Description
The Hanukkah Menorah is called a Hanukkiah. It is a candelabra with nine branches. It is lit in homes and synagogues during the Festival of Lights holiday to commemorate the miracle in which one day’s worth of oil for the Temple Menorah burned for eight days.
On each night of Hanukkah we light a new candle. The ninth one, called the Shamash (“helper” or “servant”), is used to light all the other candles. To be kosher, the Shamash must be placed on a different level than the eight other candles.
Since Hanukkah is a holiday celebrated in the home, lighting the Hanukkah Menorah gives each family the ability to bring the holiness of the holiday into their own home. Each child can participate by lighting his or her own Menorah, or by having the chance to light a candle.
With each succeeding night, we magnify the blessings of the holiday. Lighting the Menorah is a rededication of faith and family. See also: Hanukkah Spirit
Further Reading about Festival of Lights:
The light of the Hanukkah Menorah can be seen to represent any and all of the following:
- Light represents goodness in the story of Genesis as God separated Light and Darkness on the first day of creation (Genesis: 1-1).
- Beginning with the ancient Israelites, the light of Torah has guided us throughout our history, including many dark times.
- As in the story of the victory of the Maccabees, a small ray of light can overcome vast darkness.
- The Shamash: The light of the Shamash can be interpreted as God’s helping hand in partnership with human action.
- The Menorah light is supposed to be enjoyed and not used for study or work of any manner. Gazing at the Menorah reminds us of the miracles of daily life, including light itself.
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