Zev Brenner About the Meaning of Jewish Menorah

The seven-branched candelabrum called menorah, which is used in Synagogues across the world, is one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith. The menorah, along with the six-pointed Star of David is also the most famous Jewish symbol. Today, they are also the symbols of the modern Jewish state, the menorah is incorporated in the official seal of Israel, and the six-pointed star emblem was adopted as the symbol for the flag. Zev Brenner, founder and president of Talkline Communications, America’s leading Radio/TV network, has discussed the meaning of these nation symbols in several occasions. In one of his more recent shows, he and his guest elaborated on the meaning, and importance of the menorah. Here are some of the most important facts related to the oldest Jewish symbol.

Menorah is the seven-branched candlestick which the Israelites carried through the wilderness of the Sinai desert (in Hebrew lamp is called a menorah). That was also the name of the seven-branched candlestick from the Temple of Jerusalem, which early on became one of the symbols of Judaism. God showed Moses a "prototype" of a menorah when he gave him the Torah at Sinai. But when their Jewish temples were destroyed, they adopted a tradition not to duplicate anything from the temples, and therefore the menorah no longer had seven branches. From there on, the use of six-branched menorahs became popular, although, Zev Brenner informs that nowadays many rabbis have gone back to the seven-branched, explaining that the modern ones are not the same as those used in back then, first of all because they are electrified. On the Jewish holiday Hanukkah, a special candelabra or menorah, called "Hanukkah menorah", which has nine lamps, is being used. The extra light, with which the others are lit, is called a shamash.

Zev Brenner and his guest also explained that the reason why eventually two basic forms of menorah were developed is because tradition prohibits making candlesticks that are very similar to those destroyed in their temples. One of the two forms resembles the Jerusalem menorah, had branches and was made of metal. The other so-called "candlestick type benches", has bowls for oil in one row, and small, decorated walls in the back. The second type of menorah is often made by goldsmiths’ as their masterpieces.

More about this radio host can be found at his personal About.me page.