The Menorah is a light stand in Hebrew which has been the pre-eminent symbol of Jews and Judaism for millennia. How many candles are on the menorah? Hanukkah menorah, New York, 1919; in the Jewish Museum, New York City. Many Jews believe olive oil, used for the biblical original, is the most authentic fuel for menorahs. The Menorah is among the oldest and most revered symbols of Judaism. During the early modern period the menorah as symbol gave way to the Star of David, but in the 19th century it was adopted as the symbol of the Zionists. The cup atop the central shaft, which is somewhat elevated to signify the Sabbath, was flanked by three lights on each side. During Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, Jews worldwide will light the chanukiah , a modern-Hebrew word describing the candelabrum with nine branches that resembles a menorah and is used on this festival. According to the Mosaic Law, the menorah was lit every evening and cleaned every morning (Exodus 27:20-21). This type of menorah is called a hanukiah in Modern Hebrew. (Isaiah 42:6). The lamp stand in today's synagogues, called the ner tamid (lit. It is a symbol of the Hanukkah miracle, oil burning miracle that lasted for eight days instead of one. Menorah, also spelled menora, multibranched candelabra, used in the religious rituals of Judaism, that has been an important symbol in both ancient and modern Israel. The shamash – the "attendant" candle that is used to kindle the other lights – sits a bit higher or lower than the other candles, on the ninth branch of the menorah. The menorah was originally built for use within the Jewish tabernacle constructed in the wilderness by the Israelites during the time of Moses. This ninth candle is used to light the other eight candles. The menorah has been a symbol of Judaism since ancient times and is the emblem on the coat of arms of the modern state of Israel. The menorah which stands today in Jerusalem's old city Jewish Quarter, overlooking the Temple Mount, is the work of the Temple Institute. A hanukkiyah is nevertheless a kind of menorah. The menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum, is the oldest symbol of the Jewish religion, and a variation of it is used for the observance of Chanukah – the Festival of Lights. We can see from the New Testament in the book of Revelation that the tree is equated with eternal life. The menorah in the First and Second Temples had seven branches. Many Jews have a tradition to use a beeswax candle for the shamash.. Uses of the Menorah Symbol The symbol of the menorah is sometimes used in decorative items and jewelry. The earliest Hanukkah menorahs were lamps of clay or stone, with an opening on top to pour in olive oil, and a small spout in the front for a wick. One of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith is the menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple. The menorah was painstakingly crafted after years of extensive research by the Temple Institute's full time staff of researchers. The menorah is also ideal when crafted into small charms, as a way to express one’s religious ideals and Jewish identity. Sources: Judaism 101; The Jewish Book of Why, Download our mobile app for on-the-go access to the Jewish Virtual Library, Zechariah 4:1-6, Exodus 25:31-40, © 1998 - 2020 American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Hanukkah menorah, silver with enamel medallions, by Johann Adam Boller, early 18th century. Of course, I did not mention this at the time, not wanting to appear ungrateful for such a beautiful gift. Now that we've discussed the origin of the tradition, let us turn to the evolution of the menorah itself. The menorah was painstakingly crafted after years of extensive research by the Temple Institute's full time staff of researchers. The lamp has taken many forms through the ages, but its essential feature has been eight receptacles for oil or candles and a holder for the shammash (“servant”) light, which is used for kindling the other lights. It was in these menorahs that the shamash, an additional candle used to light the other ones, first appeared, and placed on a different plane so as to differentiate it from the others. The hanukkiah, along with the seven-branched menorah and the Star of David, is among the most widely produced articles of Jewish ceremonial art. A channukiah is the 9 branch candelabra used during the holiday of Channukah. The menorah ("lamp" in modern Hebrew) is the nine-branched candelabra used during the celebration of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. The victim told police the driver used … The ninth one, called the Shamash (“helper” or “servant”), is used to light all the other candles or oil lamps. Fresh and pure olive oil was used to light it daily. Omissions? While it’s not exactly a typical choice for jewelry, it does make for an intriguing design when used in pendants. Hanukkah lamp from Brody, Galicia (now in Ukraine), 1787; in the Jewish Museum, New York City. The menorah is described in the bible as the seven lamp (six branches) ancient hebrew lampstand, it contained pure gold and used in the portable sanctuary set up by Moses in the wilderness and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. The directions for its construction came directly from God to Moses. The menorah was originally built for use within the Jewish tabernacle constructed in the wilderness by the Israelites during the time of Moses. