What is the difference between a traditional Menorah and a Chanukah Menorah/Chanukiah?

A Menorah is a candelabrum that has seven branches and a Chanukiah has nine branches.

The Seven Branched Menorah

According to the Bible (Ex. 37:17-24) and the Talmud (Men. 28b), Bezalel made the original Menorah from a single mass of gold for the Tabernacle (Ex. 25:31-40). The Tabernacle was the temporary, mobile center for worship of God used by the Israelites from the days of Moses until construction of First Temple in Jerusalem. In the First Temple in Jerusalem, the original Menorah sat with ten additional lamps, according to tradition. When the First Temple was destroyed, they were demolished.

The Second Temple held one Menorah. This Menorah, according to the story of Chanukah, was looted by Greek Syrian soldiers and then restored, purified and rededicated by the Maccabees. When the Second Temple was destroyed, Titus took the Menorah and other artifacts and displayed them on his return to Rome. The famous relief of the Arch of Titus shows the looted Menorah.

The Chanukah Menorah/Chanukiah

The Chanukiah is a candelabrum with eight branches of equal size that all sit in a row (one for each night of the festival of Chanukah) and a separate candle holder for the Shamash. The Shamash candle is used to light the other eight candles since it is forbidden to use the Chanukah lights for any purpose other than viewing.

So now that you know the difference between a Menorah and a Chanukiah, you are ready to review how to properly light the Chanukiah. This video will teach you everything you need to know (and hopefully make you laugh a little too). Note that this video uses the word Menorah instead of Chaunkiah!