9 candle menorah meaning refers to a candelabra lit on eight days of Hanukkah. The menorah is lit to celebrate the Hanukkah miracle of a single cruse of oil burning for eight days.
Such a nine-candled menorah is also called a Chanukiah. It might be based on the another name of the festival "Hanukkiah"
After the Jewish forces retook Jerusalem from the Greek army around 198 BCE, they removed the altar dedicated to Zeus and redesigned the Temple.
However, only one cruse of oil was not defiled by the Greek forces. It was supposed to last only one night but went on to last for eight days.
The eight candles of the Hanukkah menorah represented the eight days the oil lasted. The middle piece is called the shamash and is used to refer to a helper or servant candle. It is lit on fire first and is used to light the other eight candles.
On the first night of Hanukkah, only a single candle is lit. As the festival progresses, one more candle is lit every night. In conclusion, one more candle is lit with every passing day of Hanukkah.
Lighting the candles is an obligatory responsibility of every Jewish person. Even if the person doesn't have money to buy the candelabra or the oil for the lamp, they must borrow money/goods from their friends or family members. If they are unable to do so, the community must step in to provide the required supplies.
The oil used in the candles can be extracted from anything other than a forbidden substance. It is recommended to use olive oil while celebrating Hanukkah. Also, the use of electric lamps or menorahs is not allowed.
The menorah should be kept stationary once it is lit up; it can't be moved until it burns out the oil.
Menorah Meaning For Each Candle
The Hanukkah menorah represents the eight days of the festival along with a centerpiece called shamash. The shamash is used to light the eight candles.
- Starting from the left, the first candle represents Passover, the day on which the Jewish departed from Egypt under the leadership of Moses.
- Similarly, the second candle symbolizes unleavened bread.
- The third branch refers to the Feast of First Fruits, whereas the fourth one is a symbol of Shaveout-Pentecost.
- The middle candle, which is elevated from the others, is called the Feast of Trumpets.
- Likewise, the 6th candle represents the Day of Atonement.
- The 7th candle symbolizes the Sukkot.
- Moreover, the 8th branch resembles Purim.
- Whereas the 9th branch displays Hanukkah.
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