What is the importance of the Hanukkiah?

Answer 1

• The Hanukkah menorah (Hanukkah lamp) is a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah, as opposed to the seven-branched menorah used in the ancient Temple (Exodus ch.25) or as a symbol.
• The ninth holder, called the shamash ("helper" or "servant"), is for a candle used to light all other candles and/or to be used as an extra light.
• The menorah is among the most widely produced articles of Jewish ceremonial art.
• The menorah is often displayed in public around Hanukkah time (in December or late November).
• The seven-branched menorah has been a traditional symbol of Judaism for centuries, along with the Star of David.
• The lamp is most commonly called a "Hanukkah menorah," or simply "menorah" for short; and in Modern Hebrew it is called a chanukkiyah, while the Hebrew word menorah is used to mean "lamp."
• Since 1979, the White House has been represented at the lighting of a national menorah in celebration of Hanukkah. In the United Kingdom, the House of Commons of the United Kingdom each year holds a menorah lighting at the official residence of the Speaker of the House of Commons.
• One or more Hanukkah-menorahs are lit in each Jewish home during the eight nights of Hanukkah. This is a religious ceremony, with blessings to God and traditional songs of praise.
• The flames of the menorah symbolize the eight days of the miracle of the oil (see details in the attached Link)