Menorah
The menorah is a significant candelabrum in Jewish tradition, recognized as one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith. In Hebrew, "menorah" translates to "lamp," and there are two main types: the seven-branched temple menorah and the nine-branched Chanukah menorah. The temple menorah holds a deep historical significance, tracing back to the time of Moses, and was initially made of solid gold for the Tabernacle, representing universal enlightenment with its seven branches. In contrast, the Chanukah menorah, or Chanukkiyah, features nine branches—eight for the nights of Chanukah and one for the servant candle known as the Shamash, which lights the others.
The custom of lighting the Chanukah menorah commemorates the Maccabean revolt and the miracle of a small amount of oil lasting eight days, symbolizing resilience and faith. It has become a widely recognized symbol, often displayed publicly, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom, where ceremonies are held to mark the holiday. The menorah's design and significance continue to inspire various interpretations, reflecting a rich cultural heritage that resonates with both secular and religious communities.
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Menorah
The menorah is a candelabrum, and one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith and its people. In Hebrew, the word “menorah” means “lamp.” People of the Jewish faith observe two different types of menorah: the seven-branched temple menorah and the nine-branched Chanukah (or Hanukkah) menorah. Each has a special history and role in Jewish life and observance.
Background
A seven-branched candelabrum represents the temple menorah that is described in the Hebrew Bible. The first temple menorah was made for the Tabernacle, or Tent of the Congregation. It was constructed from solid gold and consisted of a base, a center shaft, and six branches. The Chanukah menorah is also a candelabrum. However, instead of holding seven candles, the Chanukah menorah holds nine. The nine candles represent the eight nights of Chanukah and also include a servant candle or “Shamash.” The servant candle is used to light other candles in the candelabrum. The Chanukah menorah is one of the most widely recognized and produced pieces of Jewish culture.
Overview
The temple menorah is the longest continuously used religious symbol in the Western world, dating back to the time of Moses, 1391 to 1271 BCE. It was first introduced in Exodus, the second book of the Torah, when it was revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai. Moses was told to create the menorah by hammering it out of a piece of solid gold. The base and central shaft help steady the menorah, and six branches curve up from the center shaft, three on either side. The branches are all the same height and represent universal enlightenment. At the top of each branch and the shaft is an almond-shaped cup. Olive oil was originally placed in the cups and burned to provide light. The menorah did not initially hold candles, although more modern versions of the candelabras do. Moses was told to place a menorah inside the Tabernacle, or moving sanctuary, where the Israelites prayed after they were freed from bondage in Egypt.
The menorah was placed in the tabernacle near the “Shulchan” or “showbread table” and the altar. Later, it was taken to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and lit. According to the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh, the menorah was destroyed in 586 BCE by Nebuchadnezzar. Ezra, who led a group of exiles from Babylon, built the second Holy Temple. A new menorah was constructed for the second temple and lit daily. In 169 BCE, the new menorah was taken by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Judas Maccabeus ordered a new menorah to be placed in the temple. That menorah disappeared in 70 CE when the temple was destroyed.
There are numerous theories that explain the meaning behind the temple menorah. Some believe the seven branches symbolize the seven continents, the seven heavens, and the seven days it took to create the universe, with the center branch representing the Sabbath. Others speculate that the menorah represents the tree of life and goddess Asherah, or the seven heavenly bodies in ancient Hebrew cosmology, including the sun, moon, and various planets. A final theory posits that the design for the original menorah came from the Moriah, a plant indigenous to Israel that typically has seven branches.
The Chanukah menorah, also known as the Chanukkiyah or Hanukkiah, is one of the most easily recognizable pieces of Jewish ritual and faith. This particular candelabrum has nine branches, one for each of the eight nights of Chanukah, as well as a guardian or servant candle that lights the others. The guardian candle, or “Shamash,” sits higher than the other candles. Each evening of Chanukah, a new candle is placed in the candelabrum, beginning at the far right. The candles should ideally burn until they extinguish themselves; however, if they must be blown out, they should first be allowed to burn for at least thirty minutes and then extinguished from left to right. During the lighting, a number of blessings are stated. The first prayer blesses the candles.
The Chanukah menorah was first introduced around 164 BCE after a group of Jews, led by Judas Maccabeus, defeated Syrian oppressors. They reclaimed their temple and lit its menorah. The oil for the menorah should have only lasted one night; however, it lasted for eight, which allowed new oil to be found and the temple to be rebuilt. Chanukah is a holiday that celebrates the success of the revolt, and lighting the candles is the most pivotal ritual of the holiday. To honor the past and celebrate Chanukah, Jews place the Chanukah menorah in a highly visible or public location. The Chanukah menorah became so significant to members of the Jewish faith that the candelabras were often smuggled out of Europe as they fled before and during World War II.
Although the reasoning behind the nine branches is most commonly explained by the eight nights of Chanukah, there are other theories that explain the number. One theory explains that the number eight signifies and honors the story of Hannah and her seven sons. According to the story, found in the Talmud, Hannah’s family members were tortured and killed after they refused to eat pork. Hannah, in response, committed suicide. A simpler explanation for the nine branches of the Chanukah menorah is that according to Jewish law, menorahs similar to the temple menorah could not be made because of the significance the original candelabras held.
The menorah, specifically the Chanukah menorah, has become a secular and non-secular object. In the United States, the Chanukah menorah is frequently displayed in public during December. The White House has been a part of the National Menorah lighting since 1979. A White House menorah has been lit during Chanukah since 1993. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, an annual Chanukah menorah lighting ceremony takes place at the Palace of Westminster. Displaying the Chanukah menorah on public (or government) grounds in the United States has not been without controversy; however, courts have considered the placement of the menorah and other religious symbols, like a Christmas manger, when determining the legality of such displays.
Bibliography
“Ancient Jewish History: The Menorah.” Jewish Virtual Library, www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-menorah. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Birnbaum, Philip. A Book of Jewish Concepts. Hebrew Publishing Co., 1975.
“Exodus Chapter 25,” Mechon Mamre, mechon-mamre.org/p/pt/pt0225.htm. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Fine, Steven. The Menorah: From the Bible to Modern Israel. Harvard University Press, 2016.
“The History & Meaning of the Menorah.” Breaking Matzo, 1 Dec. 2016, breakingmatzo.com/philosophy/the-history-meaning-of-the-menorah. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
“The Menorah: Worship, History and Legend,” Centro Primo Levi New York, primolevicenter.org/the-menorah-worship-history-and-legend. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Myers, David N. Jewish History: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2017.