Menorah

MENORAH - The menorah is among the most widely produced articles of Jewish ceremonial art. The seven-branched menorah is a traditional symbol of Judaism, along with the Star of David.  

It is a sacred candelabrum with seven branches used in the Temple at Jerusalem.   The Hanukkah menorah is a nine branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah.  On each night of Hanukkah a new branch is lit. 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. To be kosher the shamash must be offset on a higher or lower plane than the main eight candles or oil lamps, but there are differing opinions as to whether or not all the lights must be arranged in a straight line, or if the channukiah can be arranged in a curve.