CCAR RESPONSA
Contemporary American Reform Responsa
185. Hannukah and a Combustible
Menorah
QUESTION: May a Hannukah menorah be
constructed totally of combustible material which will be destroyed during the course of the
festival? In other words, an artist intends to fabricate eight different menorahs, one for
each night of Hannukah; they will be made of wax. They are intended to be lit on the
eight nights and to burn until nothing remains. (M. G., Washington, DC)ANSWER:
The Hannukah menorah represents one of the few ritual objects of which we
have a large representation from the past. We possess examples dating back to the first century,
while more recent times are represented by hundreds of variations (M. Narkiss, The
Hannukah Lamp; R. Elis, Hannukah Lamps of the Judah L. Magnus Museum).
Menorahs have been made of many kinds of metal as well as stone, and occasionally
wood or porcelain. There is virtually no discussion about the material of the menorah; its
purpose is to “publicize the miracle.” This can be done in a humble or grand manner according to
the means of the household involved. My synagogue museum contains a small traveling
menorah no larger than a matchbox, as well as an eighteenth century menorah six
feet in height. Tradition has been indifferent to the material used. There is some discussion
about the manner in which the lights should be displayed, although that is also minimal (S. B.
Freehof, “A Non-Linear Menorah,” Modern Reform Responsa, pp. 86 ff).
Considerable attention is given to the material used as fuel for the light. Theoretically,
virtually any fuel which clearly proclaims the miracle is allowed; this excludes a wood burning
fire, whose appearance does not indicate the observance of the holiday (Sab. 21b). There are
Orthodox objections to gas and electric menorahs (S. Z. Auerbach, Meorei Esh,
Chap. 3; Frank, Har Zevi, Orah Hayim #143; Eliezer Waldenberg, Tzitz Eliezer I,
#20, Chapt. 12). Those objections rest on very doubtful bases, i.e., that the appropriate amount
of fuel is not immediately available, that throwing a light switch is not akin to kindling a flame, or
that a wick is necessary for the menorah. The real objection to the use of gas
or electricity is aesthetic and our love of tradition. We wish to celebrate Hannukah
through lighting candles or oil as did our forefathers. If oil is used then olive oil is preferred;
among candles, wax candles are suggested (Shulhan Arukh Orah Hayim 673.1). The
sources, however, indicate that any fuel may be used. Tradition is primarily concerned with
publicizing the miracle in an appealing manner. It would, therefore, be appropriate to
utilize the eight separate menorahs, one for each night, under conditions in which each
will be completely consumed.October 1984
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.