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by Sigma6 on November 20th, 2003

Sigma6

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What is the significance of the menorah?

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  • by wickedwillie on December 12th, 2003

    wickedwillie

    The menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum, is one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith. It has been said that the menorah is a symbol of the nation of Israel and our mission to be "a light unto the nations." (Isaiah 42:6). The sages emphasize that light is not a violent force; Israel is to accomplish its mission by setting an example, not by using force. This idea is highlighted in the vision in Zechariah 4:1-6. Zechariah sees a menorah, and G-d explains: "Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit."

    The lamp stand in today's synagogues, called the ner tamid (lit. the continual lamp; usually translated as the eternal flame), symbolizes the menorah.

    The nine-branched menorah used on Chanukah is commonly patterned after this menorah, because Chanukah commemorates the miracle that a day's worth of oil for this menorah lasted eight days.

    The menorah in the First and Second Temples had seven branches. After the Temples were destroyed, a tradition developed not to duplicate anything from the Temple and therefore menorah's no longer had seven branches. The use of six-branched menoras became popular, but, in modern times, some rabbis have gone back to the seven-branched menoras, arguing that they are not the same as those used in the Temple because today's are electrified.

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    • You plagiarize!!! You got it from this website : http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/menorah.html

      natasha.cabuco

      by natasha.cabuco on December 8th, 2010

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