What is a Hanukiah? Also known as a Chanukiyah or simply a Hanukkah Menorah, the Hanukiah is a specially designed candelabra used on the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. The Hanukiah is lit in a particular fashion, in a particular order. Firstly, it is lit in a window or door, so that passers by can see. Secondly, it is lit from right to left, one new candle each night, until they are all lit on the last night of Hanukkah. The Shamash is a separate candle used to light the others, and it is set apart from them on the Hanukiah, either in the middle but higher up, on the side of the menorah on a different level, or anywhere else, but not in the same place as the other eight candles.
The Shamash is not one of the blessed candles, and as such its light can be used to do things by, unlike the light of the other eight. Wax candles may be used in a Hanukiah, but many use oil candles as they did in the temple's Menorah when the story of Hanukkah happened. On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit. On the second, two are lit, ect, until the last day when all eight are lit. It is important to note that despite their similar appearances, there is a difference between the menorah used in the temple to the Hanukiah of today. Namely, the Menorah in the temple had a total of seven candles 9and is now a symbol of Judaism, like the star of david), and the Hanukiah of today has nine, including the Shamash. Eight to signify the eight days of Hanukkah, plus one Shamash. It is an interesting fact that the Shamash candle is the name of the candle that lights the others on the Hanukiah, and also the person who lights the lamps before Shabbat comes in and organizes the synagogue for the community's prayers is called a Shamash.
The miracles of Hanukkah were that the small Makabim's rebellion against the Greek empire succeeded, and also that the oil they found to light the Menorah should have been enough to last only one day but it lasted eight, while they prepared more. That is why we celebrate Hanukkah for eight days. The eight main candles on the Hanukiah have to last a minimum of half an hour, and most communities hold that their holders have to be at the same exact height. During the half hour after they are lit, the family refrains from doing work, and instead this is the time to enjoy Hanukkah games and traditional foods.
Hanukkah Prayer
The blessings said over the Hanukiah are as such:
On every night after lighting the candles, these blessing are said:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלֹהֵנוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְווֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה׃
Baruch ata Hashem Elokeinu melech ha'olam asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu lehadlik ner shel Chanukah.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלֹהֵנוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הַהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה
Baruch ata Hashem elokeinu melech ha'olam she'asah nissim la'avotenu bayamim hahem baz'man hazeh.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who performed wondrous miracles for our ancestors, in those days, at this moment.
On the first night only, one also recites Shahachiyanu:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלֹהֵנוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה
Baruch ata Hashem elokeinu melech ha'olam sheheḥehyanu vekiyemanu vehigiyanu lazman hazeh.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has kept us in life, sustained us, and brought us to this moment.
Then traditionally, Maoz Tzur (Rock of ages) is sung, as well as other Hanukkah songs.
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