Brooke Martin
The menorah is a candelabrum that is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. It is a seven-branched candelabra that is described in the Hebrew Bible as having been used in the Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem. The menorah is lit during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, with eight candles or oil lamps symbolizing the eight nights of the holiday. On each night, an additional light is lit until the final night when all eight branches are ignited. The ninth branch holds a candle called the shamash, which is used to light the other eight. While candles are commonly used today, the traditional practice is to use olive oil, as the menorah was originally fueled by oil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of branches | 7 or 9 |
| Fuel | Olive oil or candles |
| Placement | Window, table, doorway, outside door, synagogue, communal dining area, etc. |
| Timing | After dark, shortly after sunset, or after nightfall |
| Duration | At least 30 minutes after nightfall |
| Number of candles | 8, with the 9th being the shamash |
| Candle placement | From right to left |
| Candle lighting order | Left to right |
| Blessing | Before lighting the candles |
| Number of blessings | 3 on the first night, 2 on every night thereafter |
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What You'll Learn
- The menorah is a seven-branched candelabrum that is lit during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah
- The original menorah burned oil, not candles, as the latter was unknown in the Middle East until 400 CE
- The shamash, or helper candle, is used to light the other candles
- The menorah should be lit before sunset on Fridays and after sunset on Saturdays
- The menorah is traditionally placed in a window, on a table, or outside a door
The menorah is a seven-branched candelabrum that is lit during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah
The menorah is a seven-branched candelabrum that holds a significant role in Jewish culture and history. It is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and is widely recognised as a symbol of Judaism. The menorah is also lit during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, which commemorates the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days after the Maccabees' victory over the Greeks.
The menorah is typically placed in a window, on a table, or outside the door during Hanukkah. It is meant to spread light and joy to others, especially during the holiday season. The lighting of the menorah is a sacred ritual that follows specific steps and blessings. The shamash, or helper candle, is lit first and used to light the other candles. Each night of Hanukkah, one more light is lit, moving from right to left, until the final night when all the branches are illuminated.
While the traditional menorah has seven branches, the Hanukkah menorah, also known as the hanukkiah, typically has nine branches. Eight of these branches hold candles or oil lamps, representing the eight nights of Hanukkah. The ninth branch holds the shamash candle, which is used to light the others. This additional branch in the Hanukkah menorah distinguishes it from the traditional seven-branched menorah.
The type of fuel used in the menorah is also significant. In ancient times, the menorah burned olive oil, and this tradition has been preserved in some communities. However, candles are more commonly used today, and it is customary to ensure that the menorah has enough fuel to burn for at least 30 minutes after nightfall. The use of olive oil or candles depends on personal preference and the specific customs of different Jewish communities.
The lighting of the menorah during Hanukkah is a cherished tradition that brings families and communities together. It is a time for celebration, reflection, and honouring the miracle of the oil that is central to the Hanukkah story. The menorah serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Jewish people throughout history.
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The original menorah burned oil, not candles, as the latter was unknown in the Middle East until 400 CE
The menorah is a seven-branched candelabrum that is described in the Hebrew Bible as having been used in the Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem. The menorah has served as a symbol representing Jews and Judaism in the Land of Israel and the Jewish diaspora. The original menorah was made for the Tabernacle and was made of pure gold. According to the Bible, the only source of fuel that was allowed to be used to light the menorah was fresh olive oil.
The menorah was placed in the Tabernacle, and it is assumed that it was also present when the tabernacle tent was pitched in Shiloh. The menorah was present in the Temple until it was plundered by the Babylonians. The Second Temple was also said to have been home to a menorah. The menorah was taken to Rome after the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 CE.
The use of the menorah has been preserved in the Byzantine Rite, where it stands on or behind the altar in the sanctuary. While candles may be used, the traditional practice is to use olive oil in the seven-lamp lampstand. The menorah is also used in Jewish art, particularly in Jewish funerary art, with examples uncovered in burial caves near ancient Michmas and in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Today, the menorah is commonly used to celebrate Hanukkah, an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the Maccabees' victory over the Greeks and the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days. The menorah is lit during Hanukkah, with eight candles representing each night of the holiday. On each night, one more light is lit than the previous night, until the final night when all eight branches are lit. The ninth branch holds a "helper" candle, called the shamash, which is used to light the other eight. The Hanukkah menorah is also known as a hanukkiah, a term that originated in the 18th century among Sephardic communities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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The shamash, or helper candle, is used to light the other candles
The shamash, or helper candle, is used to light the other eight candles of the Hanukkah menorah. The shamash is the ninth candle, set apart from the other candles, often higher or lower, on the ninth branch of the menorah. The shamash is usually distinguished from the other candles in some way, either by offsetting it to one side or raising or lowering its level. However, this does not indicate that the shamash is more important than the other candles.
