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During the eight nights of Hanukkah, a cumulative total of 44 candles are lit. This number includes the candles for each night of the holiday, as well as the "shamash" or "helper" candle. On the first night, one candle is lit, plus the shamash. The second night sees two candles, in addition to the shamash, and this continues with an additional candle being lit each evening, culminating with eight candles and the shamash on the final night.
The shamash, which in Hebrew means "attendant" or "helper," is the candle used to light all the others. It typically sits in a distinct spot on the menorah, often higher or more central than the other eight candles. The eight main candles, which are added one by one each night from right to left, are lit from left to right, with the newest candle being lit first.
The calculation for the total number of candles is as follows: the sum of the candles for each of the eight nights (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8) is 36. Added to this are the eight shamash candles, one used each night, which brings the total to 44. While the eight candles represent the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days, the shamash has a practical purpose, as the light from the other candles is meant to be sanctified and not used for any other purpose. Boxes of Hanukkah candles often contain at least 44 to accommodate this tradition.
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