Shamash
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ʃəˈmæʃ/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Shamash is a noun meaning (Judaism) The candle used to light the other eight candles of a Hanukkah menorah or hanukkiah.
Meaning
(Judaism) The candle used to light the other eight candles of a Hanukkah menorah or hanukkiah.
More Meanings
- A sexton in a synagogue.
Example Sentences
The candelabras lit on Hanukkah are technically called hanukkiahs. They have eight candles plus one more, a shamash, that is used for lighting the others.
Until 1890, when the local Chevra Kadisha (a traditional Jewish funerary society) was set up, funeral services were performed by the shamashim, the beadles of the synagogues.
Word Forms
- shamashim
- shamashes
- shames
- shamos
- shammes
- shammos
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include assur, dingir, adad, sungod.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.