https://staging.thenewjew.org/articles/going-deeper-deeper-judaica-hanukkiah-menorah.xml/articles/going-deeper-deeper-judaica-hanukkiah-menorahxmlarticleHanukkiah (Menorah)The nine-branched candelabrum lit on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah — one of the most distinctive pieces of Jewish judaica.The New Jew/index.xmlJewish Living/sections/jewish-living.xmlHanukkiah (Menorah)/articles/going-deeper-deeper-judaica-hanukkiah-menorah.xml
https://staging.thenewjew.org/articles/going-deeper-deeper-judaica-hanukkiah-menorah
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<_xml>https://staging.thenewjew.org/articles/going-deeper-deeper-judaica-hanukkiah-menorah.xml
going-deeper-deeper-judaica-hanukkiah-menorahHanukkiah (Menorah)The nine-branched candelabrum lit on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah — one of the most distinctive pieces of Jewish judaica.Summary. The Hanukkiah (often called the menorah, though strictly speaking the menorah refers to the Temple’s seven-branched lamp) is the nine-branched candelabrum lit on the eight nights of Hanukkah. One light is added each night, plus the shamash (servant light) used to kindle the others. The Hanukkiah is placed in a window or doorway to publicize the miracle (pirsumei nisa). Lit after nightfall; in Israel and the diaspora alike, observed at home (and increasingly in public spaces). A Hanukkiah may use oil or candles.deepergoing-deeperhanukkahmenorahhanukkiah2026-07-06T02:19:03.001Z7043jewish-livingJewish Livingsummary
Summary. The [Hanukkiah](/glossary.xml#letter-H) (often called the [menorah](/glossary.xml#letter-M), though strictly speaking the menorah refers to the Temple’s seven-branched lamp) is the nine-branched candelabrum lit on the eight nights of [Hanukkah](/glossary.xml#letter-H). One light is added each night, plus the [shamash](/glossary.xml#letter-S) (servant light) used to kindle the others. The Hanukkiah is placed in a window or doorway to publicize the miracle ([pirsumei nisa](/glossary.xml#letter-P)). Lit after nightfall; in Israel and the diaspora alike, observed at home (and increasingly in public spaces). A Hanukkiah may use oil or candles.
Summary. The Hanukkiah (often called the menorah, though strictly speaking the menorah refers to the Temple’s seven-branched lamp) is the nine-branched candelabrum lit on the eight nights of Hanukkah. One light is added each night, plus the shamash (servant light) used to kindle the others. The Hanukkiah is placed in a window or doorway to publicize the miracle (pirsumei nisa). Lit after nightfall; in Israel and the diaspora alike, observed at home (and increasingly in public spaces). A Hanukkiah may use oil or candles.heading
Construction
Constructionparagraph
A [kosher](/glossary.xml#letter-K) Hanukkiah has eight equal lights in a row (representing the eight nights), plus a ninth shamash — typically elevated, set apart, or off-axis from the eight. The requirement that the eight sit in a straight row — not a circle or a cluster, which would read as a single torch — comes from the Rema's gloss to the [Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 671:4](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh,_Orach_Chayim.671); the accompanying practice is to keep all eight at the same height, with only the shamash set higher or apart. Oil Hanukkiot (with olive oil and floating wicks) are particularly desirable; candle Hanukkiot are widespread and acceptable. Electric “menorot” do not fulfill the [mitzvah](/glossary.xml#letter-M) (since there is no kindling of a flame); they are appropriate decoration only.
A kosher Hanukkiah has eight equal lights in a row (representing the eight nights), plus a ninth shamash — typically elevated, set apart, or off-axis from the eight. The requirement that the eight sit in a straight row — not a circle or a cluster, which would read as a single torch — comes from the Rema's gloss to the Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 671:4; the accompanying practice is to keep all eight at the same height, with only the shamash set higher or apart. Oil Hanukkiot (with olive oil and floating wicks) are particularly desirable; candle Hanukkiot are widespread and acceptable. Electric “menorot” do not fulfill the mitzvah (since there is no kindling of a flame); they are appropriate decoration only.heading
Where to Place It
Where to Place Itparagraph
The [Talmud](/glossary.xml#letter-T) ([Shabbat 21b–22a](https://www.sefaria.org/Shabbat.22a)) describes the placement: outside the doorway and on the left, so that the [mezuzah](/glossary.xml#letter-M) stands on the right — and no higher than twenty amot, above which it is invalid, since nobody looks that high. The [Shulchan Aruch](/glossary.xml#letter-S) ([Orach Chaim 671:6](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh,_Orach_Chayim.671)) adds that it should stand above 3 [tefachim](/glossary.xml#letter-T) and, ideally, below 10 — though placing it higher than 10 tefachim still fulfills the obligation. Where outdoor placement is impractical (cold climates, apartment buildings), the Hanukkiah is placed in a window facing the street. The minimum requirement is one Hanukkiah per household (one light each night); the standard practice in [Ashkenazi](/glossary.xml#letter-A) households is one Hanukkiah per person, with each member of the household lighting his or her own. Many [Sephardic](/glossary.xml#letter-S) communities keep to one Hanukkiah per household, the ruling given in the body of the [Shulchan Aruch](/glossary.xml#letter-S) ([Orach Chaim 671:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh,_Orach_Chayim.671)); the per-person custom is recorded there as the Rema's Ashkenazi gloss. Others follow the Rambam and light one per person.
