Electricity for Positive Mitzvot Part 4: Bedikat Chameitz

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Bedikat Chametz

Rav Ovadia Yosef (Teshuvot Yechave Da’at 1:4) notes that just as the consensus opnion accepts electric lights for Shabbat lights so too electric illumination is suitable for Bedikat Chametz. He cites an oral report that the Chazon Ish agreed. Rav Shimon Eider (Halachos of Pesach 1:86) reports that Rav Moshe Feinstein and Rav Aharon Kotler agreed as well. This has emerged as the widely accepted opinion with barely any dissent. Of course, a flashlight is the means to perform Bedikat Chametz using electricity.

The only debate that remains is whether a flashlight is the optimal means of illumination or is the traditional wax candle to be used. Rav Ovadia urges fidelity to tradition but Rav Moshe believes that a flashlight is a superior means to conduct Bedikat Chametz. Rav Ahron Soloveichik (cited by Rav Ari Marcus, Halacha 24/7/12 page 248) agrees. The need for safety makes this the view of Rav Moshe and Rav Ahron the clear preference. Some, however, make a compromise. In a nod to tradition they begin Bedikat Chametz with the traditional wax candle but then conduct the rest of the search using a flashlight.

Electricity may be used for Shabbat candles only when there is no viable safe alternative. Otherwise, the traditional candles must be used. However, prudence and good judgment make flashlights the clear choice for Bedikat Chametz.

Merely because something is permissible according to Halacha does not mean that it ought to be immediately implemented and adopted in observant homes. On the other hand, when an advance in technology allows one to upgrade one's ability to fulfill a commandment, one should not freely turn away that opportunity simply because such opportunity was not available to previous generations. There is a balance. Halacha prefers ritual observance be done in a manner similar to that done in previous generations and in other observant homes. On the other hand, technical improvements in ritual can and do occur and many of them are driven by advances of technology. If in fact, a flashlight provides better and safer light, it is appropriate to encourage people to use a flashlight instead of a candle when searching for Chametz or when lighting Shabbat candles that will be left unattended; this is even more so true in light of the safety problems associated with lit candles and small children.

Rav Yechezkeil Landau (Nodah BeYehuda, Orach Chaim 2:18) provides a paradigmatic example of how Halacha resolves this balance. Rav Landau was asked if one may construct a synagogue in a shape other than a rectangle, which had been the way synagogues were designed for many years, although such a shape is not required by Halacha. He replied that even though Halacha has no particular requirement regarding the shape of a synagogue, "it is best not to deviate from the venerated practices [of the Jewish people]." However, he adds "if the reason [why a deviation is desired] is that the proposed plan will allow for more available seating area, then there is no reason why this plan should not be implemented".

The question of using a flashlight to search for chametz is analogous to changing the shape of the synagogue for a valid reason. Unnecessary deviation from custom is frowned upon; however, if the reason for the deviation is legitimate -- and safety reasons certainly fit into this category -- and there are no other Halachic objections, then there is no objection to the change.

Conclusion

The Halachic consensus supports using electricity for Shabbat lighting only when necessary. No consensus has emerged regarding Havdala and electric lights. It seems best to avoid ever using electric lights for Havdala. There is a strong Halachic consensus rejecting the use of electricity for Chanuka lighting. It is preferable to use a flashlight for Bedikat Chametz instead of the traditional wax candle.

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