Menorah Facts You Should Know
Possibly the definitive piece of Judaica, the Hanukkah menorah has since time immemorial been one of the decorative centerpieces of a Jewish home as well as one of the most popular outlets for the creative energies of Jewish artists and artisans. While it's not normally referred to as a "Jewish Menorah", no Jewish home is complete without one.
WHAT IS A MENORAH?
A Menorah is a multi-branched candelabra, used in the religious rituals of Judaism, that has been an important symbol in both ancient and modern Israel. The seven-branched menorah was originally found in the wilderness sanctuary and then later in the Temple in Jerusalem and was a popular motif of religious art in antiquity. The nine-branched menorah used on Hanukkah is commonly patterned after this menorah, because Hanukkah commemorates the miracle that a day's worth of oil for this menorah lasted eight days.
THE ELEMENTS OF A KOSHER MENORAH
The basic elements of a kosher menorah are eight holders for oil or candles and a ninth branch set apart from the rest, for the shamash ("attendant") candle, which is used to light the other eight. The shamash must be offset on a higher or lower plane than the main eight candles or oil lamps in order to be considered kosher.
Eight of the nine branches hold lights (candles or oil lamps) that symbolize the eight nights of the holiday; on each night, one more light is lit than the previous night, until on the final night all eight branches are ignited.
WHO LIGHTS THE MENORAH?
Men and women alike are obligated to participate in the menorah lighting. In some families, the head of the household lights the family menorah while everyone else listens to the blessings and answers, "Amen." In many other families, all members of the household, including children, light their own menorahs. Either way, it is important for everyone to be present and involved when the Hanukkah miracle is festively commemorated.
WHERE DO YOU LIGHT A MENORAH?
WHEN DO YOU LIGHT A MENORAH?
The custom of many communities is to light the menorah shortly after sunset. In other communities, the menorah is kindled after nightfall (approximately thirty minutes after sunset). Either way, the menorah must contain enough fuel to burn for at least thirty minutes after nightfall.
Regardless of the custom you follow on other Hanukkah nights, on Friday night the menorah is lit before sunset, and on Saturday night it is lit after nightfall. Ideally, you should light the menorah at the earliest possible opportunity. Only delay if you are awaiting the arrival of family members who wish to be present when the menorah is lit.
HOW DO YOU LIGHT A MENORAH?
- Arrange the lights on the menorah. Ensure that there is enough oil, or that the candles are big enough, for the lights to burn until half an hour after nightfall (or, if lighting after nightfall, for one half hour). On the first night, set one candle to the far right of the menorah. On the following night, add a second light to the left of the first one, and then add one light each night of Chanukah - moving from right to left.
- Gather everyone in the house around the menorah.
- Light the servant (shamash) candle. Then hold it in your right hand (unless you are left-handed).
- While standing, recite the appropriate blessings.
- Light the candles. Each night, light the newest (left-most) candle first and continue lighting from left to right. (We add lights to the menorah from right to left, while we light from left to right.)
WHERE DO I BUY A MENORAH IN BOCA RATON?
Our family-owned and operated Judaica Store offers a unique variety of menorahs in Boca Raton. We carry beautiful menorahs from artists such as Gary Rosenthal and Michael Aram.
MICHAEL ARAM MENORAHS
GARY ROSENTHAL MENORAHS
CRYSTAL MENORAHS
Looking for a special menorah for yourself or a loved one?
Shop online or in-store at our Judaica store in Boca Raton. Devon's Diamonds & Decor has a large variety of unique menorahs; you will be sure to find one that fits every style.
