Hanukkah Menorah

The Hanukkah menorah is a candelabra that holds nine candles and is lit during the eight nights of the Jewish holiday known as Hanukkah.

Fast Facts

1. Hanukkah 2008 begins at sunset December 21 and ends at sunset December 29¹
2. First night of Hanukkah on Jewish calendar: 25 Kislev²
3. The menorah is traditionally lit outside, or where it can be seen from outside³
4. Menorah also known as a "Hanukiah" and a "Chanukiah"⁴
5. The "Shamash" is the first candle and used to light the other candles⁴
6. A series of blessings are spoken while lighting the menorah
7. The menorah is lit when the first stars appear in the sky⁵
8. Lights should burn for at least thirty minutes before extinguishing⁵

About the Chanukiah

The Hanukkah menorah, or Chanukiah, was inspired by the lamp that stands in the synagogue, known as ner tamid—which translates to the eternal flame. When the Maccabees reclaimed their holy temple from the Greeks, they discovered that many of the relics in the temple had been stolen or destroyed. They wanted to relight the menorah, but there was only enough oil to burn for one night.

The miracle of Hanukkah is that the oil burned for not one night, but eight nights. That is why the original ner tamid differs from the Chanukiah. The Chanukiah has nine candle holders, while the temple menorah has only seven.^{6 7}

Hanukkah Treats and Fun

Enjoy some Hanukkah cupcakes

Learn how to make latkes

What are the rules for playing dreidel?

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