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What is the helper candle called?
The menorah has nine branches, one for each night of the Festival of Lights, plus a shamash, meaning helper or attendant, which is lit first and then used to light the other candles. The shamash always sits a bit higher or lower than the rest of the candles so as to not get confused with the others.
What do the 8 candles symbolize?
Eight candles symbolize the number of days that the Temple lantern blazed; the ninth, the shamash, is a helper candle used to light the others. Families light one candle on the first day, two on the second (and so on) after sundown during the eight days of Hanukkah, while reciting prayers and singing songs.
What do the 7 candles stand for?
The seven lamps allude to the branches of human knowledge, represented by the six lamps inclined inwards towards, and symbolically guided by, the light of God represented by the central lamp. The menorah also symbolizes the creation in seven days, with the center light representing the Sabbath.
What is Shamus candle?
The shamash or shammus is the “helper candle”. It is the ninth candle for the Hanukkah menorah, also known as the Hanukkiah/Chanukiah. It is lit before the prayers are said and the other candles are lit. The color of the candle used for the shamash may also be different from the other candles.
What does a candle mean in Christianity?
the light of God
In Christianity the candle is commonly used in worship both for decoration and ambiance, and as a symbol that represents the light of God or, specifically, the light of Christ. Candles are also carried in processions, especially to either side of the processional cross.
What do the 7 candles on a hanukkiah mean?
According to strict Jewish law, a Hanukkiah should have eight candleholders of the same height and a ninth branch that is set higher than the rest. Then, What do the 7 candles stand for? The seven candles represent the seven feasts. The seven feasts each point specifically to the birth, life, death, and final resurrection of Christ.
What does the seven candles mean in the Bible?
The seven candles represent the seven feasts. The seven feasts each point specifically to the birth, life, death, and final resurrection of Christ. Where in the Bible is the menorah mentioned?
Which is the ninth candle in the Menorah?
The ninth candle. That candle is called the Shamash, which in Hebrew means “attendant” or “servant.” The Shamash is the servant to the other lights. The menorah can only be lit by the Shamash. It is not OK to light the other lights with any other candle other than the ninth one.
What kind of CANDLE do you use for shammash?
Many Jews have a tradition to use a beeswax candle for the shammash. Though the shammash’s primary function has been served once the candles have been lit, we don’t extinguish the shammash. Instead, we set it in its place adjacent to the other lights, ready to “serve” in case a candle blows out.