shamash

A shamash is the auxiliary candle used to light the other candles on a Hanukkah menorah.

Jewish law prohibits using the Hanukkah lights for practical purposes, so the shamash—set apart from the others, usually higher or offset—does the work of kindling and provides any incidental light needed: She used the shamash to light each candle from right to left.

Also spelled shammash. (Capitalized Shamash is the ancient Mesopotamian sun god.)