Ben Carter
The menorah is a symbol of the Jewish faith and is often associated with the celebration of Hanukkah. The lighting of the menorah is considered the most important part of the Hanukkah celebration. The menorah holds a different number of candles depending on its use and type. The most common types of menorahs have seven or nine candles. The nine-branched menorah, also known as a hanukkiah, is lit during the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah, with one additional candle lit each night. The nine candles consist of eight candles in a row and one helper candle, known as the shamash, which is set apart from the others. The shamash is used to light the other eight candles. The seven-branched menorah, on the other hand, is associated with the days of Creation and was used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 9 (8 candles in a row and 1 helper candle) |
| Type of candles | White candles are most common, but any colour can be used |
| Candle holder | Candelabra |
| Candle placement | The 8 main candles are aligned at the same height and in a straight line. The ninth candle is placed higher, lower, or to the side. |
| Candle lighting | One additional candle is lit each night until all 8 candles are burning on the final night |
| Placement of the menorah | Uncovered window or windowsill |
| Menorah types | Chanukiah, Hanukkah menorah, seven-branched menorah |
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What You'll Learn
The nine candles on a menorah
The menorah is a symbol of the Jewish faith. It first appeared in the days of Moses and was made from a single piece of gold. The first menorah was presented for use in the First Temple of Jerusalem. The menorah has since been used as a symbol of worship and has been adapted to include the Hanukkah Menorah.
The Hanukkah menorah, also known as a chanukiah, has nine candles: eight candles in a row and one helper candle, known as the shamash, which is set apart from the others. The shamash is used to light the other eight candles. The shamash must be positioned higher, lower, or to the side of the eight main candles. The eight main candles must be aligned at the same height and in a straight line.
The nine candles on the menorah symbolize the miracle of the oil that was found in the temple after the Maccabees reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Although only enough oil for one day was found, it miraculously lasted for eight days, allowing time to find more and rededicate the temple.
Each night of Hanukkah, an additional candle is lit, starting with the shamash and one other candle on the first night. On the second night, the shamash and two other candles are lit. This continues until the eighth night, when all nine candles are burning.
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The shamash or 'helper' candle
The shamash, or helper candle, is the ninth candle on a Hanukkah menorah, also known as a chanukiah. The shamash is set apart from the other eight candles, which represent the eight nights of the holiday. On each night, one more candle is lit, starting from the right, until the final night when all eight candles are burning. The shamash is used to light the other eight candles.
The shamash is placed on a higher or lower plane than the other eight candles, or off to the side, to distinguish it from the other candles. The eight main candles must be aligned in a straight line, standing at the same height, and spaced far enough apart so that their flames do not join.
The Hanukkah menorah commemorates the ancient Temple menorah, which had seven branches, one for each day of creation. The Hanukkah menorah has eight branches to represent the eight nights of the holiday, plus the shamash. The nine-branched menorah probably came into use at least 250 years after the Maccabees' triumph.
The lighting of the menorah is a symbol of the Jewish faith and is one of the most important parts of the Hanukkah celebration. The menorah is placed in an uncovered window or on a windowsill to spread the word of the miracles it symbolizes and shine a light through the darkness.
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The miracle of the oil
The miracle occurred after the Maccabees liberated the Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt. According to the Talmud, they found a single jug of pure olive oil, sealed by the High Priest, which was meant to be enough for only one day. However, this small amount of oil miraculously lasted for all eight days of the rededication ritual, during which the menorah needed to burn continuously.
The Hanukkah menorah, also known as the hanukkiah, has nine candles or oil lamps: eight to symbolize each night of the holiday, and one helper candle called the shamash, used to light the others. Each night, an additional light is kindled, until all nine are burning on the final night. This tradition commemorates the miracle of the oil, ensuring that the memory of this significant event is kept alive through the symbolic act of lighting the menorah.
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The Maccabees
The story of the Maccabees is commemorated during Hanukkah, or Chanukah, through the lighting of the menorah. The menorah is traditionally placed on a windowsill to shine a light through the darkness during the shorter days of the year. The lighting of the menorah is also celebrated by the White House at the annual White House Hanukkah Party, a tradition that began with President George W. Bush in 2001.
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The menorah as a symbol of religious freedom
The menorah is a symbol of religious freedom and one of the most recognisable aspects of the Jewish faith. The word menorah is derived from the Hebrew word for "lamp", and 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, with the ninth branch holding a candle known as the shamash, or "helper candle". The shamash is used to light the other eight candles, with one additional candle lit on each night of Hanukkah until, on the final night, all eight branches are ignited.
The nine candles of the menorah symbolise the eight-day miracle of Hanukkah, when Judah Maccabee and his warriors successfully fought back against oppression and reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Upon reclaiming the temple, they found only a tiny amount of oil—enough for just one night—but miraculously, it burned for eight days, allowing time to find more oil and rededicate the temple.
The menorah is traditionally placed in an uncovered window or on a windowsill, so that the light of the candles can shine through the darkness, spreading the word of the miracles they symbolise. The menorah has been used as a symbol of worship throughout history, and its image appears on many ancient artefacts, including coins and gravestones. Today, it is a powerful reminder of the importance of religious freedom and the resilience of the Jewish faith.
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Frequently asked questions
A menorah typically has nine candles: eight candles representing the eight nights of Hanukkah, and one helper candle, known as the shamash, which is used to light the others.
The nine candles commemorate the miracle of a small amount of oil lasting for eight days when the Maccabees reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
The shamash candle, or "helper" candle, is used to light the other eight candles. It is placed on a higher or lower plane than the other eight candles.
