Για να το διαβάσετε στα Ελληνικά, κάντε κλικ εδώ
Chanukah lasts for 8 days and we light eight candles, starting with one candle on the first night and adding one candle every following night. Why then does the Chanukiya have 9 candles? Why do we need the 9th candle for?
The exclusive purpose of the candles of Chanukah is to remind us of the miracles of the past. This is why it is forbidden to use them for any other purpose, such as getting light, light up a cigarette or other candles. We cannot use the 8 candles of Chanukah for any other purpose, even to light one another. This is the role of the Shamash. It is a candle that is not part of the Chanukah lights, and it serves as a lighter for the other candles. This is the meaning of its name, Shamash, from the Hebrew word Meshamesh, one who serves and helps the other candles.
We usually place the Shamash on the Chanukiya, not on the same level as the other candles, but higher. This teaches us something important. When we help someone with something, not only do we no lose anything, but we reach higher, we become better people ourselves.
Shabbat Shalom and Chanukah Sameach!
Arie from the Yeshiva
