Maddie James
The nine-branched Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, is a candelabrum lit during the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Eight of the nine branches hold candles or oil lamps, with one additional candle, known as the shamash, used to light the other eight. The shamash is typically placed on a higher or lower plane than the other candles. The nine candles of the Hanukkah menorah represent the eight days of Hanukkah, with one candle lit each night, and the ninth candle used to light the others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 9 |
| Type of candle | Beeswax candle |
| Purpose of the shamash | To light the other 8 candles |
| Placement of the shamash | Set apart from the other candles, often higher or lower |
| Time of lighting | Nightfall, defined in Jewish tradition as the moment when three stars appear |
| Colour of candles | Any colour, but blue and white are associated with Judaism and the State of Israel |
| History | Commemorates the rededication of the sanctuary and the miracle of oil lasting for eight days |
| Symbolism | Light, religious freedom, and hope |
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What You'll Learn
The Shamash candle
The Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, is a nine-branched candelabrum with eight branches holding candles or oil lamps, representing the eight nights of the holiday. The ninth branch holds the Shamash candle, which is used to light the other eight. This candle is set apart from the others, often on a higher or lower plane, to distinguish it and symbolise its role as the "helper".
The placement of the Shamash candle may vary, but its significance remains. The rabbis often gaze at the light from the flames reflected on the Hanukkah candles, engaging in meditation and reflection. The Shamash candle thus becomes a focal point for spiritual contemplation during Hanukkah.
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The miracle of the oil
The nine-branched Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, is a candelabrum lit during the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Eight of the nine branches hold candles or oil lamps that symbolize the eight nights of the holiday. The ninth branch holds a candle called the shamash, which is used to light the other eight.
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The eight nights of Hanukkah
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival that commemorates the rededication of the sanctuary and the miracle of oil lasting eight days. The story goes that when the Jews recaptured the Temple from the Greeks, they found only enough pure oil to light the menorah for one day. However, the oil miraculously lasted for eight days, until more could be procured.
The Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, is a nine-branched candelabrum with eight candles or oil lamps representing the eight nights of the holiday. Each night, an additional light is lit, with the ninth branch, called the shamash, used to light the others. The shamash is placed on a higher or lower plane than the other eight candles. The hanukkiah is often displayed publicly during Hanukkah, with elected officials participating in lighting ceremonies.
The eight-day duration of Hanukkah is significant in several ways. One Rabbinic tradition holds that the Hasmoneans (Maccabees) needed eight days to become purified after being in contact with the dead on the battlefield. Another tradition, found in Pesikta Rabbati, states that the Hasmoneans discovered eight iron rods in the Temple, which they filled with oil and kindled. Thus, the eight days of Hanukkah commemorate the moment when the Hasmoneans officially took control of the Temple.
Hanukkah is celebrated with daily rituals, including special prayers and the lighting of the menorah. Fried foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and jelly doughnuts are eaten to symbolise the importance of oil during the festival. The holiday is a symbol of freedom and light, celebrating the victory of the Maccabees over religious oppression and their dedication to preserving their faith.
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The history of the menorah
The menorah is a multibranched candelabra used in the religious rituals of Judaism. It has been an important symbol in both ancient and modern Israel. The seven-branched menorah was originally found in the wilderness sanctuary and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. It was a popular motif of religious art in antiquity. The word menorah means "lamp" in Hebrew. The ancient menorah had seven branches, one for each day of Creation, and burned in the Temple in Judea.
The menorah is said to have originated in the second century B.C.E. In 167 B.C.E., Judea was ruled by Antiochus IV, who Hellenized the region and outlawed Judaism. The Jewish people were forbidden from keeping the Sabbath and kosher, and the Temple was desecrated. A group of rebels known as the Maccabees fought back and eventually regained control of the Temple, relighting the menorah. According to tradition, a single day's worth of oil miraculously lasted for eight days.
To commemorate this miracle, the Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, has nine branches. Eight of these hold candles or oil lamps, and the ninth holds a "shamash" or "servant" candle, used to light the other eight. Each night of the eight-day festival, an additional light is lit, until the final night when all eight branches are ignited. The Hanukkah menorah is an imitation of the original Tabernacle menorah and is used to celebrate the rededication of the Second Temple.
Over time, the menorah became a popular symbol of Judaism, decorating synagogues, tombs, and Jewish homes. It was adopted as the symbol of the Zionists in the 19th century and became the official emblem of the state of Israel in the 20th century. Today, the menorah continues to be displayed publicly during Hanukkah, with elected officials often participating in lighting ceremonies.
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The Jewish symbol
The nine-branched Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, is a 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 candle called the shamash, which is used to light the other eight. The shamash is typically placed higher or lower than the main eight candles.
The Hanukkah menorah commemorates the seven-branched menorah used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, which has been an important symbol in both ancient and modern Israel. The seven-branched menorah, inspired by the candelabra described in the Hebrew Bible and used by Moses in the Tabernacle, was lit daily in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem throughout the First and Second Temple periods. It is said to have one branch for each day of Creation. The seven-branched menorah has been a popular motif of religious art and is still recognised as an iconic Jewish symbol, often used as a decoration in synagogues and Jewish homes worldwide.
The Hanukkah menorah, with its two additional branches, represents the miracle of the oil that allowed the original candelabra to stay lit for eight days instead of one. On each night of Hanukkah, one more light is lit than the previous night, until the final night when all eight branches are ignited. The lighting of the menorah symbolises religious freedom, hope, and light.
The public display of the hanukkiah has become a tradition around the world during the holiday season.
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Frequently asked questions
A Hanukkah menorah, also known as a 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 that symbolise the eight nights of Hanukkah. The ninth branch holds a candle called the shamash, which is used to light the other eight.
The shamash means "helper" or "servant". It is usually placed higher than the other candles and is not extinguished after the other candles have been lit. Instead, it is left adjacent to the other lights, ready to light them again if they blow out.
