Light the shamash candle. Start the candle lighting before sunset on Friday night and use long-lasting candles so they burn for at least 30 minutes after the sun sets.

Are shamash candles always lit?

On the first night, there should be one candle on the far right of the chanukiah, plus the shamash. ... They are lighted from left to right, so that the newest candle is always lighted first. The helper candle, or shamash, is lighted first, and that candle is used to light all the other candles.

Why do we use a shamash candle?

The menorah's shamash reminds us to share the light where it is needed most. ... In other words, on Hanukkah, we take a special candle to light the other candles, and then that special one is attached to the menorah. But on Shabbat, there's no need for a candle to light the other two.

Why does Hanukkah have 9 candles?

The centerpiece of the Hanukkah celebration is the hanukkiah or menorah, a candelabra that holds nine candles. 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.

What is the candle called that lights the other candles?

The central candle that lights the other candles is called the shamash, each night the shamash ignites another candle until all the candles are proudly aglow together on the last day of Hanukkah. The menorah should be lit every night when the stars appear.

When do we light the Shamash

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Why is the shamash higher?

The shamash always sits a bit higher or lower than the rest of the candles so as to not get confused with the others. The candles are placed on the menorah from right to left, the same direction in which one reads Hebrew.

What does the shamash symbolize?

Shamash was not only the god of justice but also governor of the whole universe; in this aspect he was pictured seated on a throne, holding in his hand the symbols of justice and righteousness, a staff and a ring. Also associated with Shamash is the notched dagger.

What is Shamash 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 is a Shamash in Hebrew?

shammash, also spelled shamash or shammas (Hebrew: “servant”), plural shammashim, shamashim, or shammasim, salaried sexton in a Jewish synagogue whose duties now generally include secretarial work and assistance to the cantor, or hazan, who directs the public service.

Why do menorahs have 7 candles?

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.

Do you light a candle on the last day of Hanukkah?

The last day of Hanukkah marks the end of Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah or Festival of Lights. Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish observance that remembers the Jewish people's struggle for religious freedom. Candles are lit during the Hanukkah period.

What do you say on last night of Hanukkah?

What is the proper greeting for Hanukkah? To wish someone a Happy Hanukkah, say “Hanukkah Sameach!” (Happy Hanukkah) or simply “Chag Sameach!” (Happy Holiday). Or if you want to show off your Hebrew skills, say “Chag Urim Sameach!” (urim means “lights”). When is Hanukkah?

What do you say on the first night of Hanukkah?

On the first night of Hanukkah add this blessing: Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu v-ki'y'manu v-higianu la-z'man ha-zeh. Blessed are you, Our God, Ruler of the Universe, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season.

What time do you light Chanukah candles?

When to Light

Chanukah candles should be at nightfall (tzeis hakochavim – when the stars appear). There are opinions that maintain that Chanukah lights should be kindled at shkiya (sunset).

What do you eat on Hanukkah?

10 Best Traditional Hanukkah Foods

• Latkes.
• Beef brisket.
• Roasted chicken.
• Kugel.
• Matzo ball soup.
• Rugelach.
• Sufganiyot (Jelly-Filled Doughnuts)
• Challah.

What religious text is Judaism?

Judaism: sacred texts

We explore what it means to be Jewish today through some of Judaism's most important sacred texts including the Torah, the Talmud, and the Haggadah.

What does the Star of David represent?

The star was almost universally adopted by Jews in the 19th-century as a striking and simple emblem of Judaism in imitation of the cross of Christianity. The yellow badge that Jews were forced to wear in Nazi-occupied Europe invested the Star of David with a symbolism indicating martyrdom and heroism.

How is a rabbi chosen?

One becomes a rabbi by being ordained by another rabbi, following a course of study of Jewish texts such as the Talmud. The basic form of the rabbi developed in the Pharisaic and Talmudic era, when learned teachers assembled to codify Judaism's written and oral laws.

What is a Shamash and how do you use it?

The candle used to light the other eight candles of a Hanukkah menorah. (Judaism) The candle used to light the other eight candles of a Hanukkah menorah.