Since biblical times, the seven-branched menorah has symbolized Judaism. … For many Jews in antiquity, the menorah’s seven branches represented the five visible planets, plus the sun and the moon, and its rounded branches suggested their trajectories across the heavens.
Then, What is a shamash?
Shammash, also spelled shamash or shammas (Hebrew: “servant”), plural shammashim, shamashim, or shammasim, salaried sexton in a Jewish synagogue whose duties now generally include secretarial work and assistance to the cantor, or hazan, who directs the public service.
Does the menorah have 7 or 9 candles? A menorah, which has only seven candleholders, was the lamp used in the ancient holy temple in Jerusalem — now a symbol of Judaism and an emblem of Israel. … A Hanukkiah, however, has nine candlesticks — one for each night of Hanukkah and an extra one to light the others.
Keeping this in consideration, Why is there 9 candles in menorah?
Light the Menorah
The centerpiece of the Hanukkah celebration is the hanukkiah or menorah, a candelabra that holds nine candles. Eight candles symbolize the number of days that the Temple lantern blazed; the ninth, the shamash, is a helper candle used to light the others.
What are the three Hanukkah prayers?
The traditional Hanukkah candle lighting service consists of saying all three blessings on the first night, and only the first and second blessings for the seven nights to follow. Transliteration: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
Why is there a shamash?
The short answer is that the shamash, the ninth candle on a full Hanukkah menorah, was created by the rabbis to benefit the poor. … But not so long ago, in a time before flicking switches or even lighting candles, light after dark could be an expensive commodity.
What do the 8 days of Hanukkah stand for?
The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.
Where is the original menorah?
The seven-branched menorah was originally found in the wilderness sanctuary and then later in the Temple in Jerusalem and was a popular motif of religious art in antiquity. An eight-branched menorah modeled after the Temple menorah is used by Jews in rites during the eight-day festival of Hanukkah.
Is there another name for a menorah?
Name. English speakers most commonly call the lamp a “menorah” or “Hanukkah menorah” (the Hebrew word menorah simply meaning “lamp”).
How many candles are on a 7 or 9 menorah?
A seven branch menorah must be part of every Jewish home and lit as sign of enlightenment and symbol to temple menorah. A Kosher Hanukah menorah is when 8 candle holders are in one line with a ninth Shamash, out of placed in height or position on the 9 branched menorah.
What do the 8 candles of Hanukkah mean?
Eight candles symbolize the number of days that the Temple lantern blazed; the ninth, the shamash, is a helper candle used to light the others. Families light one candle on the first day, two on the second (and so on) after sundown during the eight days of Hanukkah, while reciting prayers and singing songs.
What are the 3 traditional colors for Hanukkah?
How Blue and White Became the Colors of Hanukkah. It’s no secret that the American holiday calendar is thoroughly color-coded. The Fourth of July is red, white and blue, for obvious reasons.
What is the first night of Hanukkah called?
6 is the first night of Hanukkah, so here’s a quick primer on the Jewish Festival of Lights. The holiday lasts eight days and will run this year through Dec. 14. The key ceremony at the center of Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is lighting a menorah each night.
Why is the menorah lit for 8 days?
In order to rededicate the temple, the Maccabees had to light a menorah that would burn within the temple at all times. However, they only had enough pure olive oil to last for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, leaving time to find a fresh supply of oil.
What are 3 interesting facts about Hanukkah?
The word Hanukkah means “dedication.” The holiday commemorates the triumph of a band of rebel Jews known as the Maccabees in reclaiming their temple from the Greek-Syrians. 2 Hanukkah lasts for eight nights, to commemorate how long the holy light burned. 3 A Menorah is lit each night of the holiday.
What is a sentence for menorah?
The Menorah , the eight branched candlestick, is given prominent place in the home. I also lit another menorah of olive oil recieved from a friend.
What color are menorah candles?
The color blue is also mentioned extensively throughout other religious texts, according to Chabad. Today’s Hanukkah decorations carry on the tradition of the holiday’s early American popularity, in that they look just like Christmas decorations, but they’re blue and white.
What does the Star of David stand for?
Star of David, Hebrew Magen David (“Shield of David”), Magen also spelled Mogen, Jewish symbol composed of two overlaid equilateral triangles that form a six-pointed star. … The yellow badge that Jews were forced to wear in Nazi-occupied Europe invested the Star of David with a symbolism indicating martyrdom and heroism.
What did the original menorah look like?
Kevin Conner has noted of the original menorah, described in Exodus 25, that each of the six tributary branches coming out of the main shaft was decorated with three sets of “cups… shaped like almond blossoms… a bulb and a flower…” (Exodus 25:33, NASB).
Where is the gold menorah?
The golden menorah is located in the Jewish Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem. The menorah was constructed by the Temple Institute and is based on extensive research carried out by the Academic and Biblical researchers.
What is the story of the menorah?
The Oil that Fueled the Hanukkah Miracle Sunday evening marks the beginning of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Jews celebrate their victory over a tyrant king and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. As the story goes, a small quantity of oil to light the Temple’s menorah miraculously lasted eight days.
Do you put all the candles in the menorah at once?
Yes! Unlike the other eight candles, which represent the eight days of Chanukah, the shamash’s job is to light the other candles. … Not only should you insert the shamash into the menorah before you light it, you should insert all the candles that need to be lit that day before you start lighting any of them.
What time do you light the Hanukkah candles 2020?
In 2020, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Thursday, December 10, and continues through Friday, December 18. The first candle is lit on the Chanukiah (menorah) on this date. Note: Hanukkah begins and ends at sundown on the dates listed below. See Sunrise and Sunset Times for your area.
What are 4 popular foods at Hanukkah?
Hanukkah Menu
- Brisket. Brisket is enjoyed during many Jewish holidays besides Hanukkah, such as Rosh Hashanah and Passover. …
- Latkes. Latkes, also known as potato pancakes, are made from shallow-fried shredded or mashed potatoes. …
- Kugel. …
- Sufganiyot. …
- Hanukkah Gelt.
What do you say to someone on the first day of Hanukkah?
What is the proper greeting for Hanukkah? To wish someone a Happy Hanukkah, say “Hanukkah Sameach!” (Happy Hanukkah) or simply “Chag Sameach!” (Happy Holiday). Or if you want to show off your Hebrew skills, say “Chag Urim Sameach!” (urim means “lights”).