Havdala in the Synagogue
On Motza’ei Shabbat Chanukah, in the synagogue, Chanukah candles are lit first and only following this is Havdala recited in order to delay the departure of Shabbat as much as possible. Although the one lighting the Chanukah candles removes the sanctity of Shabbat from himself, nevertheless, the rest of the members of the congregation who have not yet lit still retain the sanctity of Shabbat. Also, the Chanukah candles are lit first in order to publicize the miracle, for if Havdala were to be recited first, most of the congregation would have gone home before Chanukah candle-lighting and not witnessed the lighting in the synagogue (see Ohel Mo’ed quoted by Bet Yosef as well as Mishnah Berurah who rule likewise).
Baruch Hamavdil
The one lighting Chanukah candles in the synagogue on Motza’ei Shabbat must take care to recite “Ata Chonantanu” in his Amida prayer during Arvit. If he forgets to, he should make sure to recite the words “Baruch Hamavdil Ben Kodesh Le’Chol” for otherwise, it will be forbidden to do work on Motza’ei Shabbat.
Havdala at Home
When one returns home from synagogue, since the act of lighting a fire will in any case remove the sanctity of Shabbat, one should first recite Havdala and only then light Chanukah candles, for the more frequent Mitzvah should be performed first. (Havdala is indeed more frequent, for it is recited every week.) The Turei Zahav and another rule accordingly.
Ve’Yiten Lecha
Many have the worthy custom of reciting verses of blessing on Motza’ei Shabbat, such as “Ve’Yiten Lecha,” as printed in many Siddurim. This was indeed the custom of Maran zt”l. On Motz’aei Shabbat Chanukah though, Hagaon Harav Yitzchak Palagi writes in his Sefer Yafeh La’lev (Ch. 681) writes that custom of Izmir was to recite Havdala at home, light Chanukah candles, and only then to sit down and recite the customary verses of blessing one usually would after Havdala. His father, Hagaon Harav Chaim Palagi, writes likewise in his Mo’ed Le’Kol Hai, as do many other Acharonim.
Nightfall in Accordance with the Opinion of Rabbeinu Tam
Those who follow the righteous custom not to perform work on Motza’ei Shabbat until nightfall according to the opinion of Rabbeinu Tam should also abstain from lighting the Chanukah candles on Motza’ei Shabbat Chanukah until nightfall according to Rabbeinu Tam, for this is not merely “another good custom”; rather, it is correct and proper for everyone to follow the opinion of Rabbeinu Tam in this matter, especially since this is the opinion of Maran Ha’Shulchan Aruch as well. This was indeed the custom of Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef zt”l who spoke about this topic constantly throughout his entire life; he indeed encouraged us at Halacha Yomit to address this topic as well. Many have heeded Maran’s call, and they are certainly praiseworthy.
The “Boreh Me’orei Ha’esh” Blessing
One may not recite the blessing of “Boreh Me’orei Ha’esh” on the Chanukah candles (for instance, in the synagogue where Chanukah candles are lit before Havdala or if a person mistakenly lit the Chanukah candles at home before Havdala), for one may not recite this blessing until one benefits from the flame and it is forbidden to benefit from the light of the Chanukah candles. However, one may recite this blessing on the “Shamash” (additional) candle, for benefitting from the Shamash is permissible.
Some have the custom (as quoted by the Bet Yosef) to light one of the Chanukah candles without a Beracha to be used for the “Boreh Me’orei Ha’esh” blessing after which this candle it extinguished and then relit with a blessing for the Mitzvah of Chanukah candle lighting. The reason behind this custom is because there is a concept that once something is used for one Mitzvah (in this case, a Havdala candle), it should then be used for another Mitzvah (Chanukah candles). However, we have not seen the Sages of this generation behave this way themselves.
