In a society where candles were used for light (before electricity), how did one ensure that the candles used for Ner Chanukah are recognizable as being for a mitzvah – especially given the fact that pirsumei nisa is a critical element of the mitzvah?
If a person lives alone would they not be required to light? The poskim say yes! There is a concept of publicizing the miracle to oneself.
Rav Betzalel Zolty on the difference between mehadrin/hiddur mitzvah vis-a-vis Ner Chanukah versus other mitzvot and the concept of publicizing the miracle to oneself.
Delivered at the OU Israel Center, December 5th, 2018 (27 Kislev 5779)