Chloe Adams
The menorah is a symbol of the Jewish faith, with the lighting of the menorah candles being one of the most common Hanukkah traditions. The number of candles on a menorah depends on its purpose. The most common answer is nine, with eight candles representing the eight days that the oil burned in the temple and the ninth candle, known as the Shamash, used to light the others. The Hanukkah menorah commemorates the seven-branched menorah used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, which burned in what was then Judea.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 9 (8 candles for the 8 nights of Hanukkah, plus 1 "helper" candle) |
| Candle name | Shamash ("helper" or "servant") |
| Candle arrangement | The 8 main candles must be aligned, at the same height and in a straight line. The 9th candle should be higher, lower or off to the side. |
| Candle lighting | One candle is lit on the first night, using the 9th candle. On the second night, two candles are lit, and so on until all 9 candles are lit on the final night. |
| Candle colour | Traditionally white, but any colour can be used. |
| Candle placement | In an uncovered window or outdoors, just to the left of the entrance to the home. |
| Candle lighting time | 30 minutes after sundown. |
| Burning time | At least 30 minutes. |
| Historical menorahs | 7-branched menorahs were used in ancient times and are now purely decorative. |
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What You'll Learn
The Shamash candle
The Shamash plays a crucial role in the Hanukkah celebration. It is the candle used to light all the other candles on the menorah. Each night of Hanukkah, one more candle is lit, starting with two on the second night, and so on, until all nine candles are illuminated on the final night. The Shamash candle is essential in this ritual, as its flame is used to spread the light to the other candles.
The lighting of the Shamash candle holds symbolic significance. It represents the "helper" or "servant," reflecting its role in assisting the lighting of the other candles. Additionally, the Shamash candle embodies the concept of light overcoming darkness, a theme that resonates with the Hanukkah celebration.
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Hanukkah menorahs
A Hanukkah menorah, also known as a hanukkiah, is a candelabrum with nine branches, eight of which hold candles or oil lamps. The ninth branch holds a candle called the shamash, or "helper", which is used to light the other eight. Each night of Hanukkah, one more candle is lit, until the final night when all eight branches are lit. The shamash is usually on a different level from the other eight candles, but there are differing opinions on whether the hanukkiah should be arranged in a straight line or a curve.
The lighting of the menorah is a central Hanukkah ritual, commemorating the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.
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The miracle of oil
According to the story, after reclaiming the Temple, Judah Maccabee and his warriors found only a small amount of uncontaminated olive oil, sealed with the mark of the High Priest, that was enough to light the Temple's menorah for a single day. However, this small quantity of oil miraculously burned for eight consecutive days, providing the time needed to prepare a new batch of pure oil.
Another tradition honouring the miracle of oil is the consumption of oily and fried foods during Hanukkah. Latkes, made with olive oil, are a popular choice, as are other oily dishes. These culinary traditions further emphasise the significance of oil in the Hanukkah celebration and serve as a reminder of the miracle that occurred during the rededication of the Holy Temple.
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The number of candles
The menorah is a symbol of the Jewish faith and is recorded in the Bible as first appearing in the days of Moses. The first menorah was made from a single piece of gold and presented for use in the First Temple of Jerusalem. The menorah was to remain lit at all times, but only one day's worth of oil was found inside the Temple. During the reclaiming ceremonies, the oil lasted for eight days, and this is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days.
The Hanukkah menorah commemorates the seven-branched menorah used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. The seven-branched menorah, also called the menorah, is no longer lit and is used only for decorative purposes. The seven branches represent the six types of secular human wisdom, with the seventh reminding us of the importance of God.
In modern times, one candle is lit on the first night of Hanukkah, plus the shamash. On the second night, two candles are lit, and so on, until all nine candles are lit on the eighth and final night.
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The Jewish faith symbol
The menorah is a symbol of the Jewish faith. The word menorah means "lamp" in Hebrew. The lighting of the menorah is the most important part of the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah.
The menorah is a candelabrum with nine branches, eight of which hold candles or oil lamps. The ninth branch holds a candle called the shamash, or "helper", which is used to light the other eight. On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit, and on each subsequent night, an additional candle is lit, until the eighth and final night when all nine candles are lit. The shamash is placed on a higher or lower plane than the eight other candles. The eight candles represent the eight nights that a small amount of oil miraculously lasted for after Judah Maccabee and his warriors successfully fought back against oppression and reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The ninth candle represents the miracle of people looking after one another and doing what is right.
The menorah traces its origins to the second century B.C.E. when it had seven branches, one for each day of Creation. It burned in the Temple in Judea, which was at the time caught in the middle of a conflict between the Egyptian empire and the Greek-Assyrian empire. The seven-branched menorah is recorded in the Bible as first appearing in the days of Moses and was built in the desert so that the high priest Aaron could light it daily in the tabernacle (a portable sanctuary) and, later, in the Temple. The seven-branched menorah is now used only for decorative purposes and is not lit.
In modern times, the menorah is often displayed in the window of Jewish homes during Hanukkah, or in public lighting ceremonies.
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Frequently asked questions
A Hanukkah menorah has nine candles, eight of which are level with each other and one which is either elevated or shorter than the others. The elevated candle, known as the Shamash or "helper", is used to light the other eight.
The nine candles on a menorah represent the eight days that a small amount of oil miraculously lasted for when Judah Maccabee and his warriors reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The Shamash is used to light the other eight candles, one more each night, until all eight branches are ignited on the final night.
The menorah is a symbol of the Jewish faith and has been used as a symbol of worship. It is recorded in the Bible as first appearing in the days of Moses and was built in the desert for the high priest Aaron to light daily in the tabernacle.
