There are two principal meanings and uses of the word "Menorah". The first
refers to Menorah (Temple) which is a seven-branched candelabrum used in the
ancient Temple in Jerusalem, a symbol of Judaism since ancient times and the
emblem of the modern state of Israel. In the Bible, it is described as the
seven-branched candelabrum made of gold and used in the portable sanctuary
set up by Moses in the wilderness and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. The
purest quality of olive oil was burned daily. Outside of the Temple, the
Talmud states that it is prohibited to use a seven-branched menorah.
The second meaning or use of the word Menorah is in reference to the
nine-branched candelabrum used during Hanukkah. According to the Talmud,
after the Seleucid desecration of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, there was
only enough sealed (and therefore not desecrated) consecrated olive oil left
to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil
burned for eight days which was enough time to make new pure oil.
Therefore, the Hanukkah menorah has eight main branches, plus a ninth branch
set apart as the "shamash" (servant) light, used to kindle the other lights.
In Modern Hebrew, this type of menorah is called a "hanukiah". Today,
Hannukah is spelled several ways including Hanukkah, Hanukah, Chanukkah, and
Chanukah, amongst others.
There are many traditional and contemporary styles of menorahs available in
both the seven-branched and nine-branched versions. Rotem Online carries
beautiful menorahs from wonderful Israeli artists including Shraga
Landesman, Studio Dimyon, Naomy Paz, Orna Cohen-Boteach, Eran Grebler,
Garshi and even ones for children by ceramic artist Rachel Naan. Whether
you choose to complete your Chanukah celebration with a contemporary menorah
design or a traditional one, you will find beautiful menorahs from Israel,
all available on www.rotem.net.