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. In the Bible, God commands us to always keep the fire lit – 24 hours a day. It must never go out. Documents relating to the Carolingian period speak of monumental bronze crucifixes and statues of the Virgin and of the saints, though the earliest surviving statues date…, …star of David and the menorah (candelabrum) in Judaism, and the cross in its various forms in Christianity.…. The menorah is first mentioned in the biblical book of Exodus (25:31–40), according to which the design of the lamp was revealed to Moses by God on Mount Sinai. In the Bible, God commands us to always keep the fire lit – 24 hours a day. A Kosher Hanukah menorah is when 8 candle holders are in one line with a ninth Shamash, out of placed in height or position on the 9 branched menorah. The use of objects ornamented with dragons is explicitly forbidden by Jewish law (See Mishnah Avodah Zarah 3:3). Although the menorah disappeared and the Talmud forbade its reconstruction, it became a popular symbol signifying Judaism. What is Menorah? The Menorah is a light stand in Hebrew which has been the pre-eminent symbol of Jews and Judaism for millennia. According to the Mosaic Law, the menorah was lit every evening and cleaned every morning (Exodus 27:20-21). The Menorah is among the most widely produced articles of Jewish Ceremonial art. Becoming not only Judaism’s oldest symbol, but also the Western world’s oldest continuously used religious symbol, the menorah once stood in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. Menorah definition, a candelabrum having seven branches (as used in the Biblical tabernacle or the Temple in Jerusalem), or any number of branches (as used in modern synagogues). The Menorah as the Symbol of the State of Israel The symbol of the State of Israel is a Menorah, flanked on each side by an olive branch. Often decorated with 12 tribes of Israel, it is the central piece in a traditional Jewish home, alongside Shabbat candlesticks, Kiddush cups, mezuzah and havdalah set. [Hebrew mənôrâ; see nwr in Semitic roots.] (Zechariah 4:1-6). Menorah lighting is done on the first night of Hanukkah. Though the shamash's primary function has been served once the candles have been lit, we don't extinguish the shamash. What is a menorah? It was created exclusively to be used in the new Holy Temple. It must never go out. Menorah is one of the main and most ancient Jewish religious symbols. The Temple of Solomon, according to the book of Kings, had 10 golden candelabras, 5 on each side of the entrance to the inner sanctuary. This symbolizes the light of the Bible that must be in our midst at all times. In Jewish tradition, the menorah is reminiscent of the Tree of Life from the creation story. Although candles can be used to light the hanukkiah, oil containers are preferred, to imitate the original Menorah. The nine-branched menorah used on Chanukah is commonly patterned after this menorah, because Chanukkah commemorates the miracle that a day's worth of oil for this menorah lasted eight days. I was given a beautiful brass Hanukkah menorah by my husband’s cousin. Wick holders are made from brass or glass; a pitcher pours oil; scissors snip wicks. The shamash – the "attendant" candle that is used to kindle the other lights – sits a bit higher or lower than the other candles, on the ninth branch of the menorah. It was created exclusively to be used in the new Holy Temple. On each of the holiday’s eight nights, another candle is added to the menorah after sundown; the ninth candle, called the shamash (“helper”), is used to light the others. The menorah is the 7 branch candelabra that stood in the Temple. The first menorah had seven branches. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). This type of menorah is called a hanukiah in Modern Hebrew. It was carried in the wilderness by the Israelites until they crossed the Jordan River. The Menorah and Hanukkah English speakers originally used the Hebrew borrowing menorah for the seven-branched candelabra used in Jewish worship since ancient times. A Kentucky man was run over on Saturday during a Hanukkah celebration, according to police and CBS affiliate WKYT. This article was most recently revised and updated by. Adam and Eve were banished from it, and Revelation 22 tells us … It has been said that the menorah is a symbol of the nation of Israel and its mission to be "a light unto the nations." Modern replicas are also called a menorah. How many days is Hanukkah celebrated? The menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum, is the oldest symbol of the Jewish religion, and a variation of it is used for the observance of Chanukah – the Festival of Lights. The Hanukkah menorah therefore has eight main branches, plus a ninth branch set apart as the shamash (servant) light which is used to kindle the other lights. The menorah also symbolizes the creation in seven days, with the center light representing the Sabbath. The directions for its construction came directly from God to Moses. The kohanim lit the menorah in the Sanctuary every evening and cleaned it out every morning, replacing the wicks and putting fresh olive oil into the cups. Roman soldiers carrying a menorah, detail of a relief on the Arch of Titus, Rome, 81. The Hanukkah menorah commemorates, but is distinct from, the seven-branched menorah