|
Menorah
The Menorah (Hebrew plural, "Menorot") is usually a seven branched lamp of a type that originally stood in the ancient temples in Jerusalem. It has been a symbol of Jewish sovereignty and of the Jewish religion for almost 3,000 years. The Menorah is the emblem of the modern state of Israel, appearing on its coat of arms and at the top of the Knesset building, as well as on coins minted by the Maccabees.
The Symbolism of the Menorah
According to the Torah, God revealed the design for the Menorah to Moses. Some believe that the seven branches are supposed to have represented the seven days of the week, symbolizing the daily relationship of God with the Jewish people. The Menorah may symbolize the idea that Israel is supposed to be "a light unto the nations." (Isaiah 42:6). The sages point out that light is not a violent force; Israel is meant accomplish its mission by setting an example, not by using force. In Zachariah 4:1-6, the prophet is shown a Menorah, and God explains, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit."
The Menorah in the Temple
The design of the Menorah is given in Exodus 25:31-40 and the surviving illustrations correspond with this deion. The Menorah was an oil lamp. Olive oil has always been plentiful in the land of Israel and it was used for lighting as well as for eating, for cleaning and for purification. The priests lit the Menorah in the Sanctuary of the temple each evening and cleaned it each morning, replacing the wicks and putting fresh olive oil into the cups.
The Menorah of the Second Temple was carried off by the Roman conquerors in 73 A.C.E. The Menorah was carried in the triumphal march of Titus and Vespasian, and embedded in the arch of Titus. The current depiction in the arch of Titus is only the casting of the place that used to hold the Menorah. The Menorah was probably looted by the Vandals in sack of Rome in 455, and taken to their capital in Carthage. The Eastern Roman army of General Belisarius which conquered North Africa, evidently removed it in 533 and brought it to Constantinople, where, according to the historian Procopius, it was carried through the streets of Constantinople in Belisarius' triumph. Procopius recorded that the Menorah was later sent returned to Jerusalem, but there it vanished. The Menorah may have been destroyed when Jerusalem was attacked by the Persians in 614, or carried off by the Muslims.
For many years, Jewish tradition avoided making the seven branched Menorah out of respect and mourning for the temple, and a six branched Menorah was used instead.
The Knesset Menorah
A unique Menorah adorns the grounds of Israel's Knesset (parliament). The Knesset Menorah is made of bronze and is about five meters high. It is located in the Gan Havradim (Rose Garden) in front of the Knesset. The Knesset Menorah was a gift of the Parliament of the United Kingdom in 1956. It was created by Benno Elkan, a British-Jewish sculptor. The Knesset Menorah has the general shape of the Menorah in Arch of Titus, but it portrays numerous important events, idioms, characters and terms from Jewish history.
Where to Buy Menorah
We offer wide variety of Menorahs, be sure to check our collection often so you don't miss our Menroah Sale |
|
|
|
Copyright © 2002-2007 aJudaica.com. All rights reserved. Best viewed with 1024x768.
|
|
|
|
| Pe'er HasTam |
| 10 Hameiri st., Elad 40800, Israel |
|
Tel (Israel - Hebrew/English): +972-50-7636-334, Tel (Israel - Hebrew/English/Yiddish): +972-5-73180900,
|
|
Tel (Israel - Hebrew only): +972-50-7636332, Fax (Israel) +972-3-5700596 |
|
|
Judaica Store Home
Site Map