Difference between revisions of "Menorah" - New World Encyclopedia
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[[Image:YarmulkeAndMenorah.jpg|thumb|A Yarmulke (Jewish headcap) and Menorah from the Harry S Truman collection.]] | [[Image:YarmulkeAndMenorah.jpg|thumb|A Yarmulke (Jewish headcap) and Menorah from the Harry S Truman collection.]] | ||
| − | The '''menorah''' ([[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]: מנורה) | + | The '''menorah''' ([[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]: מנורה) a multi-branched candelabrum, is one of the oldest symbols of the [[Jew]]ish people. A seven branched golden menorah once played a central role in the Jewish [[Tabernacle]] and later in the [[Temple of Jerusalem]]. It symbolized the [[burning bush]] as seen by [[Moses]] on [[Mount Sinai]], and thus represented the light of God. |
| − | A special type of Menorah, known as a ''Chanukkiyah'' or ''Hanukiah'', is also associated with the Jewish holiday of [[Hanukkah]] | + | A special type of Menorah, known as a ''Chanukkiyah'' or ''Hanukiah'' with nine branches, is also associated with the Jewish holiday of [[Hanukkah]]. It symbolizes the miracle of the eight days of light provided by the menorah in the [[Temple of Jerusalem]] following the revolt of the [[Maccebees]] in 166-65 B.C.E.. |
| − | + | The menorah continues to play an important role in modern Judaism both as a symbol of God's boundless light, as well as a prominant feature in the ritual festivities of Hanukkah. | |
| − | |||
| − | The | ||
| − | == | + | ==Origin, Description and Ancient use== |
| − | The | + | [[Image:Coin issued by Mattathias Antigonus c 40BCE.jpg|thumb|A coin issued by Mattathias Antigonus depicting a Jewish menorah, c. 40 B.C.E.]] |
| − | + | The [[Torah]] states that [[God]] revealed the design for the menorah to [[Moses]] (Exodus 25: 31-40). The menorah was forged from a single piece of [[gold]] with seven branches each having a lamp burning olive oil located at the end. This golden lampstand was used to illuminate the contents of the [[Tabernacle]] (the portable sanctuary made by the Hebrews during their time in the wilderness). Following the construction of the [[Temple of Jerusalem]], the original seven branched menorah was placed in the Temple and the menorah was kept continually lit. However, with the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in 70 C.E., the original seven-branched menorah has had no formal role in Jewish worship. Indeed, due to the sanctity of the Temple and its appointments, some Jewish authorities have even forbiden the manufacture of menorahs resembling the original one used in the Temple.<ref>''Mishneh Torah'' ''Avodah'' Laws of the Temple 7:9</ref> | |
| − | |||
| − | + | ==Meaning== | |
| − | + | A plant that grows in Israel called the moriah typically has seven branches and resembles a menorah, leading to the theory that it provided the inspiration for its design. According to some readings, [[Maimonides]] stated that the menorah in the Temple had straight branches, not rounded as is often depicted.<ref>[http://www.aishdas.org/avodah/vol12/v12n065.shtml#12 The shape of the Menorah of the Temple] (Avodah Mailing List. Volume 12: Number 065. Friday, December 26 2003)</ref> Jewish depictions of the menorah dating back to Temple times, along with the depiction on the Arch of Titus showing the Romans taking the looted Menorah to Rome after the Temple's destruction, contradict this claim. | |
| − | + | A second theory to the origin of the design of the menorah is based on what is known about ancient Hebrew cosmology. According to this theory, the seven branches represent the seven heavenly bodies known at the time, namely the sun and the moon, as well as Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The Jewish historian [[Josephus]] alludes to this in the Third Book of his ''Antiquities of the Jews''. In it, he identifies what he interprets as Egyptian and Greek pagan influences on the design of the [[Tabernacle]] and its contents. He writes: | |
| + | <blockquote>"...for if any one do without prejudice, and with judgment, look upon these things, he will find that they were every one made in way of imitation and representation of the universe...and as to the seven lamps upon the candlesticks, they referred to the course of the planets, of which that is the number....".</blockquote> | ||
| − | + | A third theory is that the menorah originated as the tree of life symbolizing the mother goddess [[Asherah]].<ref>[http://www.asphodel-long.com/html/asherah.html Asherah, the Tree of Life and the Menorah]</ref> In the Pentateuch, it has been purged of all polytheistic symbolism. | |
