The shamash (or helper) candle is used to light all the other candles.
As to why it's there, one thought is that if a candle blows out, you still have the required number. Also, it's the only candle that can be used in a practical sense, the others cannot be moved out of the menorah.
I see. that makes sense. Catholics do something smiliar with the advent candles in the wreath. They're usually lit from the altar candles. A variety of pagan beliefs also have something similar It's not too hard to see how various religions would evolve (or copy) something about candles. I always thought the menorah was a pretty display
haha i could probably hurt myself with the dreidel but as a diabetic it's about the only thing in that picture outside of the menora that I SHOULD have.
and that's okay. Thanks. Actually it's time to change to another holiday icon
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Date: 2009-12-12 04:31 am (UTC)no subject
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Date: 2009-12-12 03:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-12 04:17 pm (UTC)Have a great one.
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Date: 2009-12-12 05:33 pm (UTC)Hey, i have a quesion for you. I know there are 8 days in chanuka but why are there 9 candles?
Also mom says your card made it there. thanks in advance.
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Date: 2009-12-12 06:55 pm (UTC)As to why it's there, one thought is that if a candle blows out, you still have the required number. Also, it's the only candle that can be used in a practical sense, the others cannot be moved out of the menorah.
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Date: 2009-12-12 08:09 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-12 05:19 pm (UTC)PS: I love your icon!
Edited because I'm an idiot and put my comment in the wrong place.
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Date: 2009-12-12 05:25 pm (UTC)and that's okay. Thanks. Actually it's time to change to another holiday icon