1. a candle used to light the other candles on a menorah during Hanukkah
Usage: Jewish religious term
2. a sexton or caretaker of a synagogue
Usage: Jewish religious term

Examples

• The shammash sits in the center of the Hanukkah menorah.
• We use the shammash to light one candle each night of Hanukkah.
• The synagogue’s shammash unlocked the doors before morning prayers.
• Without the shammash, we cannot properly light the menorah.
• The shammash helped prepare the sanctuary for the holiday service.
• Each night, the shammash kindles another candle until all eight are lit.