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Prague · 28 Cheshvan 5787

Shabbat this week · 16:02–17:11

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Hanukkiah

חֲנֻכִּיָּהhanukkiah
Awaiting expert review

An eight-branched lamp with a helper light, the shamash, in which one more light is lit each evening of Hanukkah.

01

Origin

Halakhah

The Talmud gives the basic commandment: one light per household each evening; the more zealous light one for each member; the most zealous, following the School of Hillel, add one light each evening up to eight.1

History⁂ To verify

The name chanukiyah is Modern Hebrew; in Yiddish the lamp is called menoyre or khanike-lomp, and in English often "Hanukkah menorah".

02

Meaning

Interpretation

The lights recall the miracle that tradition links with the rededication of the Temple; the Talmud tells of oil that lasted eight days. The purpose is to "publicize the miracle" (pirsumei nisa).1

03

Use

Halakhah

The lights should stand in a single row at the same height; the helper light, the shamash, is set apart (higher or to the side). According to the Talmud the hanukkiah is placed at the entrance, on the outside or opposite the mezuzah, or else in a window facing the street.2,3

Halakhah⁂ To verify

Candles are placed from right to left and lit from left to right, the newest first. Oil or candles may be used; according to the Shulchan Arukh olive oil is best.4

Halakhah

No use may be made of the Hanukkah lights (for example, for reading); this is why the shamash is added.4

04

Historical development

History⁂ To verify

Oil lamps with eight wicks and a backplate (bench-type lamps), hung on the wall, have survived from the Middle Ages. Standing lamps resembling the menorah spread in Ashkenazi settings from the late Middle Ages.5

05

Related traditions

MinhagAshkenazimSephardim

In Ashkenazi practice each member of the household lights their own hanukkiah; in Sephardi practice one person lights for the whole household.6

HistoryCzech lands

The collection of the Jewish Museum in Prague includes Hanukkah lamps from the Czech lands, many of them of pewter and silver.7

FAQ

How many branches does a hanukkiah have?

Eight for the Hanukkah lights and one for the shamash, nine in all.

Can I use an electric hanukkiah?

Most halakhic authorities do not consider it to fulfill the commandment; it serves rather as decoration. Liberal movements are more flexible.⁂ To verify

Where should the hanukkiah be placed?

Traditionally at the entrance or in a window, so that it can be seen from outside.

Sources

See also