|
Close Association Between Jewish
History and Hanukkah Menorah
By Sheeba Benjamin Benju
A Menorah is a candelabrum that has close association
with Jewish history and ritual. It should be noted that
there is a seven branched Menorah and a special nine
branched Hanukkah Menorah, which is also called a
Chanukiah. According to the Bible and the Talmud,
Bezelel made the original Menorah for the Tabernacle. It
was made from a single mass of gold. If you study the
Jewish history, you will understand that the Tabernacle
was the temporary, mobile center for worshipping God
used by the Israelites from the days of Moses till the
First Temple was constructed in Jerusalem. Tradition
says that the original Menorah was there in the First
Temple with ten extra lamps. However, they got destroyed
when the First Temple was ruined.
One Menorah was there in the Second Temple also.
According to the story of Chanukah, this Menorah was
looted by Greek Syrian soldiers and then re-dedicated by
the Maccabees. Later on when the Second Temple was
destroyed, Titus took it along with other artifacts and
displayed them on his return to Rome. The looted Menorah
is shown in the famous relief of the Arch of Titus. From
the ancient to the modern times, the Menorah has been
considered as a Jewish symbol and can be found on
gravestones, coins, synagogue decorations etc. Now it
serves as the seal and emblem of the Jewish State of
Israel.
A special Hanukkah Menorah, which is also called a
Hanukkiah or Chanukiah is lit during the festival of
Hanukkah. It is a candelabrum with eight branches of
equal size that all sit in a row and a separate candle
holder for 'Shamash'. The Shamash candle is used to
light all the other eight candles, since the Hanukkah
light should not be used for anything other than
viewing. After lighting, it has to place in a place for
all to see. It is a joyous occasion, celebrating the
Jewish Macccabees' miraculous victory over the
Greek-Syrian army and the single-days-worth of pure oil
that miraculously lasted for eight days in the Temple.
Jewish families assemble around their Hanukkah Menorah
each night of Hanukkah festival to recite the Hanukkah
blessings, kindle the lights, sing songs and eat special
Hanukkah food.
If you are looking for more information then feel free
to visit Menorah and Hanukkah Menorah. |
