The candle at the left is the shamash, the servant candle which lights the others.
Tomorrow night there will be two candles and one shamash. Every night another candle is added and the light increases.
The chanukiya (menorah) is traditionally placed in a window or near the door or is lit outside in order to "publicize the miracle" to everyone.
Here is a photo from last year. This is how the chanukiya will look on the 8th and final day of the Festival of Lights. Chag sameach--happy holiday!
A beautiful tradition, Dina. This world needs more and more light!
ReplyDeletethat is a beautiful ceremony- to write with light across the days.
ReplyDeleteTonight at the cathedral we will light the final violet candle before the rose coloured one on christmas day to announce the joy of the new birth and that is a beautiful message whether you are a christian or catholic or not.
peace and light
shalom
and thankyou for this message of light from the holy land.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful to see.
ReplyDeleteFor many year's I've attended an annual Chanukah party at the home of long-time friends. They're no longer hosting the party due to changes in their lives, and I miss it. It was always a large, diverse group. For those of us who didn't know the songs and prayers there were photocopied instructions so we could sing along and join the ritual.
MMMMMM Latkes and chocolate "gelt!"
ReplyDeleteHappy Festival of Lights EVERYONE!
Aloha from Hanukah in Hawaii!
Happy Chanuka. Shalom.
ReplyDeleteChag Hanuka sameach!
ReplyDeleteHappy Hanukkah Dina!!! I hope that your holidays are peaceful and wonderful.
ReplyDelete*hugs*
It is beautiful. Candles are so calming to the soul. Blessings to you, sister.
ReplyDeletevery beautiful
ReplyDeleteI wish you, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Beautiful, Dina. It's a pity on the plane when it ends. Well happy Chanukiya!
ReplyDeleteHe is the light! for many!
ReplyDeleteHappy Chunukah
Happy Chanuka
ReplyDeleteFrom Missouri, Usa
Chag sameach Dina.
ReplyDeleteNine lights in the final day. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this very nice Festival, Dina.
Gorgeous and beautiful light!
ReplyDeleteDear Dina - I wish you a wonderful Chanuka and a great new Year with many more great images and posts to come!
Cheers, Klaus
as always, Dina, your commentary on tradition is unparalleled on blogs, and I am grateful... to read you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful lights, Dina! In a winter of darkness, I hope those lights show us a way.
ReplyDelete