The significance of the Menorah

Hanukkah, the eight-day festival of light, begins on the eve of the 25th of Kislev. This holiday celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. For more on the holiday, check out our post here. The lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah (nine-branched chandelier) is a symbol of light chasing away the forces of darkness.

The Hanukkah Menorah

The Hanukkah Menorah used today has nine branches, one for each candle. This includes one for each day, and one shamash candle (more on this later). The Hanukkah Menorah represents light, wisdom, and Divine inspiration. You don’t have to use a nine-armed metal candelabra, although these are generally available. This tradition is used as a chance to represent the eight days of the miracle by lighting eight lights. In the distant past, lanterns were used so others outside the house would also see the light.

Click here to check out some of our available menorahs.

The shamash

Place the Shamash, or servant/attendant, above the rest or in some other distinct location. Each night, light it first and use it to light the other candles, as it’s forbidden to use the actual Hanukkah candles for normal household needs and uses. To make sure that no one assumes that the Shamash is one the candelabra candles, set the Shamash apart either higher or lower than the others.

How to light the menorah

We place the candles from right to left, one more each night. We light them from left to right to show and remember that the miracle increased each successive night through the oil lasting longer and longer.

A deeper meaning

A box of Hanukkah candles generally has 44 candles. This includes the Shamash, and is the exact number needed.  But, without the Shamash candles, there are 36 candles.

The 36 Hanukka lights signify the survival of the Oral Law, the 36 tractates of the Babylonian Talmud.

Another connection is that among the 71 members of the Sanhedrin (Israel’s highest court), for any decision to be binding, a majority of 36 is required.

Conclusion

So, all this reminds us and points towards the miracle of Hanukkah. Remember, the goal is to spread to light to others, so be sure to gather family and friends around you as you celebrate this holiday.