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
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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)