Is it Shammes or Shamash?

Earlier we wrote about the different between a menorah and a chanukiah.

Now we have been debating what the correct name is of the leader candle that lights all the other Chanukiah candles. Is it Shammes or Shamash? It is both! The Yiddish word is Shammes (shä'məs) and the Hebrew word is Shamash (shä'mäsh').

Shammes or Shamash is also another name for a salaried sexton in a synagogue, whose duties now generally include secretarial work and assistance to the cantor.

Also, Shamash, according to mythology, is the sun god of Assyro-Babylonian religion, worshiped as the author of justice and compassion.

Whatever you call it, enjoy and Happy fifth night of Chanukah!