| − | [[Image: | + | ==Hanukkah menorah (nine branched candelabrum)== |
| + | The Menorah is also a symbol closely associated with the Jewish holiday of [[Hanukkah]]. According to the [[Talmud]], after the desecration of the Jewish [[Temple of Jerusalem]], there was only enough sealed (and therefore not desecrated by idolatry) consecrated olive oil left to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days which was enough time to get new oil as well as finish rebuilding the Temple. The Hanukkah Menorah therefore has not seven, but nine candle holders. The four holders on either side are to represent the eight day celebration of the miracle of oil, while the one in the middle, called the Shamash, is used to light the others. While this type of menorah is technically called a Hanukiah, the "menorah of Hanukkah" is sometimes simply called a menorah. | ||
| + | [[Image:Hanukia.jpg|thumb|Chanukkiyah (חנוכיה)]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Maurice Ascalon Menorah.jpg|thumbnail|right|A nine branched Chanukkiyah lit during Hanukkah.]] | ||
| − | + | The ''Chanukkiyah'' or ''Hanukiah'', (חַנֻכִּיָּה) is a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day holiday of [[Hanukkah]]. The ninth branch is for a candle used to light all other candles called the shamash. The chanukkiyah has two branches more than a menorah. | |
| − | + | In the [[diaspora]], the chanukkiyah is also commonly called a "Hanukkah menorah" '. The name "chanukkiyah" was given only in the end of the nineteenth century in [[Jerusalem]] by Eliezer Ben Yehuda's wife, the revivor of the [[Hebrew language]]. | |
| − | + | Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Temple after the successful [[Maccabees|Jewish revolt]] against the [[Seleucid]] monarchy. According to the [[Talmud]], the victorious Jews found only enough ritually pure olive oil to light the menorah for one day, but the supply miraculously lasted eight days until a new supply could be obtained. In celebration of this miracle, the chanukkiyah has eight branches for eight candles or oil lamps, none higher than any other, except for one higher branch for the auxiliary candle, or ''shamash'', which guards against secular use of the other lights and is also used to light them. The common reason for the number of the candles is that they symbolize the eight days of the miracle. Each night an additional light is kindled – one on the first night, two on the second night; and so on – until on the eighth night of Hanukkah all eight lights, plus the shamash, are lit. Another possible reason for the eight branches of the Chanukkiyah, as opposed to the seven in the traditional menorah in the temple, may be because according to [[halakha]], it is forbbiden to make a menorah similar to the one in the temple because of its sanctity. | |
| − | |||
| − | + | Another interpretation for the eight-day ceremony is that it commemorates the story of Hannah and her seven sons. The story depicted in the [[Talmud]] and in the Book of Maccabees accounts how Hannah's seven sons were tortured and executed according to Antiochus' policy when they refused to bow to a statue and to taste pork. Hannah herself committed suicide after the death of her sons. | |
==Fate== | ==Fate== | ||
[[Image:Sack of jerusalem.JPG|thumb|Depiction of the Menorah on the Arch of Titus]] | [[Image:Sack of jerusalem.JPG|thumb|Depiction of the Menorah on the Arch of Titus]] | ||
| − | The fate of the menorah used in the Second Temple is recorded by the Jewish historian [[Flavius Josephus]], who states that it was brought to Rome and carried along during the triumph of [[Vespasian]] and [[Titus]]. A depiction of this event is preserved on the | + | The fate of the menorah used in the Second Temple is recorded by the Jewish historian [[Flavius Josephus]], who states that it was brought to Rome and carried along during the triumph of [[Vespasian]] and [[Titus]]. A depiction of this event is preserved on the Arch of Titus that still stands today in [[Rome]]. |
| − | The menorah probably remained in the Temple of Peace in Rome until the city was sacked by the [[Vandals]] in | + | The menorah probably remained in the Temple of Peace in Rome until the city was sacked by the [[Vandals]] in 455 C.E., and was brought to their capital, [[Carthage]]. But the Byzantine army under General Belisarius took it back in 533 and brought it to [[Constantinople]]. According to Procopius, it was carried through the streets of Constantinople during Belisarius' triumphal procession. Procopius adds that the object was later sent back to [[Jerusalem]]. This may be a pious legend. |
