How much oil should be put in the Hanukkah lamps?

Question: Is it enough to put in just a little oil, so the lamps burn for a few minutes?

Answer:

No.

The Ben Ish Chai rules that the lamps must contain enough oil to burn for at least half an hour.

It is important that this amount is already there at the moment of lighting.

What if he lit with too little oil?

If at the time of lighting there was not enough oil, he has not fulfilled his obligation, even if he added oil afterward.

What should he do?

He should put out the lamp, add the proper amount of oil and light again, without a new blessing.

The Ben Ish Chai warns to check the amount of oil before saying the blessing, because sometimes oil spills without anyone noticing.

The practical message: before lighting, make sure all the lamps are ready and can burn for the required time.