The Menorah Recipes Food Cooking International Guide
The Menorah With Hanukkah Candles
By Imogen T Stubbs
A seven branched candelabrum with wicks that use olive oil to
burn is referred to as a menorah. The Jewish faith considers it
to be the oldest symbol of their faith. The state of Israel also
uses a menorah as its symbol.
The menorah is another version of the Babylonian world Tree.
The temple of Jerusalem uses a seven branched menorah in times
of prayer making it a vital ritualistic object that was once stolen
by the Romans.
An eight branched menorah is filled with Hanukkah candles, which
are lit during the eight day Jewish Hanukkah holiday.
The Miracle Lasted Eight Days
Usually, a menorah burns for a day, but during the rededication,
a miracle happened and a menorah burned for eight long days. This
miracle marked the beginning of the eight branched menorah that
replaced the seven branched one.
The eight branched menorah, or the Hanukkah menorah, was made
with each branch representing the eight days it lasted with oil
that was only meant for a day. According to Talmud, the height
of this menorah stands at 72 inches high. The wicks are placed
in the apertures of the lamp facing towards the Shamash.
The Priest Refills And Lights The Candles Every Morning
There are several different designs of the candelabrum, including
the electric menorah. In the Temple, menorah branches face east
and west respectively. Likewise, all vessels in the temple apply
the same rule, except the Ark. The cleaning, as well as the refilling
and lighting of the candles, is done by the priest every morning.
Since the death of Simeon the Righteous, the miracle of the Shamash
or the central light that burns the whole winter night and all
day stopped after a period of forty years, before the temple was
destroyed.
A Ladder With Three Steps
Behind the menorah, there was a ladder made of Shittim-wood that
had three steps. Tongs, shovels, dishes and oil were all placed
on the second step. A similar ladder, yet made of marble, was
in Solomon’s Temple.
The priest used the ladder to fix and light the candles everyday.
A menorah portrayed on Titus’ ark is the true representation of
Solomon’s menorot, but not the mosaic menorah concealed by the
priest prior to the destruction of the First temple.
The Creation Of The Universe In Seven Days
According to the Zohar, menorah lamps are like the planets above
that receive light from the sun. Symbolically, it represents the
creation of the universe in seven days, while the Shamash depicts
the day of Sabbath.
It is also said that the seven branches represent the seven continents
of the earth and the seven heavens that are guided by the light
of God. A menorah is designed to depict the rising sun, while
others review and explain the seven branches from a seven-verse
chapter in Psalms or from the seven-verse prayer starting with
Anna.
A Religious Object
A tablet designed like the a menorah is placed in front of the
prayer desk, while others use the figure as a decoration of the
Ark. Others arrange a formula of seven letters and seven verses
in a menorah formation.
The menorah design was on tombs as well as in Synagogues. It
is therefore is a religious object strongly associated with the
Jewish faith since time immortal.
About the Author:
Imogen T Stubbs has written a number of articles on holiday feasts, kitchen, food and cooking including
Happy Hannukah,
Thanksgiving Feast,
Hot Water,
Refrigerator Water Filter,
Water Filtering System,
Whole House Water.
Keep a lookout for more of her articles on this website.
Did You Know?
Hanukkah is a special time of year for those that celebrate these
days. It is traditional to give gifts during this time but with
the economy sagging who has the money to spend on expensive items?
Do not worry, there are still great gifts that you can find for
loved ones that will not break your budget or your bank. The trick
is to find the right websites rather than battle it out with other
shoppers in the mall or retail stores. You can find some incredible
sales with great discounts on shipping.
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