Brooke Martin
A nine-branched candelabrum, or Hanukkah menorah, is 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 at a different height or set apart from the other candles. The Hanukkah menorah commemorates the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, where a seven-branched menorah was desecrated during the Hellenization of Judea. The Hanukkah menorah, also called a hanukkiyah, represents the miracle of one day's worth of oil lasting for eight days.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 9 |
| Type | Chanukah menorah, Chanukiah, or Hanukkiah |
| Purpose of the ninth candle | The Shamash, or "helper", is used to light the other eight candles |
| Placement of the Shamash | Set apart from the other eight candles, often at a different height |
| Lighting practice | One additional candle is lit each night of Hanukkah until all eight branches are ignited |
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What You'll Learn
The Shamash candle is the ninth candle, used to light the other eight
The Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, is a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Eight of the nine branches hold lights, which are candles or oil lamps, that symbolize the eight nights of the holiday. The ninth branch holds a candle called the Shamash, which translates to "helper" or "servant". The Shamash candle is used to light the other eight candles.
The Shamash is set apart from the other candles, often at a different height, either higher or lower. However, it is not a requirement for the Shamash to be at a different height, as long as it is distinguishable from the other candles. The Shamash is usually not extinguished after lighting the other candles. Instead, it is left adjacent to the other lights, ready to "serve" if a candle blows out. This is because it is forbidden to use the Hanukkah lights for any practical reason, so the Shamash preserves the sanctity of the mitzvah lights.
The Shamash serves as a lesson to educators and leaders, as it is not a mitzvah candle itself but enables all the other candles to form a mitzvah. Each of us has the potential to be a shamash, impacting the lives of others and helping them to achieve their goals.
The Hanukkah menorah commemorates the ancient Temple menorah in Jerusalem, which had seven branches, one for each day of Creation. The Hanukkah menorah has eight candles to represent the eight days of the holiday and a ninth to light the rest.
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The Shamash is placed higher or lower than the other candles
The Shamash, also known as the "helper" or "servant" candle, is placed on a higher or lower plane than the other eight candles on the Hanukkah menorah. The Shamash is set apart from the other candles, often on the ninth branch of the menorah. This distinction symbolises the Shamash's role as the candle used to light the other eight. While it is common practice to place the Shamash at a different height, it is not a strict requirement. The main requirement is that the Shamash is clearly distinguishable from the other candles. This can also be achieved by setting it to the side, in front of, or behind the other candles.
The Shamash holds a unique role in the Hanukkah tradition. While the eight other candles represent the eight nights of the holiday, the Shamash is the candle used to kindle their flames. Even after it has served this primary function, the Shamash is not extinguished. Instead, it remains lit, ready to "serve" if a candle blows out. This also ensures that the sanctity of the mitzvah lights is preserved, as it is forbidden to use the Chanukah lights for any practical purpose.
The Shamash is more than just a helper; it carries a symbolic meaning. It represents the potential for each of us to become a "helper" or "servant" to others. Just as the Shamash enables all the other candles to form a mitzvah, we too can strive to uplift and bring out the best in those around us. This interpretation encourages educators and leaders to emulate the Shamash's role in their own endeavours.
The placement of the Shamash above or below the other candles can be interpreted metaphorically as well. When the Shamash is positioned higher, it reflects the idea that those who serve and teach others are elevated by their superior skills and ability to empower others. However, it is important to note that the Shamash's higher placement does not signify greater importance. Rather, it symbolises the act of sharing and uplifting, not pushing others down.
The Hanukkah menorah, also known as the hanukkiah, is a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. The tradition of lighting the hanukkiah commemorates the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, where a seven-branched menorah was used. The hanukkiah is among the most widely produced articles of Jewish ceremonial art, along with the seven-branched menorah and the Star of David.
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The Shamash is not a mitzvah candle
The shamash is the ninth candle on a Hanukkah menorah, also known as a hanukkiah. It is placed apart from the other eight candles, often at a different height or to the side, to distinguish it from the other candles. The shamash is not a mitzvah candle, but it is still important as it enables all the other candles to form a mitzvah. The shamash is used to kindle the other candles and is left burning in case it is needed to relight a candle, preserving the sanctity of the mitzvah lights.
The shamash serves as a lesson to educators and leaders. Each of us has the potential to be a shamash, to serve others and help them reach their full potential. Just as the shamash is placed above the other candles, a teacher uses their superior skills to help others become great.
The shamash is typically placed higher than the other candles, but this is not a requirement. The main requirement is that the shamash is distinguishable from the other candles. It can be placed at a different height, to the side, in front of, or behind the other candles.
The Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, is a nine-branched candelabra, with one arm for each night of Hanukkah and one arm for the shamash. The shamash is often made of beeswax and is not extinguished after lighting the other candles. Instead, it is left burning alongside the other lights.
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The Hanukkah menorah is also called a hanukkiyah
The term hanukkiyah originated among Judeo-Spanish-speaking Sephardic communities in the Eastern Mediterranean in the 18th century. In Modern Hebrew, the lamp is generally referred to as a hanukkiyah, while English speakers commonly refer to it as a menorah or Hanukkah menorah. The term menorah, in Hebrew, simply means "lamp".
The hanukkiyah is distinct from the menorah, which has only seven candle holders and was the lamp used in the ancient holy temple in Jerusalem. The hanukkiyah, on the other hand, has nine branches, one for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, and the ninth for the shamash candle. The shamash is typically placed higher or lower than the other candles, but it is not a strict requirement. The main requirement is that it should be distinguishable from the other candles.
The hanukkiyah is often displayed in public during the holiday season in December. The lighting of the hanukkiyah has been embraced by US presidents during Hanukkah, with the White House represented at the lighting of the National Menorah since 1979.
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The hanukkiyah is a nine-branched candelabra
The Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiyah, is a nine-branched candelabra or candelabrum lit during the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Eight of the nine branches hold lights (candles or oil lamps) that symbolize the eight nights of the holiday. On each night, one more light is lit than the previous night, 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. The shamash is the "attendant" candle and is often placed at a different height to distinguish it from the other candles. The shamash is not a mitzvah candle but serves as an important instrument that enables all the other candles to form a mitzvah.
The word menorah means "lamp" in Hebrew, while hanukkiyah refers specifically to the nine-branched candelabra used for Hanukkah. The hanukkiyah is often displayed in public during the holiday season. The shamash is an important symbol of leadership and service, as it is used to kindle the other candles and is set apart from them. The shamash is typically not extinguished after lighting the other candles but is left lit in case it is needed to relight a candle, preserving the sanctity of the mitzvah lights.
The hanukkiyah is closely associated with the Jewish festival of Hanukkah and is among the most widely produced articles of Jewish ceremonial art. The lighting of the hanukkiyah is a significant ritual of Hanukkah, with blessings recited when lighting the candles. The nine branches of the hanukkiyah hold symbolic meaning, with eight branches representing the eight nights of the holiday and the ninth branch serving as the shamash.
The use of the hanukkiyah during Hanukkah holds cultural and religious significance for Jews around the world. The lighting of the candles and the shamash is a cherished tradition that commemorates the holiday's importance. The hanukkiyah is a unique symbol of Hanukkah, distinct from the seven-branched menorah used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.
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