The Menorah is a seven branched candelabrum to be light by olive oil in the tabernacle and the temple in Jerusalem.
The Menorah is one of the oldest symbols of the Jews, it is said to symbolize the burning bash as seen by Moses on Mount Sinai.
Symbolically, the Menorah represent the creation of the universe in seven days, the center light symbolizes the Shabbat. The seven branches are also the seven continents on earth and the seven heavens, guided by the light of God. As mentioned in the Zohar, “these lamps, like the plants above, receive their light from the sun”, (Beha’aloteka beginning).
Synagogues feature a continually lit lamp in front of the ark, where the Torah scroll is kept. Called the “Ner tamid”, this lamp represents the continually lit Menorah used in the temple times.
The Hanukkah Menorah, or Hanukkah candlestick, is called “Hanukiyah” in Hebrew. Not like the original menorah, which has seven branches, this one has nine. There are eight candles, one candle for each night of Hanukkah and the ninth is called the “Shamash”.
The candles are placed in the Menorah from right to left and when the candles are lit, it’s in the opposite order (from left to right).
Every night during Hanukkah, when the candles are lit, this is the prayer that recited:
“Baruch attah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav vetziivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah”
“Baruch attah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam she’asa nisim la’avoteinu bayamim hahem bazeman hazeh”
“Baruch attah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam she’hechyanu vekiyamanu vehigianu lazman ha’zeh.
The meaning of the name Hanukkah is “dedication” because it marks the re-dedication of the Temple after its desecration under Antiochus IV.
According to the Talmud, at the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem following the victory of the Maccabim over the Seleucid Empire, there was only enough olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days – which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate new oil.
Tabernacle Candle Light Service Jan 3, ‘10 Children’s Choir
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