Definitions
Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
- n. Among the Jews, especially in Russia and the Orient, one of the officers of the synagogue. In the United States the duties of the shammash have been curtailed and are now almost the same as those of a sexton, beadle, or janitor in Christian places of worship.
Examples
“In the Hanukkah ritual, there is a candle called the shammash, the "helper candle.”
The Huffington Post: Rabbi Barry A. Kenter: Hanukkah: Not Quite The Jewish Christmas
“As the shammash touches each successive candle, the flame from the helper merges with as yet unlit candle; the flame rises higher.”
The Huffington Post: Rabbi Barry A. Kenter: Hanukkah: Not Quite The Jewish Christmas
“On each of the nights of Hanukkah, the shammash is used to kindle the lights for each successive night.”
The Huffington Post: Rabbi Barry A. Kenter: Hanukkah: Not Quite The Jewish Christmas
“The ninth candle is the "leader (or shammash-servant) candle," that is, the candle used to light the others, one candle each night for eight nights.”
Lists
These user-created lists contain the word ‘shammash’.
-
Hanukkah Words
Hanukkah, Chanukah, shammash, shamash, shammes, candle, candelabrum, menorah, chanukkiah, oil, eight, tzedakah and 11 more...
Tweets
Looking for tweets for shammash.
Comments
No comments yet...
Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.