Daf HaYomi B'Halacha Daily Email - 5 Teves/Dec 9

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Can one use a circular menorah?

The nes of Chanukah occurred with the light of a ner. Therefore, the lights of the menorah must appear as individual lights and not as a bonfire. The candles should not be arranged in a circle, since this creates the appearance of a bonfire. Furthermore, when the candles give the impression of being a torch, it looks like the menorah was lit for one’s own enjoyment and not for the sake of the mitzvah. If there is a space the width of a finger between the lights, the circular configuration is acceptable. L’chatchilah, though, the candles should be arranged in a straight line. This is a hidur mitzvah and more closely resembles the menorah in the Beis Hamikdosh. [שו"ע תרעא, ד, משנ"ב יח, וביה"ל ד"ה ומותר; ביאורים ומוספים דרשו, 35 ,40 ו־41]