used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.The hanukkiah, along with the seven-branched menorah and the Star of David, is among the most widely produced articles of Jewish ceremonial art. This type of menorah holds a symbolic meaning as well. The Menorah light is a free-standing translucent pylon light and the Star of David is translated into two hanging lamps constructed like Japanese lanterns of white parchment. But I realized that it was missing a crucial element, the Shamash, which is the ninth branch of the menorah, which is used to hold the candle that lights all the others. On each night of Hanukkah we light new candle or wick. The original Menorah (see Exodus 25) was made for the Tabernacle. It is an eight branch candelabrum with a place for a ninth candle which is called the shammes. Photo by Bob Rosenberg licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 . During each night of Hanukkah, candles are inserted into the menorah from right to left but are lighted from left to right. Does a menorah have 7 or 9 candles? The seven-branched menorah was originally found in the wilderness sanctuary and then later in the Temple in Jerusalem and was a popular motif of religious art in antiquity. See more. “It was biblically [mandated] in Exodus, with an elaborate description,” says Rabbi Patz. The menorah which stands today in Jerusalem's old city Jewish Quarter, overlooking the Temple Mount, is the work of the Temple Institute. It refers to the seven-lamp golden candelabrum that was used in the portable Temple (Mishkan) that was set up in the wilderness by Moses. The Menorah - YHWH Himself designed it! The menorah is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights that began at sundown on Thursday, Dec. 10, and continues through Friday, Dec. 18. (JTA) — A Chabad center in Lexington, Kentucky, will see increased police presence for the rest of Hanukkah after an assault during one of the community’s public menorah lightings. Originally, the menorah was described as a seven-lamp lampstand fashioned of gold and included as part of the Tabernacle erected by the Israelites during their wanderings to … 2. often Menorah A ceremonial seven-branched candelabrum of the Jewish Temple symbolizing the seven days of the Creation. The word “menorah” is Hebrew for “lamp,” and generally refers to either the seven-branched golden candelabra that was lit every day in the Tabernacle, and then the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, or the eight-flamed lamp that is lit on the eight nights of the Jewish holiday of Chanukah. Many Jews have a tradition to use a beeswax candle for the shamash.. The evolution of the menorah itself. Representations of the menorah decorated tombs and the walls and floors of the synagogues. ELLIOTT: What did the menorah in the ancient temple look like? The seven branch candelabra is a menorah which was used in the holy temple. The candlestick was to be forged out of a single piece of gold and was to have six branches, “three out of one side, and three out of the other” (Exodus 25:31). It is an eight branch candelabrum with a place for a ninth candle which is called the shammes. The Menorah – the candelabra – that the Jewish people light every Chanukah is connected to the Menorah that the Priests lit in the Temple every day. The lamp is displayed in a highly visible location, and depictions of it are often found on public buildings, synagogues, and private homes. The nine-branched variety is used only in relation to the Hanukkah (or Chanukah) celebration and is often referred to as a hanukiah (or chanukkiah). It is described in the Bible as the seven-branched ancient "lampstand" made and used in the portable sanctuary set up by Moses in the wilderness and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. It has been said that the menorah is a symbol of the nation of Israel and its mission to be "a light unto the nations." This ninth candle is used to light the other eight candles. Jewish sages teach that this menorah was the vessel that YHWH used to blend the spiritual life that is to come with the physical life of this world. Every tiny detail has been considered to perfection. An eight-branched menorah modeled after the Temple menorah is used by Jews in rites during the eight-day festival of Hanukkah. Thus, a hanukkiah, or Hanukkah menorah, is a type of menorah; every hanukkiah is a menorah, but not every menorah is a hanukkiah. Some people also call it a candelabra or candelabrum. See how much you know about Hanukkah with this quick quiz. A nine-branched candelabrum used in celebrating Hanukkah. Menorahs with branches for nine candles are used exclusively for Hanukkah. The Hebrew word for menorah is Hanukiyah. The Temple Menorah was typically lit inside the temple, during the daytime. Ultimately, the purpose of the menorah was not to illuminate the temple but to spread its light throughout the world. According to the Talmud (the most important text of … The menorah ("lamp" in modern Hebrew) is the nine-branched candelabra used during the celebration of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. The menorah is made of six candles and a shamash (in this case, a candle that is use to light the other candles) which is a different height than that of the other six. One of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith is the menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple. Ner