What is a hanukkiyah?

A hanukkiyah is a nine-branched candelabra used by Jews during the eight-day festival of Hanukkah. Modeled after the seven-branched menorah that once stood in the Temple of Jerusalem, it is used to commemorate the rededication of the Second Temple by the Maccabees in 164 bce.12

The hanukkiyah features eight receptacles for candles or oil, all positioned at the same height, and a ninth, distinct holder for the shammash ("servant") light. This servant light is used to kindle the others during the nightly ritual. Throughout the festival, candles are added to the lamp from right to left, but they are lit from left to right while reciting prayers. The lamp is typically displayed in a visible location, such as a window, to publicize the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.12