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No. The candles of the menorah do not stand for anything individually. They represent the days of Hanukkah.

There is one extra candle that is called the helper candle, and it's used to light the others.

Answer:Collectively, the eight candles of the Hanukkah-menorah represent the eight days of the miracle of the oil.

The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices in Judea, such as Sabbath-observance, and pressed the Jews to offer up idolatrous sacrifices. The Hasmoneans (a family of religious Jews) fought to retake the Holy Temple, which had been seized by the Seleucids, and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah.

When they reached the Temple grounds and prepared to light the oil lamps of the Temple's menorah (Exodus ch.25), they found only one day's supply of unsullied olive oil. Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought.

The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence still dwelt in the Holy Temple. This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation).

The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). This is why we light our Hanukkah-menorahs.

The Al-Hanisim prayer which we recite during Hanukkah centers around the Hasmoneans' victory and rededication of the Temple, while the candle-lighting commemorates the miracle of the oil.

It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "the Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes."

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If today is the first day of Hanukkah where was the first candle lit last night?

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How do the Jewish treat the menorah?

The menorah is a significant symbol in Judaism, particularly during the festival of Hanukkah. It is an eight-branched candelabrum, with an additional holder for the shamash (the helper candle used to light the others). During Hanukkah, Jews light one candle on the first night and add an additional candle each subsequent night, reciting blessings and prayers. The menorah is often displayed prominently in homes and public spaces to celebrate the miracle of the oil and the rededication of the Second Temple.


What candle sequence is lite on the Menorah fifth day?

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