Tyler Brooks
The menorah is a candle lamp that is a symbol of Judaism. The word menorah means lamp in Hebrew. The original menorah was a seven-branched candelabra that burned oil, not candles. Over time, the menorah has taken on different forms, including an eight-branched version used during the eight-day festival of Hanukkah, known as the Hanukkah menorah or hanukkiah. The Hanukkah menorah has nine branches, eight for each night of the festival, and a ninth branch called the shamash, or helper, used to light the other candles. The menorah is often displayed in public during Hanukkah and has become a universal symbol of Judaism, appearing on the official emblem of the State of Israel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Hanukkah menorah, Hanukkiah, Chanukkiyah, Menorah |
| Description | A nine-branched candelabra |
| Usage | Lit during the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah |
| Lights | Eight branches hold candles or oil lamps; the ninth branch holds a candle or Shamash, used to light the other eight |
| Arrangement | The Shamash is offset on a higher or lower plane than the other eight candles |
| Ritual | One light is lit each night, with the Shamash being lit first |
| Location | Displayed in a highly visible location, often in public places, synagogues, and private homes |
| History | Commemorates the miracle of the menorah of Jerusalem, where oil lasted for eight days |
| Symbolism | Represents the Jewish religion and the State of Israel's official emblem |
| Materials | Traditionally made of pure gold or olive oil; modern versions use candles or electric lights |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The Hanukkah menorah
In modern times, the public display of hanukkiahs has been a source of legal battles in the United States, with some arguing that it violates the Establishment Clause. However, in the 1989 County of Allegheny v. ACLU case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the display of hanukkiahs did not endorse any particular religion and was part of the secular winter holiday season. Hanukkah menorahs are also displayed in museums around the world, including the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and the Jewish Museum in London.
Citronella Candles: Effective Bee Repellent or Myth?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The miracle of the oil
The Hanukkah menorah, also known as a hanukkiah, is a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. The nine branches hold candles or oil lamps, with eight of these symbolising the eight nights of Hanukkah. 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 candle known as the shamash, or "helper", which is used to light the other eight.
Following the Maccabean victory over the Syrian-Greeks, the Temple in Jerusalem had to be purified and rededicated due to its desecration by the Seleucids. A key part of the rededication ritual was the lighting of the Menorah for eight nights. However, only a single cruse of untainted olive oil was found, enough to last for one night. Miraculously, this oil lasted for all eight nights, and the festival of Hanukkah was established to commemorate this miracle.
Candle Colors and Their Meanings: A Spiritual Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Shamash candle
The lighting of the Shamash candle carries a symbolic meaning. While it is not a mitzvah candle, it serves as an enabler for the other candles to form the mitzvah. This idea is reflected in the Hebrew word "shamash," which translates to "helper" or "servant." The Shamash candle symbolises the act of serving and impacting others, much like a teacher or leader.
The tradition of the Shamash candle is deeply rooted in Jewish history and symbolism. The Hanukkah menorah itself is a commemoration of the seven-branched menorah used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. The nine-branched variant used during Hanukkah, with the Shamash candle, has become a distinct symbol of the Jewish festival of lights.
Memorial Candles: Sukkot's Special Tradition Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Temple menorah
The menorah is a multibranched candelabra used in the religious rituals of Judaism and has been a significant symbol in both ancient and modern Israel. The seven-branched menorah was originally found in the wilderness sanctuary and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. It was made of pure gold and burned olive oil.
The menorah is mentioned in the biblical book of Exodus, which states that God revealed the design for the menorah to Moses. Moses was instructed to make a lampstand of pure gold, with six branches, "three out of one side, and three out of the other". Rabbinic sources teach that the menorah stood approximately 1.62 metres (5.3 ft) high. The branches are often depicted as semicircular, but some scholars believe they were straight.
The menorah became a symbol of Judaism following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. It was depicted on tomb walls, synagogue floors, sculptures, and reliefs, as well as glass and metal objects. The Arch of Titus in Rome, which was built to commemorate the triumphal parade following the destruction of Jerusalem, features a frieze depicting the menorah.
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 candles or oil lamps, with the ninth branch, called the shamash or "helper", used to light the others. The Hanukkah menorah is a variation of the original seven-branched Temple menorah.
Candles and Testosterone: What's the Link?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Chanukkiyah
The lighting of the Chanukkiyah is one of the major mitzvot of Hanukkah and is discussed in the Talmud Shabbat and Mishneh Torah: Scroll of Esther and Chanukah. The Chanukkiyah is distinct from the seven-branched menorah used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, which holds deep historical significance, tracing back to the time of Moses and representing universal enlightenment. The Chanukkiyah, on the other hand, commemorates the Maccabean revolt and the miracle of a small amount of oil lasting eight days, symbolising resilience and faith.
The custom of lighting the Chanukkiyah has become a widely recognised symbol of Jewish faith and is often displayed publicly, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom, where candle-lighting ceremonies are held. Many museums have notable collections of Chanukkiyahs, including the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and the Jewish Museum in London.
In modern times, there have been various unique interpretations of the traditional Chanukkiyah, including a "Menorah Tree" inspired by the Christmas tree tradition, a "Menorah Bong", and a turkey-shaped "Menurkey".
Blessed Candles: Where and How to Melt Them
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The name of the Jewish candle lamp is a menorah.
The word menorah means "lamp" in Hebrew.
A menorah typically has seven branches, but an eight-branched menorah is used during the eight-day festival of Hanukkah.
The shamash is the ninth candle on a Hanukkah menorah, also known as the "helper" or "servant". It is used to light the other eight candles.
The traditional fuel for a menorah is olive oil, but candles are also commonly used today.
![PAMI Traditional Shabbat Candle Sticks [72-Pack] - Unscented Taper Candles with 3 Hours Burning Time- Paraffin Shabbos Candles with Beautiful Flame- Tall Dinner Candles for Candlestick Holders](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61p9NUo5CYL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
