Hanukkah is an ancient Jewish festival celebrated in Jewish homes all over the world. Every Hanukkah celebration includes the lighting of a Menorah, a 9 branched candelabra, that is lit one candle at a time for eight nights. But what is the Hanukkah Menorah called?
The Hanukkah Menorah is commonly referred to as a Hanukiah. The term Hanukiah (also spelled Chanukiah and Hanukkiah) is from the Hebrew, meaning “dedication.” The origin of the word can be traced back to the time of the Maccabees and the legend of the oil which is one of the cornerstones of the Hanukkah celebration. A Hanukiah is used to commemorate the miracle associated with the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
A Hanukiah should carry 9 branches in total, 8 branches that surround 1 taller “shamash” branch in the middle. The Shamash branch is used to light all the other branches. A holiday blessing is recited over each light and on each night of Hanukkah. The number of branches of a Menorah has an incredible symbolic significance, and represents the 8 days of a miracle that occurred in a difficult time in Jewish history, which is commemorated with the Chanukah festival.
Many people refer to the Hanukkiah as simply the Menorah, a name which is more accurately used to refer to seven-lamp Biblical-style Menorahs. A Hanukiah is distinguished by its nine branches due to its purpose of commemorating the Hanukkah miracle, the reclaiming of the Temple, and the re-dedication of the Temple to the service of G-d.
This Hanukiah makes a beautiful and meaningful addition to any Jewish home. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, designs and materials. This includes silver plated, pewter, hand-painted, wood, copper, crystal and glazed porcelain metal. They can be classic designs or modern interpretations.
In conclusion, the Hanukkah Menorah, or Hanukiah, is an important symbol of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The nine branches of the Hanukiah signify the miracle of oil burning for eight days to light the Temple in Jerusalem during a difficult time in Jewish history. Hanukiahs can be purchased in a variety of sizes, shapes, designs, and materials in either classic or modern style.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.