The 7 branched candelabrum, used
in the portable
Mishkan
(sanctuary) set up by
Moshe in the wilderness as well as in the
Yerushalayim
(Jerusalem) Temple, consisted of a base and a shaft with six
branches, beaten out of solid gold. The six branches curved to
the height of the central shaft, so that all the seven lamps,
symbolizing the ideal of universal enlightenment, were in a
straight line. They were provided daily with fresh olive oil of
the purest quality, and they burned from evening to morning
(Shemot/Ex. 27:21).
According to Tradition, only the
center lamp was left burning all day; it was called
Ner haMa'aravi
(Western Lamp) because it was next to the branches on the east
side (Rashi, Shabbat 22b). The Western Lamp is also referred to
as Ner Elokim
(the lamp of G-d), mentioned in
1Shmuel/Sam. 3:3, which is
represented in the synagogue by the
Ner Tamid,
the perpetual lamp burning before the ark.
The Menorah also symbolizes the
creation of the universe in seven days, the center light
representing the Shabbat. The seven branches are also said to
allude to the continents of the earth as well as the seven
heavens, guided by the light of G-d. Frequently used as a symbol
of Judaism and the Jewish people, a representation of the
seven-branched candlestick has been found on tombs and monuments
dating from the first century.