The Talmud (Shabbat 21b–22a) describes the placement: outside the doorway and on the left, so that the mezuzah stands on the right — and no higher than twenty amot, above which it is invalid, since nobody looks that high. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 671:6) adds that it should stand above 3 tefachim and, ideally, below 10 — though placing it higher than 10 tefachim still fulfills the obligation. Where outdoor placement is impractical (cold climates, apartment buildings), the Hanukkiah is placed in a window facing the street. The minimum requirement is one Hanukkiah per household (one light each night); the standard practice in Ashkenazi households is one Hanukkiah per person, with each member of the household lighting his or her own. Many Sephardic communities keep to one Hanukkiah per household, the ruling given in the body of the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 671:2); the per-person custom is recorded there as the Rema's Ashkenazi gloss. Others follow the Rambam and light one per person.heading
When to Light
When to Lightparagraph
After nightfall — “from when the sun has set until people are no longer in the marketplace,” per the Talmud ([Shabbat](/glossary.xml#letter-S) 21b). The standard time in contemporary observance is sundown or shortly after. On Friday night, the Hanukkiah is lit before Shabbat candles (since Shabbat begins with the candle lighting and one cannot kindle fire on Shabbat). On Saturday night, custom varies: many light the Hanukkiah after [havdalah](/glossary.xml#letter-H) and others light before it, and a community's practice in shul may differ from what the same family does at home.
After nightfall — “from when the sun has set until people are no longer in the marketplace,” per the Talmud (Shabbat 21b). The standard time in contemporary observance is sundown or shortly after. On Friday night, the Hanukkiah is lit before Shabbat candles (since Shabbat begins with the candle lighting and one cannot kindle fire on Shabbat). On Saturday night, custom varies: many light the Hanukkiah after havdalah and others light before it, and a community's practice in shul may differ from what the same family does at home.heading
The Blessings
The Blessingsparagraph
On the first night, three blessings: [l’hadlik ner shel Chanukah](/glossary.xml#letter-L), [she-asah nissim](/glossary.xml#letter-S), and [shehecheyanu](/glossary.xml#letter-S). On subsequent nights, the first two only. The song [Maoz Tzur](/glossary.xml#letter-M) (“Rock of Ages”) is sung after lighting in Ashkenazi households; [HaNerot Halalu](/glossary.xml#letter-H) is the universal text reciting the meaning of the lights.
On the first night, three blessings: l’hadlik ner shel Chanukah, she-asah nissim, and shehecheyanu. On subsequent nights, the first two only. The song Maoz Tzur (“Rock of Ages”) is sung after lighting in Ashkenazi households; HaNerot Halalu is the universal text reciting the meaning of the lights.heading
Hanukkiah vs. Menorah
Hanukkiah vs. Menorahparagraph
The menorah (Hebrew for “lamp”) properly refers to the seven-branched golden lamp of the [Beit HaMikdash](/glossary.xml#letter-B) ([Shemot 25:31–40](https://www.sefaria.org/Exodus.25.31-40)). The nine-branched Chanukah lamp is properly called a Hanukkiah (Modern Hebrew, from the Israeli usage). In American English the term “menorah” is often used loosely for both; in Israeli usage the distinction is maintained. To avoid embarrassment in [shul](/glossary.xml#letter-S) or at the kosher Judaica store: ask for a Hanukkiah.
The menorah (Hebrew for “lamp”) properly refers to the seven-branched golden lamp of the Beit HaMikdash (Shemot 25:31–40). The nine-branched Chanukah lamp is properly called a Hanukkiah (Modern Hebrew, from the Israeli usage). In American English the term “menorah” is often used loosely for both; in Israeli usage the distinction is maintained. To avoid embarrassment in shul or at the kosher Judaica store: ask for a Hanukkiah.heading
Where Denominations Diverge
Where Denominations Divergeparagraph
Universal across all denominations. [Reform](/glossary.xml#letter-R), Conservative, [Reconstructionist](/glossary.xml#letter-R), and [Orthodox](/glossary.xml#letter-O) all light the Hanukkiah identically. Variations in the blessings are minor (Reform sometimes uses gender-neutral language for the divine name in alternative liturgies). [Chabad](/glossary.xml#letter-C)’s public outdoor Hanukkah celebrations and large-scale public menorot have brought Hanukkah celebration into public spaces worldwide.
