For Jews around the world, Hanukkah is a time of joy, gift-giving, and celebration of family and faith. But despite the holiday's popularity, many people may not know why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights, nor understand the importance of its central icon, the nine-candle menorah.
Native Californian Sara Zolott has worked in Jewish education for her entire adult life, and is currently the Assistant Educator/Assistant Family Program Coordinator at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Here she explains the symbolism and traditions behind the Hanukkah menorah:
Nine candles. The most recognized symbol of Hanukkah is the Hanukkah menorah, which is made up of nine candleholders or oil receptacles. Eight of these lights represent the eight nights of Hanukkah.
Shamash: helper candle. The ninth candle is the shamash, which is known as the helper candle because it is used to light all the other candles. The shamash is kept separate from the other eight candles, and can be above, below or to the side of them.
Signifies the Miracle of the Oil. The central story behind Hanukkah is the Miracle of the Oil. In 165 B.C.E, when a group of Jewish soldiers needed to light oil lamps to rededicate their reclaimed Temple, they found only enough to last one night. Miraculously, this oil lasted for eight nights, until more could be found. The modern menorah symbolizes and celebrates this ancient miracle, with candles typically replacing the oil lamps.
Lit at sunset left to right. Traditionally the menorah is lit at sunset. According to Zolott, the candles should be placed in the holders starting on the right and proceeding left, but should be lit in the opposite way: left to right.
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