chanukah always start on the 25th of Kislev; the first candle being lit on the evening before.
This year Chanukah starts on Sunday, 9th December 2012. We will light the first flame on Motzai Shabbat VaYeshev.
A week later - (Motzai Shabbat Miketz, 15th Dec) we will light all 8 flames for the 8th day of Chanuka.
On Motzai Shabbat one first makes Havdalah and then lights the Chanukah Menorah.
In Shul - on Motzai Shabbat - the Menorah is lit after the full-Kaddish - before וְיִתֶּן לְךָ (after ensuring that it's already Motzai Shabbat if one started prayers early).
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 139:18
Some have the custom of lighting the Menorah before making Havdala, since one already heard Havdala in shul. (Source: רמ"א 581:2)
Saving lives takes precedence over Shabbat. (Saving lives takes precedence over all sins besides for idolatry, adultery and murder.)
Even if the danger is not certain, one must transgress Shabbat - if needed - and take care of the potential danger.
Living in Eretz Yisrael is a Mitzva. Walking 4 Amot (~2 m.) in Eretz Yisrael is a Mitzva. Even moving to Eretz Yisrael is considered part of the Mitzva.
One may not leave Eretz Yisrael except to learn Torah, get married, to escape from danger or for business trips.
Source: Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 248:4 - ספר המצות הקצר - מצות לא תעשה קצב
- Danny
