Menorah – In the second century BCE (Before the Common Era), the Maccabees, a band of Jewish rebels in Judea rescued the Holy Temple in Jerusalem from the Greeks. The rebels wanted to rededicate the Temple by lighting the eternal lamp but found they had only enough oil to last for one night. Miraculously, the oil lasted for 8 nights.

Chanukah, the Jewish holiday, celebrates this miracle. Each night, the family gathers before a Menorah (a candelabra) and lights one of eight candles in succession, starting with the candle on the far right until all eight candles shine brightly on the last day. The Menorah holds nine candles, one of which — the Shamash — is used to light the other eight.

The Menorah app from Rusty Brick is an electronic Menorah that is lit in accordance with Ashkenaz customs.

The free Chanukah app depicts a Menorah with its candles, each with a dancing flame. Along the bottom of the screen, in landscape mode, are icons for Hebrew, English, Transliteration and Audio. It seems obvious, but you have the option of reading the Chanukah prayers in Hebrew, English and transliterated versions. There’s also an audio version of the prayers sung by Mo Kiss, a noted Jewish vocalist.

The only fault I could find with Menroah is really nit-picking: I think it could visually look more festive. I don’t know, I’d like to see less Vincent Price and more Liberace.

If you don’t have kids around to remind you what day Chanukah falls each year (Dec. 21 this year), which candles to light and in what order, and the special blessings, Menorah makes it easy.

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category: Lifestyle