==Modern use== | ==Modern use== | ||
| − | Many [[synagogue]]s display either a menorah or an artistic representation of a menorah. In addition, synagogues feature a continually-lit lamp in front of the | + | Many [[synagogue]]s display either a menorah or an artistic representation of a menorah. In addition, 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 Temple times. A menorah appears in the Coat of arms of the State of Israel. |
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
Image:Legion001.jpg||The [[Jewish Legion]] cap badge: menorah and word קדימה ''Kadima'' (forward) | Image:Legion001.jpg||The [[Jewish Legion]] cap badge: menorah and word קדימה ''Kadima'' (forward) | ||
| − | Image:Israel-coa-medium.png|The Coat of Arms of Israel shows a menorah surrounded by an | + | Image:Israel-coa-medium.png|The Coat of Arms of Israel shows a menorah surrounded by an olive branch on each side and the writing "ישראל" (Israel) |
Image:Bemah Menorah by David Ascalon Ascalon Studios.jpg|Contemporary wall-mounted decorative synagogue menorah by Ascalon Studios | Image:Bemah Menorah by David Ascalon Ascalon Studios.jpg|Contemporary wall-mounted decorative synagogue menorah by Ascalon Studios | ||
Image:Menorah-new.jpg|The Menorah intended for use in the Third Temple built by the Temple Institute | Image:Menorah-new.jpg|The Menorah intended for use in the Third Temple built by the Temple Institute | ||
Revision as of 21:51, 24 January 2007
The menorah (Hebrew: מנורה) a multi-branched candelabrum, is one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish people. A seven branched golden menorah once played a central role in the Jewish Tabernacle and later in the Temple of Jerusalem. It symbolized the burning bush as seen by Moses on Mount Sinai, and thus represented the light of God.
A special type of Menorah, known as a Chanukkiyah or Hanukiah with nine branches, is also associated with the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. It symbolizes the miracle of the eight days of light provided by the menorah in the Temple of Jerusalem following the revolt of the Maccebees in 166-65 B.C.E.
The menorah continues to play an important role in modern Judaism both as a symbol of God's boundless light, as well as a prominant feature in the ritual festivities of Hanukkah.
Origin, Description and Ancient use
The Torah states that God revealed the design for the menorah to Moses (Exodus 25: 31-40). The menorah was forged from a single piece of gold with seven branches each having a lamp burning olive oil located at the end. This golden lampstand was used to illuminate the contents of the Tabernacle (the portable sanctuary made by the Hebrews during their time in the wilderness). Following the construction of the Temple of Jerusalem, the original seven branched menorah was placed in the Temple and the menorah was kept continually lit. However, with the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in 70 C.E., the original seven-branched menorah has had no formal role in Jewish worship. Indeed, due to the sanctity of the Temple and its appointments, some Jewish authorities have even forbiden the manufacture of menorahs resembling the original one used in the Temple.[1]
Meaning
A plant that grows in Israel called the moriah typically has seven branches and resembles a menorah, leading to the theory that it provided the inspiration for its design. According to some readings, Maimonides stated that the menorah in the Temple had straight branches, not rounded as is often depicted.[2] Jewish depictions of the menorah dating back to Temple times, along with the depiction on the Arch of Titus showing the Romans taking the looted Menorah to Rome after the Temple's destruction, contradict this claim.
A second theory to the origin of the design of the menorah is based on what is known about ancient Hebrew cosmology. According to this theory, the seven branches represent the seven heavenly bodies known at the time, namely the sun and the moon, as well as Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The Jewish historian Josephus alludes to this in the Third Book of his Antiquities of the Jews. In it, he identifies what he interprets as Egyptian and Greek pagan influences on the design of the Tabernacle and its contents. He writes:
"...for if any one do without prejudice, and with judgment, look upon these things, he will find that they were every one made in way of imitation and representation of the universe...and as to the seven lamps upon the candlesticks, they referred to the course of the planets, of which that is the number....".
