Hanukkah is an eight-day festival celebrating the victory of the Maccabees against their Greek oppressors. A key aspect of the celebration is the display of a candelabra, which is traditionally known as the Hanukkiah. The Hanukkiah symbolizes the miracle of Hanukkah, when a single day’s worth of oil burnt brightly for eight days.
The Hanukkiah consists of nine branches, each of which holds a candle. The Hanukkiah is lit by the shamash, or helper candle, which is traditionally placed in the center. On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit and each night of the festival, an additional candle is lit until all eight are lit. The Hanukkiah is placed in a window or a doorway, where it can be seen by those both inside and outside the home.
It is customary for the blessing over the Hanukkiah to be recited in Hebrew. Each night, two different blessings are recited: one for the lighting of the candles, and one thanking God for the miracles of Hanukkah.
The Hanukkiah also serves as a reminder of the struggle of the Maccabees against their oppressors. Throughout the festival, it is customary to read from the book of Maccabees, or from other books which tell stories from the time of the struggle.
There is a special Hanukkiah which is designed to hold an additional candle, specifically for the ninth night of Hanukkah. The ninth candle, known in Hebrew as the “shamash,” is taller than the other eight and is used to light the other candles. In some Chasidic communities, the candle for the first night of Hanukkah is separated from the other eight candles and lit first.
The candelabra of Hanukkah, known as the Hanukkiah, is an important symbol of the festival of Hanukkah. It demonstrates the miracle of the oil, which miraculously burned for eight days, and it serves as a reminder of the Maccabees’ struggle for religious freedom. The Hanukkiah is lit each night of the festival, and reciting of two blessings is a key part of the ceremony. The Hanukkiah serves an important role in the celebration of Hanukkah, as for many, it symbolizes one of the most important of Jewish holidays.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.