During the eight days of Hanukkah the custom is to light every evening another candle on the Hanukkah candelabrum, which is better known by its Hebrew name cha•nu•ki•ya.
The Hanukkah me•no•rah or cha•nu•ki•yah, 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, and during sabbath eve nowadays in Jewish homes. The term ‘chanukkiyah’ was coined at the end of the nineteenth century in Jerusalem by the wife of Eliezer Ben Yehuda, the reviver of the Hebrew language.
On each night of Hanukkah, a new branch is lit in addition to the last day’s candle which is lit again.
The word ‘menorah’ comes from the word ‘or,’ light,’ that we’ve been discussing in the last few days. The name was carried over to modern Hebrew and its use was extended to electrical source of light in addition to the traditional uses. For example, ‘menorat layla’ is term used for a ‘night stand,’
US official menorah kindling and celebrating Hanukkah
Since 1979, the White House has been represented at the lighting of the National Menorah in celebration of Hanukkah, beginning with the attendance of President Jimmy Carter in the ceremony in Lafayette Park. Additionally, beginning with President Bill Clinton in 1993, a Hanukkah menorah is lit at the White House, and in 2001, President George W. Bush began the annual tradition of a White House Hanukkah Party in the White House residence, which includes a menorah candle lighting ceremony.
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