28th of Kislev, 5770
The Mitzva of Chanukah cannot be performed with electrical candles, even when real candles are not available. An electrical Hanukkiah, however, can be used in addition to the regular Hanukkiah especially during day time.
A few days ago, on Perashat VAYISHLACH, I explained why we are called AM ISRAEL. We read then that Yaakov fought with an angel and the angel blessed him and Yaakov's name was changed to Israel. Israel is the alternative name of Yaakov. But is that fair that we ?the Jewish people- are named exclusively after Yaakov? Why aren?t we called the people of Abraham, the founder of the Jewish people? How about Itzchack? The middle generation is always the most challenging! Wait a minute: a person?s Jewish status goes after the mother. Whatever religion the mother is, that is also the child?s. So why aren?t we called the people of Sarah or Rivkah or Rachel or Lea? Why are we named AM ISRAEL exclusively after Yaakov? Take a closer look at the spelling of the word ?Israel? and you will magically find the names of our three patriarchs and our four matriarchs: ?Yod? for Itzchack and Yaakov, ?Shin? for Sarah. ?Resh? for Rivkah and Rachel. ?Alef? for Abraham and ?Lamed? for Lea. They are all there?. Isn?t it beautiful? Isn?t Israel the perfect name for us?
Recommended link on electrical Chanukkiah:
http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/717564
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