2” Menorah Jewish Symbol.
The menorah is one of the most easily recognizable and well-known symbols of Judaism. It has the distinction of being not just the oldest Jewish symbol, but also the oldest continuously used religious symbol of the West. As such, it’s integral to Jewish tradition.
The menorah is depicted on the coat of arms of the State of Israel, is a central feature of the holiday of Hanukah, and is seen in synagogues around the world. With it’s seven arms, this symbol holds deep meaning to the Jewish.
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. This menorah was made of pure gold and lit with consecrated fresh olive oil, as per the mandates of God. The Temple Menorah was typically lit inside the temple, during the daytime.
The Chanukah Menorah, also called a Hannukiah, is lit during the Jewish holiday of Chanukah (also Hannukah). These contain eight branches and nine lamps, with the lamps or candles being lit each night of the festival. For example, on the first night of Chanukah, only the first lamp would be lit. On the second night, two lamps would be lit, and so on till the eighth day, when all eight lamps would be lit. The light used to kindle the menorah lamps is known as the shamash, or the servant light. These modern menorahs are made of metal, or any other fire-safe material, and not of pure gold as outlined in the Bible. They are lit after sundown and allowed to burn late into the night. While some place them at the entrance to the main doorway, facing the street, others keep them indoors, near a window or door.
- Days of Creation: Some teachings suggest that the seven branches correspond to the seven days of creation. In this context, the Menorah symbolizes the completeness and order of the creation process.
- Seven Planets: The Menorah can symbolize the seven classical planets, and by extension, the entire universe.
- Torah and Wisdom: The central branch, or “shamash,” is sometimes thought of as representing the Torah, with the six branches representing knowledge that emanates from it.
- Israel’s Mission: The prophet Zechariah had a vision of a Menorah, and it was explained to him that the Menorah symbolizes God’s eyes roaming the earth, which has been understood by some as symbolizing Israel’s role as a “light unto the nations” (Isaiah 42:6).
- Jewish Resilience: The Menorah also plays a role in the story of Hanukkah. In this context, the eight-branched “Hanukkiah” (a variant of the Menorah) symbolizes the miracle of the oil, where a day’s worth of oil lasted for eight days. This story underscores themes of Jewish perseverance and the divine presence aiding in times of need.
- Lighting the menorah is an important ritual, central to the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, also called the Festival of Lights.