Chanukiot Laws:

• The branches of the chanukiah should all be on the same level, none higher or lower than the others.
  
  
• The branches of the chanukiah should be separated from each other by a few centimeters, so that there are separate flames from each candle or wick.
  
  
• The branches of the chanukiah should be the same height, so that none are higher or lower than the others.
  
  
• It is preferable that the branches of the chanukiah be in a straight line, but a semi-circle is also permitted, as long as each branch is clearly separated from the others.
  
  
• A Chanukiah should have eight branches, one per day, or nine branches, one per day plus the shamash.
  
  
• Usually, there is a branch for an additional candle (the shamash) with which to light the other candles.
  
  
• If there is a shamash, it should be placed in a way that shows that it is not one of the Chanukah candles. Usually, it is placed higher than other candles to make it obvious that it is not one of the others.

Did you know?

The chanukiah is only a technical solution to lighting candles. The main mitzvah of the holiday is publicizing the Chanukah miracle by lighting candles. You can light candles without a chanukiah if you’d wish. For instance, you can line up several candle holders on a foil-covered window sill. Use of the chanukiah has become widespread because it helps add to the beauty of the mitzvah and the holiday. Read this story of Holocaust inmates who improvised when they did not have a chanukiah.

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© Chana German for The Lookstein Center for Jewish Education, 2007.