Why is the middle candle on a higher level than the rest of the other candles?
2006-12-23 17:43:22 · 7 answers · asked by -♦One-♦-Love♦- 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
David-you sort of helped...I wanted to know 'why' the Shamesh candle is on a higher level than the rest of the other candles!
2006-12-23 17:48:10 · update #1
the shamash (used to light other candles) does not count as one of the eight regular lighs....so it's either placed higher than other candles or off to the side....
2006-12-23 17:52:42 · answer #1 · answered by sayasyoulike 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the room would be otherwise dark, we wouldn't want to benefit solely from the candles, which are a mitzva: therefore we keep another light there. In order that we shouldn't think it is one of the mitzva candles, we put it on a different level. Consequently, this has become the custom even if there is other light there.
It is good anyhow to use a candle as a shamash, because we don't light one mitzva light from another one, and a match won't last for more than a couple of lights.
I hope your latkes & sufganiot (doughnuts) were good.
2006-12-24 04:50:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the shamesh candle....the helper.
It is lit 1st. Then u use it to light the 8...one for each day.
So the 1st day, you have the shamish and one more...then two, etc. Until at the last day you have 9 total, shamesh plus 8.
Hope I helped.
Its to seperate it. No other reason that I know of.
David
2006-12-24 01:45:10 · answer #3 · answered by David T 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
In reference to Rod C's comment: He has no idea what he's talking about. A menorah is a Jewish ritual item, not Christian, therefore has nothing to do with Jesus in any way, shape, or form.
2006-12-24 06:07:55 · answer #4 · answered by Ambrielle 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because Jesus is the light of the world.He said "I am the vine,ye are the branches"the branches are off to the side He is in the middle supporting the branches.
2006-12-24 01:47:31 · answer #5 · answered by AngelsFan 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I hope you know better than to believe in some cult, right?
2006-12-24 01:46:06 · answer #6 · answered by Carson 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't know
2006-12-24 01:45:13 · answer #7 · answered by Catalyst 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