Brooke Martin
The menorah is a candelabrum that holds cultural and religious significance for the Jewish community. The number of candle holders in a menorah depends on its type and use. The most common types of menorahs have seven or nine candles. The seven-branched menorah is said to have been used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, while the nine-branched menorah, also known as the Hanukkah menorah, is used during the eight-day Jewish celebration of Hanukkah.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candle holders | 7 or 9 |
| Type of fuel | Olive oil or candles |
| Placement | In an uncovered window or outdoors |
| Time of lighting | Shortly after sunset or after nightfall |
| Duration of burning | At least 30 minutes after nightfall |
| Position of the Shamash | Elevated or shorter than the other candles |
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The original menorah
The menorah is a seven-branched candelabrum that is described in the Hebrew Bible and later ancient sources as having been used in the Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem. The original menorah was made for the Tabernacle, and the Bible records it as being present until the Israelites crossed the Jordan River. When the Tabernacle tent was pitched in Shiloh, it is assumed that the menorah was also present. The menorah was made of solid gold and placed opposite the table of shewbread. It had seven oil lamps that were level with each other—a central stem with three branches curving upward on either side. The wicks had to be saturated with oil and regularly trimmed in order to burn brightly. An almond motif was used in its design, including almond-shaped bowls with almond blossoms. The only source of fuel that was allowed to be used to light the lamps was fresh olive oil.
The Talmud states that it is prohibited to use a seven-lamp menorah outside of the Temple. A Hanukkah menorah, therefore, has eight main branches, plus the raised ninth lamp set apart as the shamash (servant) light, which is used to kindle the other lights. The nine-branched lampstand used in the modern celebration of Hanukkah is technically called a hanukiyah, though people often call it a menorah.
The menorah is frequently used as a symbol in Jewish art. There are no representations of the menorah from the First Temple period, but some examples dating from the Second Temple period have been recorded. The use of the menorah as an artistic decoration during the Second Temple period and up to the Bar Kokhba revolt is quite rare. Examples were uncovered in burial caves near Mukhmas (ancient Michmas), in the Herodian Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem, and in Magdala (on the Magdala Stone). The use of menorahs in Jewish art and in particular in Jewish funerary art became much more common in the late Roman and Byzantine periods.
The menorah has served as a symbol representing the Jews and Judaism in both the Land of Israel and the Jewish diaspora. It became the State of Israel's official emblem when it was founded in 1948. The image of a menorah appears on many artifacts, including ancient coins and gravestones.
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The kinara
The seven candles of the kinara are red, green, and black—symbolic of the African people and their struggles. The black candle, placed in the centre, represents the first principle: unity (Umoja). To the left of the black candle are three red candles. From left to right, they represent the principles of self-determination (Kujichagulia), cooperative economics (Ujamaa), and creativity (Kuumba). To the right of the black candle are three green candles, representing the principles of collective work and responsibility (Ujima), purpose (Nia), and faith (Imani).
Each day of Kwanzaa, a new candle is lit on the kinara, starting with the centre black candle. The lighting then proceeds from left to right, with the new candle corresponding to the principle of the day.
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The Temple menorah
The Hebrew Bible records that the menorah was made of pure gold, with fresh olive oil as the only source of fuel for its lamps. The Bible also mentions that the menorah was placed in the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle refers to the tent that housed the Ark of the Covenant during the Israelites' travels in the wilderness and after they entered Canaan. According to the book of Exodus, God revealed the design of the menorah to Moses on Mount Sinai. It was to be forged from a single piece of gold with six branches, "three out of one side, and three out of the other". The central shaft, which was somewhat elevated, had a cup atop it to signify the Sabbath and was flanked by three lights on each side.
The Temple of Solomon, according to the book of Kings, had ten golden candelabras, five on each side of the entrance to the inner sanctuary. The Second Temple, built after the Jews returned from exile in Babylon, also contained a menorah. However, it was seized in 169 BCE by Antiochus IV Epiphanes when he desecrated the Temple. Following the desecration, Judas Maccabeus ordered the construction of a new seven-branched candelabra, which was placed in the Temple.
The menorah disappeared after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE by the Romans. It was reportedly displayed during the Roman triumphal march, as depicted on the Arch of Titus in Rome. The menorah was then taken to Carthage by the Vandals after they sacked Rome in 455. Byzantine historian Procopius reported that the Byzantine army recovered it in 533 and brought it to Constantinople, and later returned it to Jerusalem. Despite various theories, the eventual fate of the Temple menorah remains unknown.
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The Hanukkah menorah
The lighting of the Hanukkah menorah is the most important part of the Jewish Hanukkah celebration. The menorah is usually placed in an uncovered window or outdoors, just to the left of the entrance to the home, so that the candles can spread the word of the miracles they symbolise. The menorah is lit 30 minutes after sundown and left burning for at least 30 minutes. The lighting of the menorah is a religious ceremony and should be approached with reverence, with prayers and blessings recited before and after.
In addition to the menorahs lit in Jewish homes, it is customary to light the menorah in synagogues. In the US, the National Menorah has been lit in Lafayette Park since 1979, with a hanukkiah also being lit at the White House since 1993. In the UK, the House of Commons holds a yearly hanukkiah lighting ceremony at the Palace of Westminster.
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The Shamash
A menorah is a candelabra that holds nine candles: one for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah and an additional candle, called the shamash, which is used to light the others. The shamash is typically placed in the centre and is important as it represents the "servant" candle. Its purpose is to provide light to the other candles and ensure they are lit each night of the festival.
The positioning of the shamash is also important. Being at the centre of the menorah symbolizes its role as the source of light and energy for the other candles, and by extension, for the entire celebration. The shamash is a reminder of the miracle of Hanukkah and the power of a single light to dispel darkness. It serves as a beacon, encouraging us to spread light, warmth, and happiness to those around us.
On each night of Hanukkah, the shamash plays a pivotal role in the candle-lighting ceremony. After reciting the blessings, the shamash is used to light the appropriate number of candles for that particular night. This ritual is a sacred tradition that connects Jews to their religious heritage and cultural identity. The shamash is more than just an extra candle; it embodies the spirit of Hanukkah and the enduring light of hope, faith, and perseverance.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common types of menorahs have seven or nine candle holders.
The seven-branched menorah was used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. It is also a symbol in Taoism, where it is lit to represent the seven stars of the Northern Dipper.
The nine-branched menorah, also known as the Hanukkah menorah, commemorates the miracle of Hanukkah where the oil lasted eight days instead of one. Eight of the nine candle holders are level with each other, and the ninth holder, which is either elevated or shorter, is the Shamash, or "helper candle", used to light the other eight.
The Shamash is the "helper" or "servant" candle, used to light the other eight candles in the Hanukkah menorah. It is placed out of line in height or position.
Candles in a menorah are most commonly white, but any colour can be used. Traditionally, olive oil was used to light the menorah.
