Using An Electric Menorah

Question:

Can I use an electric Menorah on Chanukah to fulfill my obligation?

Discussion:

The short answer is no but we will discuss why this is true. The Bais Yitzchak (Y.D. 120) says that since we use electric lights all the time it is not “persumei nesa” Publicizing the miracle. This reason is hard to understand because in the times of the Gemara they also used candles regularly. Another reason that is given is all the fuel has to be present at the time of lighting (675:5). When using electricity, the fuel is constantly being delivered from the power plant. According to this reason if one had a battery powered light he would be permitted to use it.

An additional reason given is that the fuel source has to have the characteristic of oil, which is fatty. Obviously, electricity does not have this quality so one would not be allowed to light with it (Levushei Moredechai vol. 3:59). Furthermore, we know that the best thing to light with is olive oil, so it certainly is not the preferred method to use electricity.

However, if one is in a situation where he will not be able to light a flame, he may be permitted to light an electric light but would not make the bracha on it. If one knows he is going to be in such a situation, (i.e. he will be in the hospital or will be travelling through the night) then a Rav should be asked as to what to do.  

Summary:

One does not fulfill the mitzvah of lighting the Menorah if he uses an electric fuel source. There are various reasons given as to why this is true. If one knows that he will be unable to light a flame one night of Chanukah a Rav should be consulted as to what to do.