A menorah (more precisely, for Hanukkah, a hanukkiah) is a candelabra used to mark the eight nights of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. It has spaces for eight candles representing each night, plus a ninth, raised or set-apart candle called the shamash (helper candle), used to light the others.
Each night of Hanukkah, one more candle is lit using the shamash — one candle on the first night, two on the second, and so on, until all eight are lit on the final night. The candles are traditionally lit after sunset, often with blessings and songs, and the menorah is commonly placed in a window or doorway so the light can be seen.
The growing light symbolises the central miracle of Hanukkah: when the Temple in Jerusalem was rededicated, a small amount of oil — only enough for one day — miraculously lasted eight days. The menorah's nightly lighting represents hope, faith and the triumph of light over darkness.
The terms 'menorah' and 'hanukkiah' are often used interchangeably for the Hanukkah candelabra, though a hanukkiah specifically refers to the nine-branched version used at Hanukkah (a traditional menorah has seven branches and is a different, older symbol). Our free eight nights of gratitude sheet and countdown are lovely companions to the nightly lighting. Chag Sameach!