Flying over Chanuka

Question: I am flying during Chanuka and won't be home to light the menora. What should I do?

Answer: R’ Yitzchak Yaakov Weiss (Minchas Yitzchak 7:46) notes a machlokes regarding fulfilling the obligation to light the menora when away by having a family member light on one's behalf in a different time zone. The Mishna Berura (677:2) states that one can fulfil this obligation if their wife lights at home. However, R’ Weiss specifies that this applies effectively only if both parties are in a similar time zone and obligated simultaneously. On the other hand, R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo, Chanuka 13:4) permits relying on family members back home regardless of the time zone.

R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer OC 2:17; OC 3:35; Yechave Daas 4:38; 5:24), R’ Eliezer Waldenberg (Tzitz Eliezer 1:20:12) and R’ Binyamin Zilber (Az Nidberu 3:1-2) assert that while electric lights are permissible for Shabbos candles under extenuating circumstances, Chanuka lights must consist of fuel and wicks. An electric menora without these elements should not be used with the berachos, and if one does light such a menora, they are required to light a traditional menora afterward with the berachos (see Halichos Shlomo, Chanuka 15:3).

Regarding lighting on transportation, while Rashi (Shabbos 23a) argues against lighting on a boat, the Maharsham (4:146), Aruch Hashulchan (OC 677:5) and R’ Eliezer Waldenberg (Tzitz Eliezer 15:29) affirm the obligation to light on a train. R’ Binyamin Zilber (Az Nidberu 6:75; 7:67) explains that one does not need a permanent residence to be obligated in lighting.

R’ Ephraim Greenblatt (Rivevos Ephraim 1:434:5) addresses the question of lighting on an airplane (published in 1974, when smoking was still permitted on flights). He suggests that as an airplane may not qualify as a dwelling place, one should light without the berachos (see Shearim Metzuyanim Behalacha 139:13).

In conclusion, if someone is available at home to light on your behalf during the appropriate time, they should do so. If that's not possible, one may light an electric torch (preferably incandescent or halogen), though without reciting the berachos.

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