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Answer: The mitzva of neirot Shabbat has a dual purpose – to provide an atmosphere conducive to a pleasant Shabbat (Rambam, Shabbat 5:1); to show respect for Shabbat (see ibid. 30:5). Regarding electric lights, there are two main questions to consider: 1. Is turning on the light considered an action that "fits the mold" of the mitzva? 2. Is the fuel/light combination valid for neirot Shabbat?
Quality of the action: To oversimplify, when one switches on a light, he connects wires in a way that allows electricity to flow to the fixture and operate it. Acharonim debated whether that is considered a direct act or if we view it as gerama (indirect causation) – just a removal of the separation between the sides. We agree with the approach that views this as direct (see Yabia Omer II, Orach Chayim 17), which indicates leniency here but in the context of Shabbat prohibitions obligates people fully for what is accomplished by connecting an electric circuit. Others also claim (see the Rambam’s language – Shabbat 5:1) that there is no need for an action of lighting, but of making sure that lights are lit (Tzitz Eliezer I, 20:11; see Har Tzvi, OC I:143). According to this approach, it is not important whether turning on the light is a direct action.
Source/type of light: Some question whether electricity fits the prototype of the mitzva. Levushei Mordechai (OC III, 59), using Chanuka candles as a precedent, argues that it is invalid because it lacks a classic fuel that one needs to light. Others distinguish between Chanuka, which is commemorating a specific event involving oil, whereas regarding Shabbat, the main thing is the desired light (Yabia Omer ibid.). An interesting "proof" (see ibid.) that one does not need a classic fuel is the story of the miraculous lighting of Shabbat lights from vinegar (Ta’anit 25a). Rav SZ Auerbach is cited (Shemirat Shabbat K’hilchata 43:(22)) as saying that the source of the light must be present at the time of lighting, which exists in a battery-operated light, but not the home’s electricity, which needs constant refreshing from outside. Also, the light does not look like that of a flame (Tzitz Eliezer ibid. is concerned that it looks like a torch). These issues can apply even to an incandescent light, where the light comes from a hot, glowing filament, all the more so to other technologies such as fluorescent and LED. Still, those who focus on the result of a nice atmosphere that helps people and provides honor for Shabbat, should not care about the scientific distinctions on how the light is created.
Regarding bottom line, there is no question that one who cannot light standard candles should use electricity, putting them on at the time of candle lighting with the intention of using it for the mitzva. It is also clear that this suffices to not apply the minhag (Rama, OC 263:1) that one who forgot to light one week, has to add an additional candle the rest of her life. (If it was truly not possible to light candles, she is anyway exempt from this penalty because of the extenuating circumstance – Mishna Berura 263:7).
The existence of significant opinions on both sides of the debate whether one fulfills the mitzva could lead us to a conclusion that it is better not to make a beracha (see Radiance of Shabbat p. 12). However, we agree with the approach that part of relying on this best possible solution is to make the beracha as well (Shemirat Shabbat K’hilchata ibid.). Realize that part of the mitzva is that it should be clear that one is lighting for the mitzva. In our days, while there is a challenge raised by the fact that most of our light for Shabbat is provided by electric lights (see idea of a halachic solution for this - ibid. 34), the candles have the advantage of being clearly done for Shabbat. When one is putting on normal electric lights he would have had even without a mitzva, the beracha seems to have added value.
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (654)
Rabbi Daniel Mann
657 - Ask the Rabbi: Beracha Acharona on Cake
658 - Ask the Rabbi: Electric Lights as Neirot Shabbat
659 - Ask the Rabbi: Giving Away Offensively Left Materials
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
