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Kindling the Hanukkah lights
The primary ritual, according to Jewish law and custom, is to light a
single light each night for eight nights. As a universally practiced
"beautification" of the mitzvah, the number of lights lit is increased
by one each night.[24] An extra light called a shamash, meaning guard
or servant is also lit each night, and is given a distinct location,
usually higher or lower than the others. The purpose of the extra
light is to adhere to the prohibition, specified in the Talmud (Tracate
Shabbat 21b–23a), against using the Hanukkah lights for anything other
than publicizing and meditating on the Hanukkah story. This differs
from Sabbath candles which are meant to be used for illumination.
Hence, if one were to need extra illumination on Hanukkah, the shamash
candle would be available and one would avoid using the prohibited
lights. Some light the shamash candle first and then use it to light
the others.[25] So all together, including the shamash, two lights are
lit on the first night, three on the second and so on, ending with
nine on the last night, for a total of 44 (36, excluding the shamash).
A modern Tiffany Hanukkah menorah
The lights can be candles or oil lamps.[25] Electric lights are
sometimes used and are acceptable in places where open flame is not
permitted, such as a hospital room. Most Jewish homes have a special
candelabrum or oil lamp holder for Hanukkah, which holds eight lights
plus the additional shamash light.
The reason for the Hanukkah lights is not for the "lighting of the
house within", but rather for the "illumination of the house without,"
so that passers-by should see it and be reminded of the holiday's
miracle. Accordingly lamps are set up at a prominent window or near
the door leading to the street. It is customary amongst some
Ashkenazim to have a separate menorah for each family member (customs
vary), whereas most Sephardim light one for the whole household. Only
when there was danger of antisemitic persecution were lamps supposed
to be hidden from public view, as was the case in Persia under the
rule of the Zoroastrians, or in parts of Europe before and during
World War II. However, most Hasidic groups, light lamps near an inside
doorway, not necessarily in public view. According to this tradition,
the lamps are placed on the opposite side from the mezuzah, so that
when one passes through the door he is surrounded by the holiness of
mitzvoth.
Hanukkah: Time of lighting |