The Need for a Shamash for the Chanukiah in Our Time
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Question
Is a shamash necessary in our time when there is a lot of lighting in the room, and the additional light from the Chanukah candles is not felt at all?
Answer
When there is lighting in the place where the candles are lit, according to the basic law, there is no need to add a shamash. Similarly, if several people place their candles close together, there is no need for a shamash according to the basic law. Also, when lighting at the entrance from the outside in a way that the light is not used at all, there is no need to add a shamash. However, the custom in all these cases is to add a shamash.
Source
Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim, Siman 673, Paragraph 1); Mishnah Berurah (Seif Katan 14); Azmera Leshimcha (Issue 118).