Question: What is a Menorah?
Answer: A Menorah is a candelabrum that has meaning in Jewish history and ritual. There is a seven branched Menorah and a special nine branched Hanukkah Menorah, which is also called a Chanukiah.
The Seven Branched Menorah
According to the Bible (Ex. 37:17-24) and the Talmud (Men. 28b), Bezalel made the original Menorah from a single mass of gold for the Tabernacle (Ex. 25:31-40). The Tabernacle was the temporary, mobile center for worship of God used by the Israelites from the days of Moses until construction of First Temple in Jerusalem. In the First Temple in Jerusalem, the original Menorah sat with ten additional lamps, according to tradition. When the First Temple was destroyed, they were demolished.
The Second Temple held one Menorah. This Menorah, according to the story of Chanukah, was looted by Greek Syrian soldiers and then restored, purified and rededicated by the Maccabees. When the Second Temple was destroyed, Titus took the Menorah and other artifacts and displayed them on his return to Rome. The famous relief of the Arch of Titus shows the looted Menorah.
The Menorah has served as a uniquely Jewish symbol from antiquity to contemporary times. The Menorah can be found on ancient coins, gravestones, synagogue decorations. Today the Menorah serves as the seal and emblem of the Jewish State of Israel.
The Hanukkah Menorah
During the festival of Hanukkah, a special Hanukkah Menorah, also called a Hanukkiah (or Chanukiah), is lit.
The Hanukkah Menorah is a candelabrum with eight branches of equal size that all sit in a row (one for each night of the festival of Hanukkah) and a separate candle holder for the "Shamash." The Shamash candle is used to light the other eight candles since it is forbidden to use the Hanukkah lights for any purpose other than viewing. When lit, the Hanukkah Menorah should be placed in a front window or by a doorway for all to see.
Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah is a joyous occassion. The Hanukkah Menorah is lit to commemorate the Jewish Maccabees' miraculous victory over the Greek-Syrian army and the one-days-worth of pure oil that miraculously lasted for eight days in the Temple. Jewish families gather around their Hanukkah Menorah during each night of Hanukkah to recite the Hanukkah blessings, kindle the Hanukkah lights, sing Hanukkah songs, play the dreidel game and eat special Hanukkah food.
