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Meqrez (Menorah)

God Is Light, So We Must Walk in the Light

Isaiah 9:1-2 The people walking in darkness see a bright light;¹⁸ NET Bible® - Isaiah 9

light shines on those who live in a land of deep darkness.

NET Bible® - 1 John 2

1 Jhon 1:5 Now¹ this is the gospel² message³ we have heard from him⁴ and announce to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.⁵ 1:6 If we say we have fellowship with him and yet keep on walking⁶ in the darkness, we are lying and not practicing⁷ the truth. 1:7 But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses⁸ us from all sin.⁹

The History of Meqrez (Menorah)

Seven-Branched Menorah One of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith is the menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple. The kohanim lit the menorah in the Sanctuary every evening and cleaned it out every morning, replacing the wicks and putting fresh olive oil into the cups. The illustration at left is based on instructions for construction of the menorah found in Ex. 25:31-40.

It has been said that the menorah is a symbol of the nation of Israel and our mission to be "a light unto the nations." (Isaiah 42:6). The sages emphasize that light is not a violent force; Israel is to accomplish its mission by setting an example, not by using force. This idea is highlighted in the vision in Zechariah 4:1-6. Zechariah sees a menorah, and G-d explains: "Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit."

The lamp stand in today's synagogues, called the ner tamid (lit. the continual light, usually translated as the eternal flame), symbolizes the menorah. Many synagogues also have an ornamental menorah, usually with some critical detail changed (for example, with only 6 candles) to avoid the sin of reproducing objects of the Temple.

The nine-branched menorah used on Chanukkah is commonly patterned after this menorah, because Chanukkah commemorates the miracle that a day's worth of oil for this menorah lasted eight days.