Definition

A person who takes care of a synagogue, often responsible for maintaining the building and assisting with religious services, or a special candle used to light other candles during Hanukkah.

Example

The shammes lit the menorah for the festival of lights.

Conversation

Do you know what a shammes is in a synagogue?

Yeah, it's the person who takes care of the place, right?

Exactly! They also handle the shammes candle during Hanukkah.

That's cool! I always wondered how that worked.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'shammes' originates from Middle English 'shammes' (meaning a church official or sexton), which itself comes from the Old French 'chammes' (meaning a servant or attendant) and ultimately from the Latin 'camerarius' (meaning chamberlain or steward).

Memory Tip

Think of a 'servant' ('chammes') who takes care of church duties, which helps you remember that a shammes is a church official.

Visually Confused Words