Menorah (Hanukkah)

The Hanukkah Menorah (Hebrew חַנֻכִּיָּה, last syllable stressed ) or the Chanukah candelabra is the eight - or neunarmige candlestick whose candles are lit for the Jewish Hanukkah festival. The word " Chanukah " created Hemda Ben- Yehuda, the wife of Eliezer Ben- Yehuda, the reviver of Hebrew, until the end of the 19th century in 1897 in Jerusalem.

The seven-branched menorah, which is generally known as a symbol of Judaism chandelier is not identical to the menorah.

Construction

The menorah has eight or nine arms or light holders, the ninth holder for the candle in the center as a " servant " (Hebrew shamash ) is called. With this (not counted ) candle the other candles are lit after the necessary blessing (Hebrew Brachot ) were said. In addition to candles and olive oil is often used, as in the menorah in the temple ruins.

Tradition

The Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Temple after the successful Maccabean revolt against the Seleukidenmonarchie. According to the Talmud, the victorious Jews found only enough ritually pure olive oil that it was able to feed the Menorah only for one day, the fuel however, held miraculously eight days until new oil was available.

Ritual

The menorah is lit only in the evening, about 20 minutes after sunset ( on the Sabbath according to earlier) and men and women are encouraged. The Menorah is, if possible, placed outside the front door, opposite the mezuzah. Otherwise, it is placed in the window which is visible from the street, to publicly distribute the miracle of Hanukkah.

First, the shamash is lit, then two words (only on the first day three) Brachot before all the other candles with the shamash lit: on the first night the candle on the far right, on the second night, two candles on the far right ( the lighting, however, begins by left her ) and so on, on the eighth night all the candles burn up.