Ben Carter
The menorah is a candelabrum with nine branches, eight of which hold candles or oil lamps. The ninth branch holds the shamash, or helper candle, which is used to light the other eight. The menorah is lit during the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, with one more light being lit each night until the final night when all eight branches are ignited. The menorah is typically lit shortly after sunset or after nightfall and must contain enough fuel to burn for at least thirty minutes after nightfall. The shamash candle is usually lit first and is used to light the other candles from left to right. The menorah is a symbol of Jewish identity and is often displayed in windows or erected outdoors as an act of public celebration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of light | Real flames, wax or oil-fueled |
| Time of lighting | Shortly after sunset or after nightfall |
| Duration of lighting | At least 30 minutes after nightfall |
| Number of candles | 8, with an additional "helper" candle |
| Placement of candles | In a straight, even line |
| Direction of placement | Right to left |
| Direction of lighting | Left to right |
| Lighting of the "helper" candle | First |
| Lighting occasion | Each night of the eight-day festival |
| Location | In a window facing the street |
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What You'll Learn
The shamash candle
On the first night of Hanukkah, only two candles are placed in the menorah: the shamash and another candle to designate the first night. The shamash is lit first, and then the Hanukkah blessing is recited. After that, the first night's candle is lit using the shamash, and it is placed in the right-most spot. On each subsequent night, another candle is added, and the newest candle is lit first using the shamash, followed by the rest of the candles from left to right. By the eighth and final night, all nine candles, including the shamash, are lit.
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Blessings and procedures
The Chanukah menorah, also known as a Hanukkiah, is lit each of the eight nights of Chanukah. The menorah is lit around nightfall, shortly after sunset, and must burn for at least 30 minutes after nightfall. On Friday, the menorah is lit before the Shabbat candles, and on Saturday, it is lit after nightfall.
The shamash, or "helper" candle, is placed in the centre of the menorah or slightly higher or lower than the other candles. It is used to light the other candles and is lit first. The shamash is not extinguished and is left adjacent to the other candles, ready to light them if they blow out.
On the first night of Hanukkah, only two candles are placed in the menorah: the shamash and another candle to designate the first night. The first night's candle is placed in the rightmost spot and lit with the shamash. On the second night, the candle second from the right is lit first, followed by the far-right candle. This pattern is repeated each night, always lighting the newest candle first. On the eighth night, all candles are lit, starting from the far left.
Before lighting the candles, blessings are said. On the first night, three blessings are recited, and on subsequent nights, two blessings are said. The blessings are:
- Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.
- Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.
- Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.
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Placement of the menorah
The placement of the menorah holds cultural and religious significance in Judaism. The menorah is a multibranched candelabra used in Jewish religious rituals and is a prominent symbol of Jewish identity. The seven-branched menorah, also known as the Temple menorah, was originally found in the wilderness sanctuary and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. An eight-branched variant, called the Hanukkah menorah or Chanukah menorah, is used during the eight-day festival of Hanukkah or Chanukah.
The placement of the menorah during the festival of Hanukkah holds symbolic meaning and is guided by tradition and ritual. Here are some key considerations regarding the placement of the menorah:
- Entrance of the House: According to the Talmud, the ideal placement of the Hanukkah menorah is at the entrance of the house. This placement serves the purpose of "pirsumei nisa," which means publicizing the miracle of Hanukkah. By placing the menorah at the entrance, it becomes visible to passersby, sharing the light and the miracle with the world.
- Left Side of the Entrance: While the right side is typically given precedence, the left side of the entrance is chosen for the menorah. This is because, upon entering the house, one is surrounded by mitzvot, with the mezuzah on the right and the Hanukkah lights on the left. The mezuzah is a private mitzvah, while the Hanukkah lamp is a public expression of faith.
- Facing the Street: In addition to placing the menorah at the entrance, some Jews choose to put it in a window facing the street. This act holds special significance during moments of antisemitism, serving as a courageous statement of Jewish identity.
- Direction of Placement: The candles within the menorah are placed from right to left, reflecting the direction in which Hebrew is written. However, when lighting the candles, it is customary to start from left to right.
- Height and Arrangement: The shamash, or "helper" candle, is typically placed in the centre or slightly higher or lower than the other candles. The eight candles of the menorah should be arranged in a straight, even line, ensuring that none are higher or lower than the others.
- Outdoor Displays: Large outdoor menorahs are often erected by Jewish organizations in public spaces during Hanukkah. These displays further emphasize the public nature of the holiday and serve as a symbol of unity and pride for the Jewish community.
The placement of the menorah is an important aspect of the Hanukkah celebration, blending ritual, tradition, and the expression of faith. The menorah's positioning at the entrance of homes and in public spaces symbolizes the public nature of the holiday and the desire to share the miracle of Hanukkah with the world.
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Lighting the candles
The menorah is lit to celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. The lighting of the menorah is a ceremony steeped in Jewish tradition and history.
The menorah is traditionally lit at nightfall on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. The first night's candle is placed in the right-most spot and lit using the shamash, or "helper" candle, which is placed in the centre. The shamash is lit first, and then the night's candle is lit from left to right. The shamash is then returned to its spot, remaining lit. The shamash is never extinguished; it is left burning with the other candles, ready to light any that blow out.
On the second night, the candle second from the right is lit first, followed by the candle on the far right, and the shamash is replaced. This pattern is repeated each night, with the newest candle lit first, and the shamash always relit and replaced. On the final night, all nine candles are lit, starting from the far left.
The menorah is traditionally placed in a window or doorway, facing the street, to share the light with passers-by and publicise the miracle of Hanukkah.
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History of the menorah
The menorah is a multibranched candelabra that has been used in the religious rituals of Judaism and has served as a symbol representing Jews and Judaism in both ancient and modern Israel. The seven-branched menorah was originally found in the wilderness sanctuary and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. The word menorah means "lamp" in Hebrew. The ancient menorah had seven branches, one for each day of Creation, and it burned in the Temple in Judea. The seven lamps of the golden menorah represented the seven classical planets: the Moon, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
The menorah is also closely associated with the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The Hanukkah menorah, or Hanukkiah, is an eight- or nine-branched variant of the menorah. The miracle of Hanukkah happened with olive oil, so an oil menorah is preferable to a candle one. On the first of Hanukkah’s eight nights, only two candles are placed in the Hanukkah menorah: the shamash, or “helper” candle, and another candle that designates the first night. On the eighth and final night of Hanukkah, all nine candles are lit.
The menorah has been used since ancient times to distinguish synagogues and Jewish cemeteries from the places of worship and cemeteries of Christians and pagans. It became the official emblem of the State of Israel when it was founded in 1948. During the early modern period, the menorah as a symbol was replaced by the Star of David, but in the 19th century, it was adopted as the symbol of the Zionists. In the 20th century, the seven-branched candelabra depicted on the Arch of Titus became the official emblem of the State of Israel.
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Frequently asked questions
The candles on a menorah are lit at nightfall on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah.
On the first night of Hanukkah, only two candles are placed in the menorah: the shamash, or "helper" candle, and another candle. On each subsequent night, another candle is added, so that on the eighth and final night, all nine candles are lit.
The shamash candle is lit first, and it is used to light the other candles, usually from left to right.
