Can an electric menorah be used as a chanukiyah?
A. According to nearly all authorities, an electrified menorah may not be used to fulfill the mitzva of kindling the Chanukah lights. While electric bulbs undoubtedly five off light, the filaments are not considered a “flame”. Moreover, a requisite amount of fuel must be available when the lights are kindled. An electric menorah depends on continuous generation of power to remain lit. Thus, the act of kindling in itself is insufficient to cause the lamp to burn for the prescribed period of time. Since the halachic principle governing the chanukiyah is “kindling constitutes the performance of the mitzvah,” turning on an electric light would not fulfill the commandment. Q. Some oil chanukiyot have one reservoir for oil and separate wicks. Is this permitted? A. Yes, as long as the wicks are separated so they appear as separate lights and not like a torch. Q. May I read by the light of the chanukiyah? A. No, unlike the Shabbat candles, the Chanukah lights are not used for any purpose other
