CARR 277-278 - Central Conference of American Rabbis

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