What do you do if a Hanukkah candle goes out during the lighting?

Question: A person lit the Hanukkah candles, and after a few minutes the wind blew them out. Must he light again?

Answer:

It depends on where he lit.

First case: the candles were placed somewhere exposed to the wind.

If from the start it was clear that the candles could not stay lit in that place, he has not fulfilled his obligation.

He must move them to a suitable place and light again without a blessing.

Second case: the candles were placed in a sheltered place.

If the candles were placed where they would normally burn properly, but went out because of something unexpected, there is no obligation to light again.

However, the Ben Ish Chai praises one who is stringent and relights them.

The rule: when the lighting was done properly, an accidental extinguishing does not require lighting again.