Universal across all denominations. Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Orthodox all light the Hanukkiah identically. Variations in the blessings are minor (Reform sometimes uses gender-neutral language for the divine name in alternative liturgies). Chabad’s public outdoor Hanukkah celebrations and large-scale public menorot have brought Hanukkah celebration into public spaces worldwide.heading
Sources
Sourcesparagraph
[Talmud Bavli](/glossary.xml#letter-T), [Shabbat 21b–24a](https://www.sefaria.org/Shabbat.21b-24a).
Talmud Bavli, Shabbat 21b–24a.paragraph
Rambam, [Mishneh Torah](/glossary.xml#letter-M), Hilchot Chanukah.
Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Chanukah.paragraph
[Shulchan Aruch](/glossary.xml#letter-S), [Orach Chaim 671–685](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh,_Orach_Chayim.671-685).
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 671–685.paragraph
[How to Light](https://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article_cdo/aid/105045/jewish/How-to-Light.htm) — Chabad.org.
How to Light — Chabad.org.paragraph
[When to Light](https://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article_cdo/aid/105047/jewish/When-to-Light.htm) — Chabad.org.
When to Light — Chabad.org.paragraph
[What Is a Menorah (Chanukiah)?](https://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article_cdo/aid/1358679/jewish/What-is-a-Menorah-Chanukiah.htm) — Chabad.org.
What Is a Menorah (Chanukiah)? — Chabad.org.paragraph
[How to Light the Menorah & Hanukkah Candle Blessings](https://aish.com/blessings-on-the-hanukkah-candles/) — Aish.
How to Light the Menorah & Hanukkah Candle Blessings — Aish.heading
Further Reading
Further Readingparagraph
[Yitz Greenberg](/glossary.xml#letter-R), The Jewish Way — Hanukkah chapter.
Yitz Greenberg, The Jewish Way — Hanukkah chapter.paragraph
Philip Goodman, The Hanukkah Anthology.
Philip Goodman, The Hanukkah Anthology.paragraph
Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov, The Book of Our Heritage.
Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov, The Book of Our Heritage.going-deeper-deeper-questions-why-did-god-create-the-worldWhy Did God Create the World?/articles/going-deeper-deeper-questions-why-did-god-create-the-world.xmlgoing-deeper-deeper-questions-what-is-mussarWhat Is Mussar?/articles/going-deeper-deeper-questions-what-is-mussar.xmlgoing-deeper-deeper-questions-hasidism-vs-mitnagdismHasidism vs. Mitnagdism/articles/going-deeper-deeper-questions-hasidism-vs-mitnagdism.xmlgoing-deeper-deeper-questions-what-is-kabbalahWhat Is Kabbalah?/articles/going-deeper-deeper-questions-what-is-kabbalah.xmlAshkenaziאשכנזיDescribing Jews whose families trace to Central and Eastern Europe, and the customs, liturgy, and Hebrew pronunciation of those communities. The broad counterpart terms are Sephardi and Edot HaMizrach.Beit HaMikdashבֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁThe Holy Temple in Jerusalem — the First destroyed in 586 BCE, the Second in 70 CE. Much of Jewish prayer and practice remembers it and looks toward its restoration.Chabadחב״דChabad-Lubavitch is a Hasidic movement, historically headquartered in the Russian town of Lubavitch, known today for its worldwide network of Chabad Houses that offer hospitality, classes, and holiday services to Jews of every background, often in places with no other organized Jewish community.community-finding-a-shulHaNerot Halaluהַנֵּרוֹת הַלָּלוּ"These lights" — the short passage recited after kindling the Hanukkah candles, declaring that the lights are holy, for gazing at rather than for use.HanukkahחֲנֻכָּהThe eight-day winter festival of lights, commemorating the Maccabees' rededication of the Temple and the oil that burned for eight days. Its central mitzvah is lighting the hanukkiah each night.holidays-rabbinic-festivals-hanukkahHanukkiahחֲנֻכִּיָּהThe nine-branched Hanukkah lamp — eight lights plus the shamash that kindles them. It is often loosely called a menorah, though the menorah proper is the Temple's seven-branched lamp.going-deeper-deeper-judaica-hanukkiah-menorahMaoz Tzurמָעוֹז צוּר"Rock of Ages" — the hymn sung after lighting the Hanukkah candles, recounting God's rescues of Israel across the centuries.Mishneh Torahמִשְׁנֵה תּוֹרָהThe Rambam's monumental 12th-century code of Jewish law — the first work to organize the whole of Halacha systematically, from prayer to Temple service.Orthodox JudaismOrthodox Judaism holds Halacha as fully binding and the Shulchan Aruch as its canonical code; it spans Haredi and Hasidic communities as well as Modern Orthodoxy, and is the starting point from which this Field Guide is written, even as it engages seriously with other denominations.how-to-use-this-field-guideRabbi Yitz GreenbergRabbi