The first Jewish menorah was the one with 7 branches that was lit by Kohanim (priests) at the Holy Temple during Biblical times in Jerusalem. It is the symbol of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Below is a picture of the famous 7 branch menorah that is near Israel's Knesset (Parliament).


The 9 branch menorah, called in Hebrew 'Chanukiyyah', is used only during the holiday of Chanukah. It was created to commemorate the victory of the Jewish Maccabees over the Greco/Syrians in 165 B.C.E. and the miraculous burning of a one day supply of oil (in the 7 branch menorah!) for eight days. On the Chanukah menorah, eight of the arms are for the candles which represent the 8 miracle days, and the ninth arm is for the candle used to light the others. That special ninth arm is called the "shamash," and it is usually placed above the other arms, although sometimes it can be found to the side or below the others.

                                                         

Sellers: If you find a 7 branch menorah and would like to sell it, please do not advertise it as a Chanukah menorah. Only the 9 branch menorah can be used for Chanukah. Also, please note:  Sometimes the 9th or "shamash" arm is removable. If you find what appears to be a Chanukah menorah with room for only 8 candles, either the shamash arm is missing, broken, or possibly the item may be a candelabra which is not a menorah.