[Avodah] Achsenai

[Akiva Miller via Avodah]

I have several questions about the halacha of an achsenai who accomplishes
his Ner Chanuka via a host. This post will be in three sections: First I
will describe a typical scenario where this is done. Then I will give
several questions about when one can use this procedure. Finally I have a
basic question about the pruta involved.

First, I would like to describe what I think is a fairly typical scenario
where one might use this. Let's say that I am planning on having dinner at
my home around candle lighting time, and I invited a guest. He really ought
to light his menorah at *his* home, because he *has* his own home and does
not live at my home. But it would be more convenient, for whatever reason,
for him to light at *my* home. So he gives me a pruta to purchase a share
of my oil, and then I can light while he stands with me listening to my
brachos, and he is totally yotzay. There is no need at all for him to light
again when he gets back to his own home. If I have made any mistakes in the
above, then let's discuss them and not go any further.

Now, when can we make use of this procedure? Does the guest have to
actually eat in my home? Does it have to be a meal of bread, or can a snack
suffice? Does he have to eat anything at all? Maybe it is enough that he
sits down as a guest and we shmooze for the half-hour duration of the
candles? Does he really have to stay in my home for the full half-hour at
all? Does he really have to even *be* in my house at all? For example, if I
meet him in the street, can he give me a pruta and be my guest in absentia?

Finally (and perhaps most importantly) I don't understand what the pruta
accomplishes. We are told that when the guest gives the pruta to the
homeowner, he acquires a share in the oil. Big deal! What does ownership of
the oil accomplish? He is a guest, not a resident, and he ought to be
lighting in his own home. And this building is *not* his home. If the pruta
is to accomplish anything, it ought to be paying for a share of the *home*.
If he becomes a renter or part-owner of the home, then it makes sense that
he can do his candle lighting here. But what does ownership of the oil
accomplish?

Akiva Miller
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