Where are the candles lit?
Originally, the candles were placed at the left side of the door that adjoins a public area. This was intended to publicize the miracle to passersby. During times of persecution, it became customary to light the candles inside ones home, and this is still the prevalent custom outside Israel, even in countries such as ours where persecution is fortunately not a concern. Even when lighting inside, many people attempt to retain some of the publicity by lighting in a window. But even if one lights indoors, not near a window, he fulfills the mitzvah as long as the residents of the room see the candles. Those who wish to light at their doors, should light at the door to their personal rooms, not at the door to the entire residence hall. One must first set up the candles in the location where they will burn, and then light them and leave them in place, rather than light them first and then move them to their proper spot.
