THE SHAMASH

Besides the eight Chanukah candles, an extra candle is lit called the Shamash. The purpose of the Shamash is that since the Chanukah lights are holy, they are not to be used to provide light [for mundane, everyday uses]. It is therefore arranged taller or prominently to distinguish it from the other lights. If one needs light for any purpose, the Shamash is to be used.

This is another reason why the custom in many communities is that women do not engage in any ordinary work for at least the first half hour that the lights are burning. Women do not perform chores to make it recognizable that the flames of the menorah are not to be used for light.

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