Chanukah On the Net - The Chanukah Menorah - Chanukah, Hanukkah, Hannukah, Hanukah, Chanuka, Chanukkah, Hanuka, Channukah, Hanukka, Hanaka, Haneka, Hanika, and Khanukkah

The Chanukah Menorah

The menorah is the ultimate symbol of the Jewish holiday of Chanukah. It is a special eight-branched candelabra with a ninth branch for a so-called "helper" candle, called the Shamash. Each of the eight candles represent one of the eight nights of Chanukah, which in turn represent the miracle of Chanukah.

In the second century BCE, a Jewish band of rebels in Judea known as the Maccabees rescued the Holy Temple in Jerusalem from the Greek pagans who had ransacked it. The group wanted to rededicate the Temple by lighting the eternal lamp. The story of Chanukah tells that they found only enough oil to last for one night; but a miracle happened and that oil lasted for eight nights.

On the first night of Chanukah, the candle on the far right of the Menorah -- or Chanukiah (Hanukiyah), as it is called in Hebrew -- is lit. Each night, an additional candle is lit, beginning from left to right, until all eight candles shine brightly on the final night of Chanukah. (See: Lighting the Chanukah Menorah)

Special blessings are chanted before the lighting of the candles and family sing traditional songs together afterward. Typically, each member of the family will have his or her own menorah, which is displayed in a window so that the lights may be seen by passers-by. This tradition is intended to "illuminate" the miracle of Chanukah.

The menorah is lit at nightfall and the lights should remain illuminated for at least thirty minutes past dark. Historically, olive oil was used to light the menorah, but today most people use brightly colored candles. Many cities in the United States, Israel and elsewhere around the world sponsor the public lighting of large-scale menorahs in town squares and other prominent locations.

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Comments

Olivia J. from Oregon, US

13:36 12/15/2009

This is a very interesting religion! I'd like to learn more about Chanukah. Although I am Christian, I am not against any religions. I am doing this for a school project, and I am glad that I could learn more about Chanukah. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!

Cookie Monster

15:31 12/10/2009

I Am Working On This For My School Project Lol

11:39 12/08/2009

chanukahh is so cool

Done Olora from Michigan, US

10:12 12/08/2009

I'd like to know much about Jewish culture. Thanks

Susan from New York, US

00:48 12/08/2009

I saw a comment asking if the menorah should have seven or nine branches. The answer is that a Hanukkah menorah should have nine branches, eight for the eight day lighting and the ninth candle is called a shamash. The menorah of seven was the one which was used in the temple on temple mount in Jerusalem and in the tabernacle. See the article I wrote on this topic for a full explanation, it can be seen at http://www.hhjudaica.com/Menorahs-1.html (you will need to scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the article). Happy Hanukkah

Margie from Pennsylvania, US

16:14 12/03/2009

To Michaelangel Shehecheyanu (first night only) Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe shehecheyanu v'kiyimanu v'higi'anu laz'man hazeh. (Amein) who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season (Amen) Blessing over Candles Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe asher kidishanu b'mitz'votav v'tzivanu Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us l'had'lik neir shel Chanukah. (Amein) to light the lights of Chanukkah. (Amen) Blessing for Chanukkah Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe she'asah nisim la'avoteinu bayamim haheim baziman hazeh. (Amein) Who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time

09:28 12/03/2009

wats menorah me?

John cook

06:27 06/18/2009

Should tye Menorah have seven or nine candles?

bill rutherford

16:21 03/31/2009

this class iz so lame im not even sure that he is aloud 2 be teaching this kind of stuff its all against my religion im going 2 go home and cry now because i feel bad

bakayoko souhalio from Cote D'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

06:26 03/19/2009

i like my country

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