Irving 'Yitz' Greenberg (b. 1933), a Modern Orthodox rabbi and Holocaust theologian known for the principle that no Jewish theological statement should be made that would not be credible in the presence of burning children; author of The Jewish Way.holidays-modern-observances-yom-hashoahReconstructionist JudaismFounded by Mordecai Kaplan, Reconstructionist Judaism understands Judaism as an evolving religious civilization rather than a fixed set of supernatural commandments, and was an early adopter of patrilineal descent and full gender egalitarianism.how-to-use-this-field-guideReform JudaismReform Judaism treats Halacha as a source of values and meaning rather than binding law, emphasizing individual autonomy, ethical monotheism, and tikkun olam; it was the first movement to fully recognize patrilineal descent and ordain women as rabbis.how-to-use-this-field-guideSephardiסְפָרַדִּיA Jew whose family traces to medieval Spain and Portugal — and, in common usage, to the broader communities of the Mediterranean and Middle East that follow Sephardic law and liturgy. The plural is Sephardim.ShabbatשַׁבָּתThe seventh day — the weekly day of rest from Friday sunset to Saturday nightfall, marked by candle lighting, kiddush, festive meals, and rest from creative work.where-to-start-your-first-shabbatShulchan Aruchשולחן ערוךLiterally 'the set table' — the authoritative 16th-century code of Jewish law by Rabbi Yosef Karo, printed with the Ashkenazi glosses of Rabbi Moshe Isserles. It remains the baseline reference for halachic practice.TalmudתלמודThe vast rabbinic work — the Mishnah together with the Gemara's discussion of it — that develops the Oral Torah into Jewish law and thought. It is the central text of Jewish study after the Bible itself.essentials-essential-facts-the-talmud-in-one-articleTalmud Bavliתלמוד בבליThe Babylonian Talmud, completed around 500 CE in the academies of Babylonia — the more extensive of the two Talmuds and the authoritative one for Jewish law.essentials-essential-facts-the-talmud-in-one-articlehavdalahהַבְדָּלָהThe brief, beautiful ceremony over wine, spices, and a braided candle that marks the end of Shabbat and separates it from the ordinary week.kosherכָּשֵׁרFit or proper according to Jewish law — said mostly of food, but equally of a Torah scroll, a sukkah, or anything else that meets halachic requirements.essentials-essential-facts-kashrut-the-basicsl'hadlik ner shel Chanukahלְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה"To kindle the Hanukkah light" — the closing words of the blessing recited each night as the Hanukkah candles are lit.menorahמְנוֹרָהThe seven-branched lampstand that stood in the Temple in Jerusalem. In everyday speech the word is also used for the nine-branched Hanukkah lamp, more precisely called a hanukkiah.going-deeper-deeper-judaica-hanukkiah-menorahmezuzahמְזוּזָהA small parchment scroll containing passages of the Shema, placed in a case and affixed to the doorposts of a Jewish home, fulfilling the Torah's command to write God's words 'on the doorposts of your house.'essentials-essential-judaica-mezuzahmitzvahמִצְוָהA commandment — one of the Torah's 613 divine instructions, and by extension any religious duty or good deed. The plural is mitzvot.essentials-essential-facts-the-613-mitzvotpirsumei nisaפִּרְסוּמֵי נִסָּא'Publicizing the miracle' (Aramaic) — the principle behind lighting the Hanukkah lamp where passersby can see it and reading the Megillah publicly on Purim.shamashשַׁמָּשׁThe 'servant' light of the Hanukkah lamp, used to kindle the other lights and given its own place on the hanukkiah.she'asah nissimשֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים'Who performed miracles' — the second blessing said when lighting the Hanukkah candles, thanking God for the miracles of those days.shehecheyanuשֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּThe blessing 'who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season,' said at festivals, first fruits of the season, and joyful new beginnings.shulשולThe Yiddish word for synagogue, used warmly across the Jewish world for the house of prayer, study, and community.community-finding-a-shultefachטפחA handbreadth (plural tefachim) — a basic halachic unit of measure, roughly three to four inches, used in laws from the dimensions of the sukkah to the placement of the hanukkiah.parentJewish Living/sections/jewish-living.xmlrelatedWhy Did God Create the World?/articles/going-deeper-deeper-questions-why-did-god-create-the-world.xmlrelatedWhat Is Mussar?/articles/going-deeper-deeper-questions-what-is-mussar.xmlrelatedHasidism vs. Mitnagdism/articles/going-deeper-deeper-questions-hasidism-vs-mitnagdism.xmlrelatedWhat Is Kabbalah?/articles/going-deeper-deeper-questions-what-is-kabbalah.xml