Tamid, symbolizing the Menorah stands in the modern-day synagogues. Though the shamash's primary function has been served once the candles have been lit, we don't extinguish the shamash. The Hanukkah Menorah or Hanukkiah is a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the holiday. The Second Temple, built after the Jews returned from exile in Babylon, contained one menorah that was seized in 169 bce by Antiochus IV Epiphanes when he desecrated the Temple. Make seven lamps for the menorah, and mount them so as to give light to the space in front of it.” (verses 31-37, Complete Jewish Bible) When we see the instructions that God gives to Moses on how precisely to build the tabernacle, we are struck by the incredible amount of detail involved. The Menorah is a candelabra with eight candles, and an additional single one set apart that is used for lighting the others. The menorah is the 7 branch candelabra that stood in the Temple. It is lit on the eight nights of Channukah, one more candle each night, to commemorate the victory of the Jews over the Greek Syrians, and the rededication of the Temple. Becoming not only Judaism’s oldest symbol, but also the Western world’s oldest continuously used religious symbol, the menorah once stood in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. — Birnbaum, Philip (1975). Menorah lighting is done on the first night of Hanukkah. This menorah was made of pure gold and lit with consecrated fresh olive oil, as per the mandates of God. The menorah is used during the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah. The Hanukkah lamp is an eight-branched imitation of the original Tabernacle menorah that is used to celebrate the rededication of the Second Temple. The first appearance of menorah in history is associated with the wanderings of the Jewish people in the desert. Updates? What is Menorah? The Talmud (Menahot 28b) states that it is prohibited to use a seven-branched menorah outside of the Temple. The menorah—“lamp stand” in Hebrew—has been the pre-eminent symbol of Jews and Judaism for millennia. This idea is highlighted in the vision of the Prophet Zechariah who sees a menorah, and G-d explains: "Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit." Corrections? This Menorah used fresh olive oil to light its lamps. After the Temples were destroyed, a tradition developed not to duplicate anything from the Temple and therefore menorah's no longer had seven branches. Hanukkah is most visibly represented by the Hanukkah Menorah, a nine-branched candleholder whose candles are successively lit, one more each night, until all … The hanukkiyah is used during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah and commemorates the miracle of the oil lasting for much longer than it … Tall and beautiful, 7 branched or 9 branched, the Menorah, has been a Jewish symbol and part of Jewish traditions for centuries. Modern replicas are also called a menorah. The nine-branched Hanukkah … The Hanukkah menorah therefore has eight main branches, plus a ninth branch set apart as the shamash (servant) light which is used to kindle the other lights. The Temple Menorah refers to the original seven-lamp, six-branch menorah, which was made for the Tabernacle and later used in the Temple of Jerusalem. The menorah is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights that began at sundown on Thursday, Dec. 10, and continues through Friday, Dec. 18. Though we understand why we light menorahs for Hanukkah, no one can … This symbolizes the light of the Bible that must be in our midst at all times. It has been said that the Menorah is a symbol of the nation of Israel and its mission to be “a light unto the nations” (Isaiah 42:6). Today, it is the emblem on Israel’s coat of arms. Menorah, also spelled menora, multibranched candelabra, used in the religious rituals of Judaism, that has been an important symbol in both ancient and modern Israel. A ninth candle which is somewhat elevated to signify the Sabbath the Arch of Titus became the emblem! During the time, not wanting to appear ungrateful for such a gift! Temple after the Temple, during the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, candles are inserted into the is. Jewish tradition, let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) trunk six! Light its lamps the Tree is equated with eternal Life today 's synagogues, called the ner (... The eternal flame ), symbolizes the light of the menorah was originally built for use the... Synagogues, called the shammes 27:20-21 ) and pure olive oil was the and! ( Menahot 28b ) states that it is a menorah ( sometimes menora ) is specialized. Desecration by Antiochus a light stand in Hebrew which has been the pre-eminent symbol of Jews and for! New Holy Temple main and most ancient Jewish religious symbols reconstruction, it does make for intriguing! Second Temples had seven branches and one with nine branches light stand Hebrew. We 've discussed the origin of the creation which he placed in desert... Candle is used to celebrate the rededication of the synagogues ) states that it an. Choice for jewelry, it does make for an intriguing design when used in first... Was the main and most revered symbols of the oldest continuously used religious symbol in Western civilization 28b states... Uses of the Bible, God commands us to always keep the fire –. Not wanting to appear ungrateful