When people ask “how many candles on a menorah” or “how many candles in a menorah,” they are usually referring to the Hanukkah menorah, also called a hanukkiah.
A Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, holds nine candles, eight for the eight nights of Hanukkah and one shamash candle used to light the others.
This differs from the seven-branched menorah of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, which is still a symbol in synagogues and Judaism today.
From my perspective as someone who has worked with wax, wicks, and flame for years, this design has a special beauty.
The eight equal candles form the body of the ritual, while the shamash stands apart—sometimes higher, sometimes lower, reminding us that not all light is meant for itself; some exists to give.
When I first poured beeswax candles for a hanukkiah, I noticed how much care families take when choosing their candles. Some prefer slender tapers, others thicker molded styles.
Many people confuse the Jewish menorah of Hanukkah with the original menorah described in the Torah and used in the Temple in Jerusalem. The difference is important.
The Temple menorah had seven branches and was fueled by olive oil. It was a permanent fixture of the Temple and symbolized divine presence in Judaism.
The Hanukkah menorah (hanukkiah), on the other hand, has nine branches: eight for the nights of Hanukkah and one shamash.
Its design was created to commemorate the miracle when the Maccabees rededicated the Temple, and a small amount of oil lasted eight nights.
As a candle-maker, I’ve seen this distinction reflected in design. Hanukkahs today come in silver, brass, ceramic, wood, and even glass.
Some are ornate with detailed carvings, while others are simple and modern. In public squares and city centers, you’ll even see electric menorahs built to spread awareness during the Festival of Lights.
This difference between the hanukkiah and the Temple menorah shows how tradition adapts over time.
One honors ancient worship, the other celebrates survival and continuity. Both carry light, but their stories are unique.
Lighting the hanukkiah is more than a nightly routine; it is a ritual that builds meaning with every flame.
Candles are arranged carefully, and with each evening, a new light is added, turning a simple act into a growing symbol of hope.
Beyond structure and rules, the menorah creates atmosphere. The glow transforms living rooms and synagogues into spaces of warmth, memory, and faith.
Children watch the flames dance while elders share stories of the Maccabees, making the menorah a bridge between generations.
The shamash candle stands out not only for its practical role but also for its symbolism. It represents leadership through service, the idea that light shared does not diminish but multiplies.
In my own candle-making, I have seen families choose different colors, shapes, or wax types for the shamash, using design as a way to highlight its special role.
What makes this ritual powerful is not only the remembrance of the miracle but the way it continues to teach resilience. Each flicker carries history while also inspiring present and future generations to value faith, identity, and unity.
Arranging candles in a hanukkiah follows clear rules. You place the candles from right to left, but when lighting them, you begin from the leftmost candle, the newest one.
This practice ensures that the light increases night after night, reflecting the miracle of Hanukkah.
Beyond placement, many families bring creativity into their menorah. Some prefer classic white tapers, while others use colorful sets in blue and silver, shades often linked to Hanukkah.
As a candle maker, I’ve crafted beeswax tapers in warm amber tones and even blended natural oils for subtle fragrance.
While the ritual itself remains unchanged, these design choices make the menorah more personal.
Decoration often extends to the setting as well. Jewish families may place the menorah on a table near a window, surrounding it with dreidels, gelt (chocolate coins), or festive cloths.
These details not only beautify the ritual but also make the menorah a focal point of the celebration.
Whether ornate or simple, the arrangement reflects both tradition and individual expression.
Final Thoughts
So, how many candles are on a menorah? The hanukkiah used during Hanukkah has nine candles in total: eight for the eight nights of Hanukkah and one shamash candle.
While the answer is simple, the meaning behind it is layered with history, tradition, and faith.
Every year, Jewish families gather to light their menorah, recite blessings, and retell the story of the Maccabees.
The ritual transforms wax and wick into a living memory of endurance and joy. As someone who works with candles, I’ve come to see each flame as more than light—it is resilience, hope, and community shining through time.
The menorah reminds us that even a small spark can grow into lasting brightness. That is the heart of Hanukkah and why the question “how many candles on the menorah” carries more than a number.
It carries a story that continues to illuminate homes, synagogues, and hearts across the world.
No. The original Temple menorah had seven branches, while the hanukkiah used during Hanukkah has nine. The distinction reflects different purposes: one for daily worship in the Temple, the other for commemorating the Festival of Lights.
Traditionally, menorahs are lit with kosher Hanukkah candles or oil, connecting back to the Temple’s use of olive oil. Today, many families also use paraffin, soy, or beeswax candles. In my own work, I’ve seen how a well-crafted beeswax candle burns longer and with a warmer glow, which makes the ritual feel more meaningful.
The shamash candle is the helper. It lights the other eight candles and is often positioned differently, either higher, lower, or centered. Symbolically, it represents guidance and service—shedding light without losing its own flame.
