Hannukia Dimensions

The size of the Hannukia menorah varies. Many of those for sale are 8 inches high or over 12 inches. The Knesset Menorah at the Israeli parliament is 5 meters high. The biggest menorah in the world is in New York City. It is 32 feet high. It is at 59th street at Manhattan. It was created by the Israeli artist Yaacov Agam.

Background Information

This candelabrum is also known as the Hanukah, Hanukkah or chanukkiah. This nine branch candelabrum is lighted during the Hanukkah holiday.

The Hanukkah holiday is held in commemoration of the successful Jewish revolt versus the Seceucid monarchy. The Jews could only find ritually consecrated olive oil for the menorah to last for a day. However, the supply was somehow able to last for eight days, long enough for the new supplies to arrive.

For this reason, no matter what the size of the Hannukia menorah is, it has eight branches for the candles. The ninth candle holder is the Shamash. It is utilized to light up the other candles.

The Shamash

Since the Shamash is used to set alight the other candles, it is often distinguished either in appearance or in position. Usually, the Shamash is set on a higher spot than the other eight. In majority of the candelabrum, the Shamash is positioned in the center with four candles on its side.

Lighting

Along with the Shamash, one candle is put in the holder on the right and lit. It is usually lit by the Shamash or it could be lit by another match.

Whatever the size of the Hanukia, the placing of the candles is always from right to left. They are always kindled from left to right. The method of lighting is based on the views of the House of Hillel, which have become part of Jewish law.

Public Lighting of the Menorah

The menorah is often displayed and lit in public when the Hanukkah holiday is near. Many public officials participate in the lighting of the menorah. From 1979 to the present day, the White House has had a representative for the lighting of the Hanukkah. This tradition started with President Carter.

In 2009, it was California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel who lit the Hanukkah. In 1993, President William Clinton lit the Hanukkah at the White House. In 2001, President George W. Bush held a Hanukkah party at the White House.

Name

In most English speaking countries, the candelabrum is also known as the Hanukkah menorah. Sometimes it is just called the menorah. In modern Hebrew the term used is chanukkiyah. In Hebrew, the word menorah just means lamp.

Although it is a Jewish symbol, many museums all over the world have various types of menorahs. These include the Jewish Museum and the Israel Museum.

There are also many contemporary menorahs available. The sizes of the Hannukia menorah are also more diverse now than before. However, the ninth holder is still usually set higher than the other candle holders.