The shamash is an important part of the Hanukkah celebration, symbolising the miracle of the holiday. According to the story, the Jews rededicated the Temple after their victory over the Greeks, and there was only enough oil to last one day. However, the oil continued to burn for eight days, and this miracle is commemorated during Hanukkah. The shamash candle represents this miracle by kindling the light of the other candles, providing a full menorah's worth of light.
In Ashkenazi communities, the shamash candle is lit first and then used to light the other candles from left to right. In Sephardi communities, an extra candle that is not part of the menorah is used to light the other candles, and the shamash is lit last. After all the candles have been lit, the shamash is not blown out but is left to burn alongside the other candles. This is because, in Jewish law, the Hanukkah lights cannot be used for a practical purpose, so the shamash is left burning in case another light goes out and an extra candle is needed.
The shamash also holds symbolic significance beyond its role in lighting the other candles. The shamash represents the idea of service and humility, as the word "shamash" means "helper" or "servant" in Hebrew. Just as the shamash candle serves to illuminate the other candles, so too can individuals strive to be a "shamash" in their own lives by helping and supporting others. This idea of service and humility is an important value in Jewish culture and is embodied by the shamash candle during the Hanukkah celebration.
The lighting of the menorah is a sacred ritual in Judaism, and the shamash candle plays a crucial role in this tradition. By lighting the other candles, the shamash ensures that the menorah shines brightly, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and the perseverance of the Jewish faith.
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The menorah should be lit before sunset on Fridays and after sunset on Saturdays
The menorah is a candelabrum that is lit during Hanukkah, a Jewish festival commemorating the Maccabees' victory over the Greeks and the subsequent rededication of the temple. It is also known as the Festival of Lights. The miracle of Hanukkah centres on a small jug of oil that lasted eight days, so an oil menorah is preferable to a candle menorah. However, candles are often used in modern times.
The menorah should be lit at sunset on Fridays and after sunset on Saturdays. This is because it is forbidden to light a fire on Shabbat, which extends from sunset on Friday to nightfall on Saturday. Therefore, the menorah is lit before sunset on Friday, and after sunset on Saturday, once Shabbat has ended. The candles should be placed in the menorah from right to left but lit from left to right. The shamash, or "helper" candle, is lit first and used to light the other candles.
The menorah is traditionally placed in a window, on a table, or outside a door, in a central location. It is meant to spread light to others, and in moments of antisemitism, some Jews have chosen to light the menorah in a window as an act of defiance and bravery. The menorah is also erected outdoors by Jewish organisations, in towns and public spaces.
On the first night of Hanukkah, two candles are lit in the menorah: the shamash, and another candle designating the first night. On the second night, the shamash is lit, and then the second candle from the right, 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.
The blessings are said before the candles are lit. In Ashkenazi communities, the shamash is lit first, and then used to light the other candles. In Sephardi communities, an extra candle is used to light the shamash and the other candles, and then blown out.
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The menorah is traditionally placed in a window, on a table, or outside a door
The menorah is a candelabrum that holds a significant place in Jewish tradition. It is a symbol representing Jews and Judaism and is also used in Taoist and African American Kwanzaa celebrations. The menorah is traditionally lit during the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah, with one more light being lit each night until all are lit on the final night. The menorah is traditionally placed in a window, on a table, or outside a door.
The menorah is meant to spread light to others, and its placement in a window facing the street allows passers-by to enjoy the sight of the candles and partake in the miracle of Hanukkah. This act of placing the menorah in a window has also been a brave statement of defiance during times of antisemitism. Alternatively, the menorah can be placed on a table or a central doorway, ensuring it is in a prominent location where it can be seen and appreciated.
The placement of the menorah in a window, on a table, or outside a door is not just about physical location but also has a deeper significance. By placing the menorah in these areas, it becomes a public display, allowing others to witness and participate in the celebration of Hanukkah. This act of sharing the light and the miracle of Hanukkah with the community fosters a sense of unity and inclusion.
The specific placement of the menorah can vary depending on personal preference and the layout of the home. Some individuals may choose to place it on a table near a window, ensuring it is stable and visible. Others may opt to hang it on the wall, reminiscent of the traditional wall-mounted menorahs of the past. Regardless of the exact location, the key is to ensure the menorah is visible and accessible to family members and guests.
When placing the menorah in a window, on a table, or outside a door, it is crucial to consider safety precautions. The menorah should be positioned away from active children and flammable materials to prevent any accidents. Additionally, it is important to use the correct type of candles or oil lamps and ensure they are of sufficient size or quantity to burn for the required duration.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can use candles or oil lamps. The ancient menorah burned oil, and the traditional practice is to use olive oil in the seven-lamp lampstand. However, candles are generally used for the menorah lit in the synagogue.
You should use eight candles, plus a ninth one called the shamash, which is used to light the other eight.
The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, but lit from left to right. The blessings are said before the candles are lit.
