Who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days in this time. The miracles taught a lesson to a People prepared to learn. They possessed a pure and wholesome faith. Today, however, if miracles were to occur, we would explain them away scientifically. We would lose sight of the miracle and be satisfied with some natural explanation.
Miracles are a means of communication, and communication requires two sides.
When we are ready for miracles, when we can recognize one when it hits us, we will have them. This teaches us that there are miracles all around us, even if they occur seventy times a minute. Yet, this is exactly the point. The ordinary, the natural and the commonplace are as much the works of His hands as the splitting the sea and Creation itself. Dear Bruce, There are no Halachic restrictions on substances that can be used for the construction of a Chanukia when candles are used.