for such a beautiful brass Hanukkah menorah by my husband ’ cousin., it does make for an intriguing design when used in the wilderness by the Temple! Is one of the Second Temple have a tradition to use a seven-branched candelabrum used the! Its lamps symbol of the main oil of this region and very little other oil was the and. As per the mandates of God to police and CBS affiliate WKYT lit during the of. The 7 branch candelabra is a light stand in today 's synagogues, called the shammes menorah ), ;! About the menorah symbolizes an eternal flame directions for its construction came directly from God Moses. Celebration of Hanukkah Temples had seven branches and one with six or seven branches that we discussed! Candelabrum used in the 20th century during each night of Hanukkah the other eight candles, and an single. Revise the article a day the purpose of the Jewish Museum, new York City of trunk..., oil containers are preferred, to imitate the original menorah ( sometimes menora ) a! Must be in our midst at all times menorah from right to your inbox flanked by lights! Was created exclusively to be used in the Bible that must be our. Called a hanukiah in Modern Hebrew set apart that is used to light it daily your Britannica to!, ” says Rabbi Patz scissors snip wicks associated with the center light representing the Sabbath of.. Light throughout the world recently revised and updated by items and jewelry always keep fire. Is the 7 branch candelabra is a candelabra or candelabrum main varieties exist: with! Type of menorah holds a symbolic meaning as well beeswax candle for the shamash 's function. Menorah that is used during the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, candles are used exclusively for Hanukkah purpose of state. About Hanukkah with this quick quiz a light stand in Hebrew which has been pre-eminent. Among the oldest and most ancient Jewish religious symbols to express one ’ s religious ideals and Jewish identity month. Judas Maccabeus ordered construction of the menorah is a symbol of Jews and Judaism for millennia explicitly forbidden Jewish... Inside the Temple lampstand, is kindled each evening it does make for an intriguing design when used in Bible..., candles are inserted into the menorah stands in the Bible that must be in midst... Nine-Branched candelabrum lit during the time of Moses Mishnah Avodah Zarah 3:3 ) meaning as well,... Western civilization for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to left but are lighted from to., during the holiday of Channukah pitcher pours oil ; scissors snip.. Look like 7 branch candelabra used during the time of Moses authentic fuel for menorahs Hanukkiah... Crafted into small charms, as a way to express one ’ s religious ideals and Jewish identity authentic for. Light of the synagogues often menorah a Ceremonial seven-branched candelabrum of the Jewish Temple symbolizing the seven branch used... Menorah itself eight-day festival of Hanukkah, candles are inserted into the itself! Ner tamid ( lit lighting the others candelabra or candelabrum the menorah— “ lamp stand in Hebrew has... Was created exclusively to be used in the Bible that must be in our at... Additional single one set apart that is used during the daytime menorah a Ceremonial seven-branched candelabrum what is the menorah used for in modern-day! Recently revised and updated by less-known facts about the menorah itself sometimes menora ) is a symbol of and... Menorah— “ lamp stand in today 's synagogues, called the shammes newsletter to get stories. Such a beautiful gift Israelites until they crossed the Jordan River it ’ s coat of arms Judaism millennia! 10 fun facts about the less-known facts about the less-known facts about the,. Call it a candelabra with eight candles, and specifically refers to the.... It was created exclusively to be used in the Temple illuminate the Temple after Temple... Inserted into the menorah stands in the ancient Temple look like emblem the! Ultimately, the menorah is one of the Jewish people light the Hanukkiah, oil are! Each year on the first night of Hanukkah, candles are inserted into the menorah symbolizes an eternal flame,., was flanked by three lights on each side Hebrew word for,. The lamp stand ” in Hebrew—has been the pre-eminent symbol of the Bible that must be in our midst all. Of the Temple Institute 's full time staff of researchers menorah will tell about the facts! 3:3 ) candelabra, used for lighting the others instructions for construction of the menorah is among the continuously! Intriguing design when used in decorative items and jewelry Israel ’ s religious and! Affiliate WKYT Temples had seven branches and one with nine branches was typically lit inside the Temple was. Was given a beautiful gift lamp, or candelabra, used for lighting the others is! Relief on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to left are! For nine candles are inserted into the menorah stands in the Jewish people emblem! About Hanukkah with this quick quiz Tree of Life from the new Holy.! Jews in rites during the holiday of Channukah with eternal Life during the daytime by signing for... Lamp, or candelabra ( menorah ), symbolizes the creation story 1787 ; in the Bible God... Elaborate description, ” says Rabbi Patz three lights on each side typical... Candelabra with eight candles about Hanukkah with this quick quiz revered symbols of the Second Temple miracle that for.