Blindness and Lighting Menorah

Question

Are the Blind responsible to light the Menorah on Chanukah?

Answer 1

He is chayav (obligated). Therefore if someone else lives in the same home, we have him fulfill his obligation with him by paying him a small amount to partner with him. If he has a wife, she lights for both of them. If not, then he lights with someone helping him (so that he does not hurt himself or start a fire.)

SA OC 675: 3 MA 4

סומא אם יכול להשתתף בפריטי מוטב ואס יש לו אשה אשתו מדלקת עליו ואס אין לו אשה ויש לו בית מיוחד מדליק ע״י סיוע של אחר דסומא חייב בכל המצות

Answer 2

Rav Aharon Lichtenstein has a broad analysis of this subject. He dealt with the issue personally when his father went blind late in life. Part I - http://vbm-torah.org/archive/halak66/14halak.htm Part II - http://vbm-torah.org/archive/halak66/15halak.htm Part III - http://vbm-torah.org/archive/halak66/16halak.htm

Answer 3

One of the main reasons we light is for Pirsumei Nisah. It would seem that a blind person also has this obligation.