Why do we light a shamash?

In other words, on Hanukkah, we take a special candle to light the other candles, and then that special one is attached to the menorah. The short answer is that the shamash, the ninth candle on a full Hanukkah menorah, was created by the rabbis to benefit the poor.

What is the shamash candle?

The shamash or shammus is the “helper candle”. It is the ninth candle for the Hanukkah menorah, also known as the Hanukkiah/Chanukiah. It is lit before the prayers are said and the other candles are lit. The color of the candle used for the shamash may also be different from the other candles.

How long do you leave the Menorah lit?

Candles should stay lit for at least 30 minutes before being extinguished, although, many will prefer to let candles burn until they extinguish themselves. The menorah should be placed on a table near a window, and preferably to the left side of the door.

What does the shamash symbolize?

Shamash was not only the god of justice but also governor of the whole universe; in this aspect he was pictured seated on a throne, holding in his hand the symbols of justice and righteousness, a staff and a ring. Also associated with Shamash is the notched dagger.

What does Shamash mean in Hebrew?

shammash, also spelled shamash or shammas (Hebrew: “servant”), plural shammashim, shamashim, or shammasim, salaried sexton in a Jewish synagogue whose duties now generally include secretarial work and assistance to the cantor, or hazan, who directs the public service.

Is it OK to wish someone Happy Hanukkah?

What is the proper greeting for Hanukkah? To wish someone a Happy Hanukkah, say “Hanukkah Sameach!” (Happy Hanukkah) or simply “Chag Sameach!” (Happy Holiday). Or if you want to show off your Hebrew skills, say “Chag Urim Sameach!” (urim means “lights”).

Who was Utu Shamash?

Shamash, (Akkadian), Sumerian Utu, in Mesopotamian religion, the god of the sun, who, with the moon god, Sin (Sumerian: Nanna), and Ishtar (Sumerian: Inanna), the goddess of Venus, was part of an astral triad of divinities. Shamash was the son of Sin.

Is Shamash a Marduk?

In the city of Babylon, Marduk was worshipped in the temple Esagila. Marduk is associated with the divine weapon Imhullu. His symbolic animal and servant, whom Marduk once vanquished, is the dragon Mušḫuššu. “Marduk” is the Babylonian form of his name….Marduk.

Who was Shamash?

Shamash, (Akkadian), Sumerian Utu, in Mesopotamian religion, the god of the sun, who, with the moon god, Sin (Sumerian: Nanna), and Ishtar (Sumerian: Inanna), the goddess of Venus, was part of an astral triad of divinities. Shamash was the son of Sin. At night, Shamash became judge of the underworld.

How do you pronounce retributive?

Break ‘retributive’ down into sounds: [RI] + [TRIB] + [YUH] + [TIV] – say it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently produce them.