Ben Carter
The Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, is a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Eight of the nine branches hold candles or oil lamps, with the ninth branch holding a shamash or helper candle, which is used to light the other eight. The shamash can be placed either above or below the other candles, and it is kosher to use as long as it is designated a place next to the menorah. The number of candles on the menorah corresponds to the night of Hanukkah it is, with one additional candle lit each night. While there are no specific colour requirements for the candles, they must be lit in a place that facilitates pirsumei nisa (publicizing the miracle) to others. All wicks and oils are kosher for Chanukah candles, and it is preferable to light with cotton or linen wicks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 8 candles (or oil lamps) plus 1 helper candle (shamash) |
| Candle placement | One candle is placed in the right-most spot on the first night. Each night, another candle is added until all nine candles are lit on the final night |
| Candle colour | There are no specific colour requirements; candles can be different colours and changed night-to-night |
| Candle type | Wax candles or oil lamps; all wicks are kosher, but cotton or linen wicks are preferable |
| Public display | Candles should be displayed publicly to facilitate pirsumei nisa (publicising the miracle) |
| Location | Candles must be lit in a place that is fit for doing so and should not be moved after being lit |
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What You'll Learn
Kosher menorahs have eight candle holders and one for the shamash
A Kosher Chanukah menorah has eight candle holders and one for the shamash. The shamash, or "helper" candle, is used to light the other eight candles. On the first night of Chanukah, only two candles are placed in the menorah: the shamash and another candle to designate that it is the first night. Each night, another candle is added, so that on the eighth and final night, all nine candles are lit.
The shamash can be placed either above or below the other candles, and it can be any length. The shamash does not have to be a new candle each night; a previous night's candle stub can be reused. The candles on the menorah do not have to be a specific colour, and it is acceptable for each candle to be a different colour.
The menorah should be lit in a place where it is fit to do so, and the candles should not be moved after they have been lit. The menorah is lit to publicise the miracle of Chanukah, so it should be placed somewhere that facilitates this, such as by a window facing the street.
There are not many requirements for a kosher menorah, and most menorahs on the market are fine. However, one person asked whether a menorah with eight spots, but no spot for the shamash, would be kosher to use. They were told that it would be kosher as long as they designated a place next to the menorah for the shamash.
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The shamash candle is used to light the other eight
The shamash candle is an important part of the Hanukkah menorah, also known as a hanukkiah, which is a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The shamash candle is the ninth candle, set apart from the other eight and used to light them. The word "shamash" means "helper" or "servant" in Hebrew, reflecting its role in assisting the lighting of the other candles.
The shamash is usually distinguished from the other candles in some way, often by being placed at a different height, either above or below the other flames, or to the side, in front of, or behind them. This distinction serves a practical purpose, as it ensures the shamash can be easily identified and used to relight any candles that accidentally go out. It also carries a symbolic meaning: while the shamash is not a mitzvah candle, it enables the other candles to form a mitzvah, reflecting the idea that individuals can serve as teachers and helpers to others, elevating them without pushing them down.
The shamash is typically lit on the first night of Hanukkah, along with another candle to mark the first night of the festival. On each subsequent night, one more candle is lit than the previous night, until the final night when all eight branches are ignited, in addition to the shamash. This ritual commemorates the miracle of Hanukkah and is often performed publicly, with large outdoor menorahs erected by Jewish organizations and elected officials participating in lighting ceremonies.
The shamash candle is not extinguished after lighting the other candles but is instead left burning alongside them. This practice preserves the sanctity of the mitzvah lights, ensuring they are not used for any practical purpose. The shamash remains ready to "'serve' by lighting any candles that go out, reflecting its role as a "helper" candle.
The shamash candle is a key element of the Hanukkah menorah, symbolizing the idea of service and teaching and playing a practical role in the lighting of the menorah each night of the festival.
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The shamash candle can be placed above or below the others
The shamash candle is the ninth candle on a Hanukkah menorah, also known as a hanukkiah, and is used to light the other eight candles. The shamash is usually set apart from the other candles, often at a different height, either higher or lower, to distinguish it from the other candles. However, there is no rule regarding the shamash's position relative to the other candles. It can be placed anywhere, as long as it is at a different level, and its light can be "used".
The shamash is not a mitzvah candle, but it is important because it enables the other candles to form a mitzvah. It is often placed above the other candles, symbolising that a teacher becomes great by using their superior skills to help others. However, the shamash can also be placed below the other candles or to the side.
If a menorah does not have a designated spot for the shamash, it is still kosher to use as long as you designate a place for the shamash next to the menorah. For example, the shamash can be placed in a totally different candlestick as long as it is near the menorah.
The shamash candle must burn at least as long as the other candles, so a smaller candle that burns away faster is not suitable.
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The shamash candle can be any length
The shamash candle, also known as the "helper" or "servant" candle, is an important part of the Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah. This candle is used to light the other eight candles or oil lamps that symbolize the eight nights of the holiday. While there are certain requirements for a kosher menorah, the shamash candle can be any length.
The Hanukkah menorah is a nine-branched candelabrum, with eight branches holding candles or oil lamps, and the ninth branch holding the shamash candle. Each night of Hanukkah, one more light is lit, until the final night when all eight branches are ignited, in addition to the shamash. This ritual commemorates the miracle of Hanukkah and is observed by Jews around the world.
The shamash candle can be placed either above or below the other candles on the menorah. It is also kosher to use a separate candle, not part of the menorah, to light the other candles, and then light the shamash last. This practice is followed in Sephardi communities.
There are no specific requirements for the length of the shamash candle. It can be a new candle or even a previous night's candle stub. The shamash is typically placed in the center of the menorah, but it can also be designated a place next to the menorah if the menorah does not have a ninth spot for it.
The color of the shamash candle is also not specified and can be chosen according to personal preference. It is acceptable for each candle on the menorah to be a different color, and these colors can be changed each night.
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All wicks and most oils are kosher for Chanukah candles
The requirements for a kosher menorah are not very stringent, and most menorahs on the market are suitable. The basic elements of the menorah are eight candle (or oil) holders, and one more, that is set apart from the rest, for the shamash (attendant) candle.
All wicks are kosher for Chanukah candles, even those that are unfit for Shabbat candles, such as cotton, hair, or silk wicks. Cotton and linen wicks are preferable. Wicks can be reused until they are used up, although some people prefer to use new wicks as a reminder of the wicks in the Bet HaMikdash.
Most oils are kosher for Chanukah candles, even those that are unfit for Shabbat candles. Olive oil is the preferred choice for Chanukah candles, as it was the oil used in the miracle of the Bais HaMikdash, and its light is pure and clear. If olive oil is not available, it is better to use other oils with a clear and pure flame, or wax candles, as their flame is also pure and clean. However, some oils may not be used, such as those that are isurei hanaah, from which no benefit may be derived.
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Frequently asked questions
The basic elements of a kosher menorah are eight candle (or oil) holders, and one more, that is set apart from the rest, for the shamash (attendant) candle.
All wicks and oils are kosher for Chanukah candles. Oils that are spoiled and inedible are unfit unless they are inedible because they are bitter and not spoiled—just like wax, which is fit even though it is inedible.
The first night’s candle is placed in the right-most spot. Each night, another candle is added so that on the eighth and final night of Chanukah, all nine candles (the shamash plus eight others) are lit. The shamash is used to light the other candles.
