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Prague · 28 Cheshvan 5787

Shabbat this week · 16:02–17:11

Symbol

Menorah

מְנוֹרָהmenorah
Awaiting expert review

The seven-branched lampstand of the Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem; one of the oldest Jewish symbols and the emblem of the State of Israel.

01

Origin

Bible

The Torah describes the menorah as a lampstand hammered from a single piece of pure gold, with a central shaft and six branches, decorated with cups, knobs and flowers shaped like almond blossoms. It stood in the Tabernacle opposite the table of the showbread.1,2

Bible

Every day the priests lit oil from beaten olives in it "from evening until morning" as an "eternal light".3,4

02

Meaning

Interpretation

The menorah is an image of God's light and presence among the people. The prophet Zechariah links it with the words "not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit".5

Interpretation⁂ To verify

The seven branches are often interpreted as the seven days of creation; interpretations vary and are not binding.

03

Use

Halakhah⁂ To verify

Since the destruction of the Temple the seven-branched menorah has not been used ritually. The Talmud forbids making an exact copy of the Temple vessels, including the menorah; for this reason synagogue lamps usually have a different number of branches or differ in shape.6,7,8

Minhag

The menorah should not be confused with the hanukkiah, the nine-branched lamp for Hanukkah (eight lights and a helper candle, the shamash).

04

Historical development

History

After the conquest of Jerusalem in 70 CE the Romans carried the Temple vessels off to Rome; a relief on the Arch of Titus shows soldiers carrying the menorah.9

History

In late antiquity the menorah became the most widespread Jewish symbol on synagogue mosaics, tombstones and lamps. In 1949 it became part of the state emblem of Israel, framed by olive branches.9

05

Related traditions

Minhag⁂ To verify

The menorah motif appears on synagogue ark curtains, Torah shields and tombstones, especially of priestly families (kohanim) and in Sephardi settings.

Modern practiceIsrael⁂ To verify

In 1956 British parliamentarians presented the Knesset with a large bronze menorah by Benno Elkan bearing reliefs from Jewish history.

FAQ

What is the difference between a menorah and a hanukkiah?

The menorah has seven branches and stood in the Temple. The hanukkiah has eight lights plus the helper light, the shamash, and is used only on Hanukkah.

Why is an exact copy of the menorah not used in synagogues?

The Talmud forbids making exact replicas of the Temple vessels outside the Temple.

Where is the menorah today?

The original Temple menorah has been lost; the last documented mention is from Rome. Legends about where it was hidden have no historical basis.

Sources

Secondary literature

  1. 9Encyclopaedia Judaica, 2nd ed.

See also