The Need for a 'Shamash' for the Menorah

Place and order of lighting Hanukkah candles

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Question

Why is an additional candle added beyond the Hanukkah candles? I couldn't understand this matter, thank you, dear Rabbi?

Answer

It is customary to place an additional candle called a 'shamash' so that if one uses the light of the candles, they use the light of the shamash. In our times, when there is usually other lighting, according to the main law, it is not necessary to add this candle, but it is still customary to light it.

Source

Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim, Siman 673, Section 1); Mishnah Berurah (Subsection 14); Azmera Leshimcha (Issue 118).

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