What Is a Hanukkah Menorah? Meaning, History and Traditions

A Hanukkah menorah, also called a Chanukah menorah or chanukiah, is a special nine-branched lamp used during the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah (Chanukah). It commemorates the miracle of the oil and the rededication of the Beis Hamikdash, the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

Each night of Chanukah, Jewish families light an additional candle or oil lamp to celebrate the miracle and publicize it. The glowing lights have become one of the most recognizable symbols of Jewish tradition.

Whether you are learning about Chanukah for the first time or choosing a menorah for your home, this guide explains its meaning, history, symbolism and use.

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Why Does a Hanukkah Menorah Have Nine Branches?

A traditional Hanukkah menorah has nine places for lights. Eight represent the eight nights of Chanukah, while the ninth is reserved for the shamash, the helper candle or light.

The shamash is used to kindle the other lights and is generally positioned higher, lower, or otherwise separately from the eight Chanukah lights.

On the first night, one Chanukah light is kindled. On the second night, two are kindled. This continues until eight lights are kindled on the eighth night, in addition to the shamash.

What Is the Difference Between a Menorah and a Hanukkah Menorah?

The word menorah means lamp or lampstand in Hebrew. In Jewish history, the most famous menorah was the seven-branched golden menorah used in the Beis Hamikdash.

The Hanukkah menorah, also called a chanukiah, is different because it has eight lights for the eight nights of Chanukah, plus a shamash.

The History of the Hanukkah Menorah

The story of Chanukah takes place during the second century BCE, when the Jewish people, led by the Chashmonaim (Maccabees), fought against the Seleucid Greek rulers who had interfered with Jewish religious life.

After reclaiming and rededicating the Beis Hamikdash in Jerusalem, the Jewish people sought to relight its menorah.

According to the Talmud (Shabbos 21b), only one sealed container of pure olive oil was found, enough to burn for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted eight days, allowing time for more ritually pure oil to be prepared.

To commemorate this miracle, the Sages established Chanukah as an eight-day festival of praise and thanksgiving, with the lighting of Chanukah lights as one of its central observances.

What Does the Shamash Mean?

The shamash is the additional light used to kindle the Chanukah lights. Its name comes from a Hebrew word associated with serving or assisting.

The Chanukah lights are designated for the mitzvah, and their illumination is not meant to be used for ordinary tasks. The shamash provides a separate light for practical use.

In many menorahs, the shamash is placed in a raised or otherwise distinctive position so it can easily be distinguished from the eight main lights.

How Do You Light a Hanukkah Menorah?

The traditional lighting procedure follows a specific order, with customs varying in some details among Jewish communities.

1. Prepare the menorah: Place the appropriate number of candles or oil lamps in the menorah.
2. Add lights each night: Begin with one Chanukah light on the first night and add another each successive night.
3. Arrange the lights: When facing the menorah, the first light is placed at the right, with additional lights added toward the left.
4. Recite the brachos: Say the appropriate blessings before lighting. Three blessings are generally recited on the first night, and two on subsequent nights.
5. Light the candles: Begin with the newest light, at the left, and proceed toward the right.
6. Allow the lights to burn: Use sufficient candles or oil to meet the required burning time according to halacha.

Lighting times, Friday afternoon lighting, Motzaei Shabbos procedures, and other details vary according to halachic practice. Consult your Rav or a reliable halachic guide for specific instructions.

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Oil Menorah vs. Candle Menorah

Hanukkah menorahs are available in designs that accommodate either oil or candles. Both are commonly used for Chanukah lighting when they meet the applicable halachic requirements.

Oil Menorahs

Olive oil is traditionally preferred by many because the Chanukah miracle involved oil. Oil menorahs typically use individual cups with wicks and can be made from glass, metal, silver or other suitable materials.

Candle Menorahs

Candle menorahs are convenient and popular for family use. They are available in traditional metal designs, modern artistic styles, and colorful children's designs.

When selecting a menorah, make sure the lights are properly arranged and clearly distinguishable from one another.

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Different Types of Hanukkah Menorahs

Today, Chanukah menorahs come in a wide variety of styles, materials and sizes.

Traditional Menorahs

Classic silver-tone, brass and metal menorahs are timeless choices for home Chanukah lighting.

Artistic Menorahs

Modern menorahs may feature Jerusalem scenes, decorative metalwork, colorful designs and contemporary shapes. Some are also popular as Judaica gifts.

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Children's Menorahs

Colorful menorahs featuring playful designs can help children feel connected to the Chanukah celebration. Any menorah used for actual lighting must be safe and halachically suitable, with adult supervision.

Electric Menorahs

Electric menorahs are often used as decorations or public displays. They are generally not a substitute for the traditional candle or oil lighting required for the mitzvah.

Where Should a Hanukkah Menorah Be Placed?

The mitzvah of Chanukah lighting includes pirsumei nisa, publicizing the miracle.

Depending on local conditions and community custom, menorahs may be placed near a doorway or by a window where the lights can be seen.

Always use a stable, heat-resistant surface away from curtains, paper, and flammable decorations. Never leave burning candles or oil lamps unattended.

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How to Choose the Right Hanukkah Menorah

When choosing a Hanukkah menorah for your home or as a gift, consider these important factors:

• Lighting method: Decide whether you prefer olive oil or candles.
• Size: Choose a menorah that fits safely in your intended lighting location.
• Material: Consider metal, glass, crystal or another heat-safe construction.
• Design: Select a traditional, modern or decorative style that suits your preferences.
• Halachic suitability: Make sure the eight Chanukah lights are arranged appropriately and the shamash is distinguishable.
• Cleaning: Consider how easily wax or oil residue can be removed.

A quality menorah can become a cherished family item used year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hanukkah Menorahs

Why are there nine candles on a Hanukkah menorah?

Eight lights represent the eight nights of Chanukah. The ninth is the shamash, which is used to light the other candles or oil lamps.

Is a Hanukkah menorah called a chanukiah?

Yes. A chanukiah is the Hebrew name commonly used for the special nine-light menorah associated with Chanukah.

How many candles are needed for all eight nights?

Using one shamash each night, a single menorah requires 44 candles in total: 36 Chanukah lights and eight shamash candles.

Can you use olive oil instead of candles?

Yes. Olive oil is traditionally preferred by many Jewish communities because of its connection to the original Chanukah miracle.

Do you light the menorah from left to right?

According to the widely followed custom, the candles are arranged from right to left as additional lights are added, but lit from left to right, beginning with the newest light.

Can an electric menorah fulfill the mitzvah?

Electric menorahs are generally used for decoration and public display rather than fulfilling the traditional mitzvah of Chanukah lighting.

What is the difference between Hanukkah and Chanukah?

Hanukkah and Chanukah are different English spellings of the same Hebrew holiday, חנוכה. Both refer to the eight-day Festival of Lights.

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Whether you are looking for a traditional oil menorah, a decorative candle menorah, a children's menorah or a meaningful Chanukah gift, Eichler's offers a wide selection for the Festival of Lights.

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