A third theory is that the menorah originated as the tree of life symbolizing the mother goddess Asherah.[3] In the Pentateuch, it has been purged of all polytheistic symbolism.
Hanukkah menorah (nine branched candelabrum)
The Menorah is also a symbol closely associated with the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. According to the Talmud, after the desecration of the Jewish Temple of Jerusalem, there was only enough sealed (and therefore not desecrated by idolatry) consecrated olive oil left to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days which was enough time to get new oil as well as finish rebuilding the Temple. The Hanukkah Menorah therefore has not seven, but nine candle holders. The four holders on either side are to represent the eight day celebration of the miracle of oil, while the one in the middle, called the Shamash, is used to light the others. While this type of menorah is technically called a Hanukiah, the "menorah of Hanukkah" is sometimes simply called a menorah.
The Chanukkiyah or Hanukiah, (חַנֻכִּיָּה) is a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah. The ninth branch is for a candle used to light all other candles called the shamash. The chanukkiyah has two branches more than a menorah. In the diaspora, the chanukkiyah is also commonly called a "Hanukkah menorah" '. The name "chanukkiyah" was given only in the end of the nineteenth century in Jerusalem by Eliezer Ben Yehuda's wife, the revivor of the Hebrew language.
Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Temple after the successful Jewish revolt against the Seleucid monarchy. According to the Talmud, the victorious Jews found only enough ritually pure olive oil to light the menorah for one day, but the supply miraculously lasted eight days until a new supply could be obtained. In celebration of this miracle, the chanukkiyah has eight branches for eight candles or oil lamps, none higher than any other, except for one higher branch for the auxiliary candle, or shamash, which guards against secular use of the other lights and is also used to light them. The common reason for the number of the candles is that they symbolize the eight days of the miracle. Each night an additional light is kindled – one on the first night, two on the second night; and so on – until on the eighth night of Hanukkah all eight lights, plus the shamash, are lit. Another possible reason for the eight branches of the Chanukkiyah, as opposed to the seven in the traditional menorah in the temple, may be because according to halakha, it is forbbiden to make a menorah similar to the one in the temple because of its sanctity.
Another interpretation for the eight-day ceremony is that it commemorates the story of Hannah and her seven sons. The story depicted in the Talmud and in the Book of Maccabees accounts how Hannah's seven sons were tortured and executed according to Antiochus' policy when they refused to bow to a statue and to taste pork. Hannah herself committed suicide after the death of her sons.
Fate
The fate of the menorah used in the Second Temple is recorded by the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, who states that it was brought to Rome and carried along during the triumph of Vespasian and Titus. A depiction of this event is preserved on the Arch of Titus that still stands today in Rome.
The menorah probably remained in the Temple of Peace in Rome until the city was sacked by the Vandals in 455 C.E., and was brought to their capital, Carthage. But the Byzantine army under General Belisarius took it back in 533 and brought it to Constantinople. According to Procopius, it was carried through the streets of Constantinople during Belisarius' triumphal procession. Procopius adds that the object was later sent back to Jerusalem. This may be a pious legend.
Modern use
Many synagogues display either a menorah or an artistic representation of a menorah. In addition, 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 Temple times. A menorah appears in the Coat of arms of the State of Israel.
The Jewish Legion cap badge: menorah and word קדימה Kadima (forward)
The Coat of Arms of Israel shows a menorah surrounded by an olive branch on each side and the writing "ישראל" (Israel)
Contemporary wall-mounted decorative synagogue menorah by Ascalon Studios
The Menorah intended for use in the Third Temple built by the Temple Institute
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- ↑ Mishneh Torah Avodah Laws of the Temple 7:9
- ↑ The shape of the Menorah of the Temple (Avodah Mailing List. Volume 12: Number 065. Friday, December 26 2003)
- ↑ Asherah, the Tree of Life and the Menorah
External links
- A collection of articles regarding the menorah in the temple on chabad.org
- Menorahs
- Menorah at Livius.Org
- "Lighting the Way to Freedom" by Aaron Ha'Tell and Yaniv Ben Or, Devorah Publishing (2006). ISBN 1-932687-66-1
- Instructions for lighting the Chanukah Menorah on chabad.org
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