Brooke Martin
The Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, is a nine-branched candelabrum that is lit during the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Eight of the nine branches hold candles or oil lamps, with an additional candle, called the shamash, or helper, used to light the other eight. The shamash is either elevated or shorter than the other eight candles, which are level with each other. The lighting of the menorah is the most important part of the Hanukkah celebration, and the candelabra is placed in an uncovered window to spread the word of the miracles the menorah symbolises.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 9 in total, 8 for each night of Hanukkah and 1 "helper" candle |
| Candle arrangement | 8 candles at the same height, the 9th candle is either elevated or shorter |
| Candle colour | White, but any colour can be used |
| Candle lighting | 1 candle is lit on the first night, 2 on the second night, and so on until all 9 candles are lit on the eighth and final night |
| Placement | Uncovered window or outdoors just to the left of the entrance of the home |
| Time | 30 minutes after sundown, left burning for at least 30 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
The miracle of the oil
According to the story, after reclaiming the Holy Temple, Judah Maccabee and his warriors found only a small amount of oil, enough to light the temple's menorah for a single night. However, this small quantity of oil miraculously burned for eight nights, until a new batch of pure oil could be prepared. This miracle is said to have occurred around 200 BCE during the rule of Antiochus IV, the Seleucid king of Syria, who had prohibited the Jews from practicing their religion.
The Hanukkah menorah, also called a hanukkiah, has nine branches. Eight of these branches hold candles or oil lamps, representing the eight nights that the small amount of oil burned. Each night, one additional light is lit until all eight branches are illuminated on the final night. The ninth branch holds the shamash, or "helper" candle, which is used to light the other eight.
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The number of candles increases each night
The Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, is a nine-branched candelabrum. Eight of these nine branches hold a candle for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. The ninth branch holds a candle known as the shamash, or "helper", which is used to light the other eight.
On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit, using the shamash. On the second night, two candles are lit, and so on, until the eighth and final night, when all nine candles are lit. This is why Hanukkah is often called the Jewish Festival of Lights.
The number of candles lit increases each night, symbolising the miracle of the oil that was found in the temple. This oil burned for eight days, giving the Maccabees time to rededicate the temple. The miracle of the oil is also alluded to in the Jewish system of gematria, where the number 88 is equivalent to the Hebrew word pach, meaning "trap". This refers to the miracle of Hanukkah, as the Maccabees broke free from the trap laid by King Antiochus.
The lighting of the menorah is the most important part of the Hanukkah celebration. The menorah is typically placed in an uncovered window, or outdoors to the left of the entrance of the home, to spread the word of the miracle the menorah symbolises.
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The shamash candle
The placement of the shamash candle on the menorah is flexible. While it is typically placed at a different height to distinguish it, it can be positioned to the right, left, middle, or even above or below the other candles. The key requirement is that its light can be used to light the other candles. The shamash candle must burn at least as long as the other candles each night.
The Hanukkah menorah, also known as the hanukkiah, is more than just a candelabra. It is a powerful symbol of Jewish history and faith, commemorating the ancient miracle of the oil and the victory of the Maccabees. The shamash candle, as the catalyst that ignites the other candles, embodies the spirit of perseverance and the enduring light of hope that Hanukkah celebrates.
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The menorah's placement
The placement of the menorah is an important aspect of Hanukkah celebrations. The ancient rabbis believed that it was important to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah, and so many Jewish organizations erect large outdoor menorahs in public spaces during the festival.
In the home, the menorah is traditionally placed in a window facing the street, so that passers-by can see the candles. This tradition has been particularly significant during times of antisemitism, when lighting the menorah in a window has been an act of defiance and bravery.
Before lighting the menorah, it is customary to recite blessings. On the first night of Hanukkah, three blessings are recited, and on subsequent nights, two blessings are said. The blessings are:
- Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. Praised are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who made us holy through your commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.
- Baruch atah, Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, she-asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh. Praised are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors in those ancient days at this season.
- Baruch atah Adonai, elohenu melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu, v’kiyimanu, v’higiyanu lazman hazeh · Praised are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has given us life and sustained us and enabled us to reach this season.
On the first night of Hanukkah, two candles are placed in the menorah: the shamash, or "helper" candle, and another candle to mark the first night. The shamash is placed in a central position, at a different elevation to the other eight candles. The first night's candle is placed to the right of the shamash. On each subsequent night, another candle is added, to the left of the previous night's candle, until on the eighth and final night, all nine candles are lit.
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The colour of the candles
Hanukkah is called the Festival of Lights, with the ritual of lighting the menorah at the centre of the celebrations. The menorah has nine branches, with eight candles representing the eight nights of the holiday and the ninth candle, called the shamash, used to light the other eight. The shamash is placed on a higher or lower plane than the other eight candles.
The candles used on the menorah are typically made of wax and come in many colours. Blue and white candles are often used, as these colours are associated with Judaism and the State of Israel. However, any candles can be used, provided they burn for 30 minutes and are equal in size.
The lighting of the candles on the menorah symbolises the miraculous oil that was found in the temple, which burned for eight nights, giving the Maccabees time to rededicate the temple. The number of candles lit increases by one each night, so that on the final night, all eight candles are lit.
The menorah is a symbol of Judaism and is found in Jewish homes during the winter season. The lighting of the menorah is a way to bring light into the shortest and darkest days of winter.
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Frequently asked questions
There are nine candles on a Hanukkah menorah candelabra. Eight of the candles are level with each other, and the ninth candle, called the Shamash, is either elevated or shorter than the others.
The nine candles on a Hanukkah menorah candelabra symbolise the eight days that oil burned for in the reclaimed temple, with the ninth candle being used to light the others.
On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit using the Shamash. On the second night, two candles are lit, and so on until the eighth night, when all nine candles are burning.
