Shamash

Definition

The shamash is a special candle used in the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, set apart from the other candles in the menorah. Its primary purpose is to light the other candles, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days. The shamash often stands taller than the other candles and is typically placed in a separate holder, emphasizing its distinct role in the ritual lighting during Hanukkah.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The shamash is lit first on each night of Hanukkah and is used to light the other candles from left to right, following the tradition of adding one candle each night.
2. The word 'shamash' means 'helper' or 'attendant' in Hebrew, reflecting its role in assisting with the lighting of the menorah.
3. During Hanukkah, it is customary for families to place their menorah in a window or doorway to publicize the miracle of the holiday.
4. The shamash is often distinguished by its height or unique design compared to the other eight candles, reinforcing its importance in the ritual.
5. On Shabbat, an additional shamash may be used since lighting candles on that day has specific restrictions, making it necessary to separate lighting for Hanukkah from Shabbat observance.

Review Questions

• How does the shamash function within the Hanukkah lighting ritual, and what is its significance?
  • The shamash serves as a helper candle used specifically to light the other candles on the menorah during Hanukkah. Its significance lies not only in its practical role but also in symbolizing the miracle of oil that lasted for eight days. By being set apart from the other candles and often taller, it emphasizes that it is not counted among those representing the holiday's miracle but instead facilitates it.
• Discuss how the design and placement of the shamash contribute to its unique role during Hanukkah celebrations.
  • The design and placement of the shamash are intentional aspects that reinforce its unique role during Hanukkah. It is often taller or distinctively placed in a separate holder on the menorah, highlighting its function as a helper candle. This visual differentiation makes it clear that while it assists in lighting, it has a different status and purpose compared to the other candles, which represent each night of Hanukkah.
• Evaluate how the use of the shamash connects to broader themes of memory and public witness in Jewish tradition during Hanukkah.
  • The use of the shamash during Hanukkah connects deeply to broader themes of memory and public witness in Jewish tradition. By lighting the menorah, especially positioned to be visible from outside, families actively commemorate the miracle of Hanukkah and share their faith with others. The shamash, as a distinct candle serving both practical and symbolic purposes, embodies this dual commitment: honoring past miracles while inviting community reflection on resilience and faith during contemporary celebrations.

Related terms

Menorah:

A nine-branched candelabrum used during Hanukkah, which holds eight candles for each night of the festival and one for the shamash.

Hanukkah:

An eight-day Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil.

Maccabees: The group of Jewish rebel warriors who led the revolt against the Seleucid Empire, resulting in the events celebrated during Hanukkah.