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Why is the menorah lit?

Why is the menorah lit?

A menorah, the Hebrew word for lamp, has seven branches. It was originally used in the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. Menorahs were lit daily using olive oil of the purest quality. With nine branches, it is lit each night to celebrate the miracle of oil lasting eight days.

What was the purpose of the menorah in the temple?

Since biblical times, the seven-branched menorah has symbolized Judaism. It first appears in Exodus, as a lighting fixture within the Tabernacle, a sort of portable temple used by the Israelites during their desert wanderings. The menorah is described in Exodus in minute detail, based on a heavenly prototype.

Who lit the menorah in the temple?

Moses
The menorah (/məˈnɔːrə/; Hebrew: מְנוֹרָה‎ Hebrew pronunciation: [menoˈʁa]) is described in the Bible as the seven-lamp (six branches) ancient Hebrew lampstand made of pure gold and used in the tabernacle set up by Moses in the wilderness and later in the Temple in Jerusalem.

Why do we light the Menorah 8 times?

We light the Menorah 8 times. The number 8 in Judaism symbolizes the essence of God’s involvement in our world. Seven is the number that symbolizes nature. There are seven days in the week. Everything in this world has seven aspects to it – up, down, right, left, front, back – and the thing itself.

Where did the directions for the Menorah come from?

The directions for its construction came directly from God to Moses. According to the Mosaic Law, the menorah was lit every evening and cleaned every morning (Exodus 27:20-21). It burned fresh olive oil and served as part of the worship practices of God’s people during this period.

What was the weight of the Jewish menorah?

It was made of one piece of hammered gold that weighed one talent. Though the exact weight of a “talent of pure gold” is debatable, first-century Jewish historian Josephus placed the menorah in his time at approximately 100 pounds.

Who was the king that destroyed the Menorah?

During the time of King Solomon, the Jewish temple was constructed in Jerusalem and the items from the tabernacle were placed into it. This original menorah would have remained in the temple until its destruction by the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar in the seventh century. The value of the menorah was tremendous.

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