What are the rules for a menorah?

What are the rules for a menorah?

The candles are placed on the menorah from right to left, the same direction in which one reads Hebrew. However, when lighting the menorah you move in the opposite direction, using the shamash to the light the candles from left to right.

Is the menorah only used during Hanukkah?

There are two different types of menorah. The seven-branched menorah is for daily use or decoration around the home and is a replica of the one that was in the Temple. It stands for light, wisdom, and divine inspiration. The nine branched menorah, called a Hanukkiah, is for use during Hanukkah only.

What is the difference between a Hanukkah and a menorah?

A menorah, which has only seven candleholders, was the lamp used in the ancient holy temple in Jerusalem — now a symbol of Judaism and an emblem of Israel. A Hanukkiah, however, has nine candlesticks — one for each night of Hanukkah and an extra one to light the others.

How is the menorah used in worship?

The menorah is the oldest Jewish symbol in continuous use, the seven-branch candelabra used in Temple worship, which, with nine branches, is still used by Jews to celebrate Chanukkah. He argues that Catholics used the symbolism deliberately to reflect the subjugation of the Jews, as depicted on the Arch of Titus.

What is a menorah and what does it symbolize?

The menorah symbolized the ideal of universal enlightenment. The menorah also symbolizes the creation in seven days, with the center light representing the Sabbath.

What can a menorah be made of?

According to rabbinic law, a modern menorah can be made of anything, as long as it includes the following: eight separate oil or candle holders (sorry, electric lights) on equal level footing and in a straight line.

What is a 7 candle menorah for?

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.

What color are menorah candles?

The color blue is also mentioned extensively throughout other religious texts, according to Chabad. Today’s Hanukkah decorations carry on the tradition of the holiday’s early American popularity, in that they look just like Christmas decorations, but they’re blue and white.

What religion uses a menorah?

A relief (left) from the Arch of Titus in Rome shows a seven-branched menorah; modern Hanukkah menorahs have nine branches. The menorah—“lamp stand” in Hebrew—has been the pre-eminent symbol of Jews and Judaism for millennia. It is the oldest continuously used religious symbol in Western civilization.

Where do you place a menorah?

Step 2: Find Its Spot The menorah is meant to spread light to others and is traditionally placed in a window, on a table or outside your door. (Just make sure it is far from active kids and flammable materials.)

Why is the menorah so important?

Since biblical times, the seven-branched menorah has symbolized Judaism. It first appears in Exodus, as a lighting fixture within the Tabernacle, a sort of portable temple used by the Israelites during their desert wanderings. The menorah is described in Exodus in minute detail, based on a heavenly prototype.

What constitutes a kosher menorah?

To be kosher, the shamash must be offset on a higher or lower plane than the main eight candles or oil lamps, but there are differing opinions as to whether all the lights must be arranged in a straight line, or if the chanukiah can be arranged in a curve.

What does a Menorah symbolize?

The Menorah stands for light, wisdom, and Divine inspiration. In this period of darkness, we welcome the approaching Festival of Lights and the timeless lessons of the Holy Menorah.

When should the Menorah be lit?

The menorah can still be lit (with the blessings) late into the night, as long as people are still awake. The menorah should remain lit for at least 30 minutes after nightfall, during which time no use should be made of its light. On Friday afternoon, the menorah should be lit 18 minutes before sundown.

When do you light the first candle on a menorah?

Traditionally, the first candle of the menorah is lit at sundown of the first date, which always falls on the 25th day of the month of Kislev in the Jewish calendar. According to Chabad .org, for the next few years, the following dates are the start and end dates for Hanukkah : 2017: December 12-20th. 2018: December 2-10th. 2019: December 22-30th.

What is said when the Menorah is lit?

The eight-branched Hanukkah menorah, or candle holder, is an important element that symbolizes the tradition of Hanukkah. It relates well with why the holiday is called “the festival of lights”. The menorah is lit from the left side to the right and people say blessings when the menorah is lit.