Menorah
(Hebrew: מנורה / Spelling: Menorah, Menora, חנוכיה, hanukiah, or chanukkiyah / English definition: A seven-branched candelabrum as described in the bible, or a nine-branched candelabrum used by Jews during the holiday of Hanukkah)
The menorah may refer to the temple menorah or to the Hanukkah menorah. The temple menorah was one of the vessels used in Jewish ritual both in the tabernacle and later in the Temples. A smaller version the Hanukkah menorah is used annually by Jews during the holiday of Hanukkah. The menorah has always served as a defining symbol of the Jewish people. Today aside from frequenting Jewish homes during Hanukkah it is commonly found as a motif in synagogues, Judaica products, and the logo of many Jewish institutions especially in Israel.
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Temple menorah File:Uparrow.jpg
The temple menorah was a seven branched Candelabra used by the Jews in their service both in the tabernacle while they journeyed in the desert, and in the First and Second Temple in Israel. It was constructed by Moses under direct command from G-d in the wilderness, along with the other vessels of the tabernacle.
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In Exodus 25:31-40 G-d commands Moses to erect a tabernacle. Moses is commanded to find men of talent to create an array of different vessels for services to be performed in the tabernacle by the priestly sect. Bezalel son of Uri is chosen as the leading craftsman and the menorah and all the other items of the tabernacle were created under his auspices. The 3rd of these vessel specified in the bible was the menorah.
Form File:Uparrow.jpg
Its shape was hammered out of a solid block a talent weight of pure gold as opposed to separate pieces. The menorah was 3 cubits high. It had 3 branches on each side with a centered single vertical shaft rising up from the base. The six branches curved to the height of the central shaft so that the tops of all the 7 lamps were in a straight line. Though generally accepted to be round there are alternative opinions that the branches were strait creating a ‘V’ like shape. On top of all the branches were almond shaped cups containing oil for the wicks to be light. Under the cups as well as on the main shaft and at every ‘joint’ where the branches hit the shaft was carved ornamental shapes of knobs and/or flowers. There was a separate stairs of 3 steps placed beside the menorah so the priests could reach the cups with ease. Several golden utensils were made to attend to the menorah. Ancient Jewish literature depicts how G-d showed Moses an fiery image of the menorah in a prophetic vision to show him exactly how it should be constructed.
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The menorah’s lamps were lit by the priests daily using the freshest and purest olive oil. It was initially lit by Aaron the high priest the older brother of Moses. The Menorah’s lamps were cleaned and prepared in the morning, but were kindled in the afternoon. The lights burned throughout the night. Miraculously the center flame never went out and it was used to rekindle the other wicks daily. The 3 lamps on each side curved inwards so their flames faced the center flame. Only the purest olive oil was allowed to be used to light the menorah. It was used during the 40 years the Jews sojourned in the desert for the service performed in the tabernacle. It was placed in the inner chamber containing the holy vessels and was the only source of light therein. The Jews traveled excessively during this time wandering from place to place and the menorah like the other large vessels of the tabernacle was carried by the priests. The tabernacle served as a temporary dwelling place for G-d’s presence until the first temple a permanent dwelling place would be built in Israel. After the Jews crossed over to the Israel under the leadership of Joshua the son of Nun the tabernacle was moved along from place to place until the construction of the first temple. Eventually Kind Solomon built the first temple and all the vessels were placed in the inner chamber of the temple where the services continued.
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The menorah symbolized the eternal burning light of Torah, G-d’s holy word, the driving force of the Jewish people. Lighting the flames of the menorah symbolized the spread of Torah. The number 7 represented by the 7 branches of the menorah is a very significant and symbolic number in Judaism.
Hanukkah Menorah File:Uparrow.jpg
The Hanukkah menorah known as a hanukiah is a 9 branched candelabra used annually by Jews to celebrate the holiday of Hanukah. It is lit and is displayed in their front windows every night for all 8 days of the holiday. It commemorates the miracles that G-d performed for the Jewish people during the maccabean rebellion during the time of the second temple.
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The tumulus and afflicting times for the Jewish people during the second temple sparked a rebellion against the Syrian-Greek imposing authority under the reign of King Antiochus IV. The temple was pillaged and the services ended as well as all religious practice forbid. Mattityahu, the high priest and his 5 sons led a rebellion against the Greeks to reestablish Jewish rule. Though greatly outnumbered but courageous and bound to their cause the maccabees as they were called eventually overcame the Greek legions regaining control over the temple. The temple had been ransacked but fortunately they found a small bottle of pure olive oil to immediately rekindle the menorah. Barely enough for one day, the oil miraculously burned continuously for 8 days until they could attain more oil. The Jewish sages of that time declared an annual eight day holiday called Hanukkah to celebrate the rededication of the temple as well as instituting the practice of lighting the hanukiah to commemorate the miracle of the oil.
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The Hanukkah menorah in principle only requires 8 branches; the ninth branch is a holder for the shamash (servant) candle which is used to light the other candles. The menorah is lit at sunset during all 8 days of the Hanukkah. Only one candle is lit the first night and an additional candle is added every night with all 8 candles being lit on the eighth night. The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, the first candle being placed in the far right holder. The kindling however is done from left to right. Either wax candles or preferably pure olive oil and wicks are used to light the menorah.
The Menorah Today File:Uparrow.jpg
The menorah today serves as a strong Jewish symbol and is used by individuals and organizations alike to symbolize their culture and faith. It can be found in Jewish ceremonial art, jewelry, logo designs, and is used in The Coat of Arms of Israel the emblem of the modern state of Israel.