Menorah

Yesterday I discussed the meaning behind Hanukkah and went into some history of the Temple Menorah. Here is a traditional Hanukkah Menorah (by Colinreid9). Note that this has nine candles. The one in the middle is called the shamash. It is lit first, and then used to light the other candles, one for each night of Hanukkah. This is done because the Hanukkah candles (or oil lamps) are not supposed to be used for any other purpose except for their light and beauty, proclaiming the miracle of the Temple rededication.