menorah

noun

me·​no·​rah mə-ˈnȯr-ə 

: a candelabra with seven or nine lights that is used in Jewish worship

Illustration of menorah

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The Menorah and Hanukkah

In English, menorah was originally the name for the seven-branched candelabra used in Jewish worship. The nine-branched Hanukkah candelabra is called hanukkiah in Hebrew, but English speakers came to use menorah for this too. The Hanukkah menorah recalls expulsion by Judah Maccabee of invading forces from the Temple of Jerusalem. Maccabee and his followers sought oil for the temple's menorah so that the sanctuary could be rededicated, but they found only enough oil for a single day. Miraculously, that tiny amount of oil burned for eight days, until a new supply could be obtained. The Hanukkah menorah includes a candle for each day the oil burned, plus the shammes, a "servant candle" that is used to light the others.

Examples of menorah in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Jews celebrate Hanukkah by lighting menorahs, telling the Hanukkah story, playing dreidel and eating special foods. —Kathryn Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 9 Dec. 2024

The addition of olive oil celebrates a miracle that occurred when a small amount of olive oil miraculously lasted eight days to light the Temple's menorah. —Aly Walansky, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

West Elm Glass Menorah $60 $48 West Elm This elegant glass menorah blends into any interior with a clear base that subtly elevates any space it's displayed in. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 29 Nov. 2024

The oversized menorah – created using thousands of seashells – will be lit beginning Dec. 25 on Euclid Circle and anchor a big celebration Dec. 29, Abramson tells Axios. —Martin Vassolo, Axios, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew mĕnōrāh candlestick

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

menorah

noun

me·​no·​rah mə-ˈnȯr-ə 

: a holder for candles used in Jewish worship