MORE ON THE MENORAH

Menorah or Hanukkiah? 

There's a menorah for the Lord's temple.  That menorah has seven branches.  

The menorah used at Hanukkah has nine branches, a "helper" candle in the middle, used to light the other candles, and four other branches on either side to represent the eight days of the miracle of oil.  

A Hanukkah menorah is also sometimes called a Hanukkiah to distinguish the difference between a menorah for Hanukkah or the temple menorah.  
Many families have one hanukkiah, and family members can take turns lighting it.  

Tradition also has the woman of the house light the candles, like she does for Shabbat.  

Many girls will receive their own Hanukkiah at their Bat Mitzvah.  

We were so excited and bought Hannah a menorah when she was only one.  We each have a our own menorahs that we light every year.  But remember, there's no commandments for this.  

It's your family and your traditions.  Do what you want <3

HOW TO LIGHT THE MENORAH

The middle candle in the hanukkiah is called the "shamash" or helper candle.  This candle is lit every night and used to light the other candles.  As Messianic believers, we recognize the shamash as Jesus (Yeshua).  He is the light of the world and puts his light in us.  

I have to be honest here... remember, this is not a commanded holiday.  There's nothing in the Bible that says you have to light the candles in a certain way.  Out of respect, we can do it the traditional way, but don't become so overwhelmed with traditional "rules" that you want to give up.  Just remember, Jesus is the shamash, and spread His light to the others!

Here are the traditional "rules" for lighting the candles:

1. Placement: On night 1, place one candle on the far right. On night 2, add a candle to its left, and so on, filling from right to left.
2. Light the Shamash: Light the shamash first
3. Light Other Candles: Use the shamash to light the other candles from left to right, starting with the newest candle (the one added that night) and moving towards the older ones.