Does one fulfill the Misva of Hanukah candle lighting by turning on an electric Menorah? We see many people who keep electric Menorahs turned on by the window on Hanukah. Does such a device qualify for the Misva of the Hanukah candle lighting?
The status of an electric light is uncertain with respect to the Misva of Hanukah candles, and therefore one should not use an electric Menorah to fulfill the obligation, in order to ensure that he satisfies the obligation without any doubts. In the event that, for whatever reason, a person does not have access to wicks and matches, and all he has is an electric Menorah, then he should turn on the electric Menorah for the Misva, but without reciting the Berachot. The Menorah in such a case should be positioned in a place where one does not ordinarily have a light turned on, in order to make it clear that it is turned on specifically for the purpose of the Misva. One cannot just turn on one of his usual lights for the Misva.
Even in such a situation, if at some point that night one gains access to matches and wicks, he should light them with the Berachot.
Under normal circumstances, however, as mentioned, an electric Menorah should not be used for the Hanukah candle lighting. This applies both at home and in the synagogue, as the synagogue lighting should be performed according to the same guidelines that apply to the lighting at home.
A gas burner does not qualify for the Misva of Hanukah candle lighting, because there are no wicks; it is simply gas that sustains a flame. Since the Hanukah candles require a wick, a gas burner cannot be used for the Misva.
Summary: One should not use an electric Menorah for the Misva of Hanukah candles, neither at home nor in the synagogue. If one does not have access to wicks or matches, and has only an electric Menorah, he may use it, but without reciting the Berachot, and if he later gains access to wicks and matches, he should light them with the Berachot.
