The menorah is a candle holder used by Jewish people, with two main varieties: one with six or seven branches and one with nine branches used during Hanukkah. The menorah represents the burning bush Moses saw and historically burned olive oil. Today, menorahs typically have six or seven branches, and the seven-branched version is still found in many modern synagogues. During Hanukkah, the nine-branched menorah is used, and the celebration lasts for eight nights. There is speculation about the original design, but the curved branches seen today are likely apocryphal.
A menorah (sometimes menora) is a specialized candle holder, or candelabra, used by the Jewish people. There are two main varieties: one with six or seven branches and one with nine branches. The nine-branched variety is only used in connection with the celebration of Hanukkah (or Chanukah) and is often referred to as hanukiah (or chanukkiah). The design most often consists of a central stem with a round base, with three branches curving to each side, and sometimes a branch extending upwards from the base.
The menorah is said to represent the burning bush that Moses saw, as recorded in the Hebrew Bible (or Tanakh). Historically, one was used for ritual purposes in Jerusalem during the Temple period. It burned olive oil, rather than candles. The Temple Menorah remains documented until the 6th century, after being brought to Constantinople. After that time it vanishes, and it is unknown whether it still exists or has been melted down or otherwise destroyed.
Menorahs today typically have six or seven branches due to some changes over time. In the time of the First and Second Temples, candlesticks had seven branches. After the destruction of the Temples, said to have taken place around 586 BC and AD 70 respectively, a custom developed to preserve the sanctity of the Temples, not to reproduce things from the Temples. As a result, the six-branch version was born. In more modern times, some Jews have reverted to using a seven-branched menorah, however, arguing that even those aren’t like those used in Temples because they use electric light or candlelight instead of oil.
With both varieties, all but one of the lights are used for a purpose other than to provide light. The last light, the shamash, is used both to provide light and to light the other candles. The seven-branched version is still found in many modern synagogues, but no longer serves any ritual purpose. It is rather preserved for symbolic reasons and in some synagogues a simpler lamp is used instead. Indeed, in terms of symbolism, it is the menorah, not the sign of David, that is the symbol of Judaism.
During the Hanukkah season, the nine-branched menorah, or hanukiah, is used. The lighting of the Hanukkah menorah comes from a story in the Talmud where the Maccabees were attempting to dedicate the Holy Temple. They were sad to find enough oil for just one evening, but they went ahead with the dedication anyway and, miraculously, the small amount of oil lasted for a full eight days. The Hanukkah celebration lasts for eight nights, with a new candle lit every night. The candles are lit from left to right.
There is speculation that the original Menorah used straight branches rather than the curved ones often seen today. Some contemporary designs attempt to duplicate this look. Given the visual representations on artifacts such as the Arch of Titus in Rome, various engravings, and coins issued BC, it is likely that the upright candelabrum is apocryphal and derived from a specific reading by Maimonides.
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