Menorah (Hanukkah)

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A Hanukkah menorah

The Hanukkah menorah, or hanukiah, is a nine-branched lamp or candleholder used on the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. It is used to celebrate, remember, and honor the historical miracle of Hanukkah.

Its shape is an upright stand with eight equal branches to hold a candle or oil with a wick.[1] A ninth branch, at the center or to one side and usually taller, is the shamash (Hebrew: helper). The shamash is lit first, then used to light the others, while a prayer is recited. One of the branches is lit on the first night, two on the second, etc., which lasts eight nights.

References[change | change source]

  1. "Exhibition: The Hanukkah Menorah". Metropolitan Museum of Art. November 21, 2001. Retrieved December 23, 2019.