The Menorah
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Tanakh versions:
Throughout this site I will use
any of the following three versions of the TaNaKh: 1. “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS-1917),
2. Mechon-Mamre.org” (MEC), and 3. “Sefaria.org” (SEF).
Colour coded details of
the - TaNaKh:
1. Torah = History &
Law, 2. Nevi’im =
The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings.
*The Ketuvim - Includes, Poetical
books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or Scrolls - Song
of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and
Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and history of Ezra, Nehemiah, and
Chronicles I & II.
Please Note: Some alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ having been corrected as it once was, pre the “Masoretic Text”.
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Remember the following three
truth’s from our beloved Scriptures!
“Ye
shall NOT
ADD TO THE WORD which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם (the
LORD your Eloleichem) which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy
4:2.
“This is My Name FOREVER, and this is My Memorial to ALL Generations”. Shemot - Exodus 3:15. (JPS).
“I am יְהוָה, that is My Name; and My glory will I not give to another”. Yeshayahu -
Isaiah 42:8. (JPS).
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The Seven Branch Menorah.
With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens,
PhD.
Just before the study, I would like to commence with one more
important quote from the book of Yahoshua - Joshua Ch
1:7-8. (JPS-1917).
“Be strong and courageous. Be careful to obey the entire Torah My servant Moshe has given you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Torah depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
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Introduction:
We will commence with the question,
‘when was the grand Menorah mentioned in the Torah’?
We will find that in
Shemot - Exodus Chapter 25, verses 31 to 40:
31. And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work
shall the candlestick be made, even its base, and its shaft; its cups, its
knops, and its flowers, shall be of one piece with it.
32. And there shall be six branches going out of the sides thereof:
three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three
branches of the candle-stick out of the other side thereof;
33. three cups made like almond-blossoms in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three cups made like almond-blossoms
in the other branch, a knop and a flower; so for the
six branches going out of the candlestick.
34. And in the candlestick four cups made like almond-blossoms, the
knops thereof, and the flowers thereof.
35. And a knop under two branches of one
piece with it, and a knop under two branches of one
piece with it, and a knop under two branches of one
piece with it, for the six branches going out of the candlestick.
36. Their knops and their branches shall be of one piece with it;
the whole of it one beaten work of pure gold.
37. And thou shalt make the lamps thereof, seven; and they shall
light the lamps thereof, to give light over against it. 38 And
the tongs thereof, and the snuffdishes thereof, shall
be of pure gold.
39. Of a talent of pure gold shall it be made, with all these vessels.
40. And see that thou make them after their pattern, which is being shown thee in the mount.
As you can see, אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s,
blessed be He, gave instructions which were very specific, and He provided
every single detail on the making of this magnificent Menorah! It was clear
that the Menorah had to have seven branches. Not just seven lights,
but seven branches, with six of these branches stemming off from the centre
piece in two directions. as can be clearly seen on the
image provided below.
This is a perfect replica of the original gold Menorah in the Mishkan, seen at my home.
The Profound Symbolism of the Seven-Branch Menorah:
At its core, the seven-branch Menorah embodies completeness,
Divine light, and the priestly calling, it was crafted from one piece of pure
gold and kindled with consecrated olive oil, its seven flames mirror the order
of Creation, the flowering of Aaron’s rod, and Israel’s mission to
shine holiness into the world.
1. Divine Blueprint and Unified Craftsmanship:
אֱלֹהִים
- Elohim’s exacting instructions in
Exodus 25:31–37 command that the Menorah be “hammered work…of
one piece” in pure gold, underscoring unity in sacred service and the
inseparable bond between the community and its Divine pattern.
2. Seven Lights: Creation and Cosmic Order:
Six outer lamps correspond to the six days of Creation, each
flame marking a creative act.
The central lamp represents the seventh day Shabbat, when אֱלֹהִים sanctified time and completed His work.
Together, they form a living tableau of cosmic harmony and
divine rhythm.
3. Almond Blossoms: Divine Election and Renewal:
The almond-shaped cups and blossoms sculpted into each branch
recall Aaron’s budding rod, a sign of אֱלֹהִים chosen priesthood and continual renewal.
This botanical motif tells of life springing from death and authority born of
divine choice.
4. Light as Israel’s Mission:
Burning light inside the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the Menorah’s
upward-reaching flames symbolize Israel as “a light to the nations”
(Isaiah 42:6). Its glow transforms darkness into holiness, reminding the people
of their calling to illuminate morality and justice across the world.
5. Emblem of Human Wisdom and Enlightenment:
Talmudic tradition reads the seven branches as an emblem of
balanced intellect and moral insight, light that radiates in all six cardinal
directions, with the middle flame guiding inward reflection. It stands as a
metaphor for enlightened leadership and ethical clarity in human affairs.
6. Fullness of Meaning:
In one sacred object, the Mishkan (Temple) Menorah weaves together:
In the beginning (days of Creation).
Priestly identity (Aaron’s budding rod).
Communal mission (light to nations).
Inner enlightenment (human wisdom).
This unity creates a “fullness” of symbolism - a living “tree of life” radiating divine presence, ritual purity, and moral purpose!
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In Conclusion, a Question to Deepen the
Conversation:
Which part of this study on the Menorah, or possibly a particular
line within it, has touched you the most? And how do you
feel about spending more time on a more regular time Tanakh study? I pray that
you are you doing well as a faithful Hebrew, and אֱלֹהִים - Elohim willing you are
upholding as many of our blessed Mitzvoth’s?
This site is also for those who need to return to our blessed and
wonderful faith, thus work on your faith and pray and always seek אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance!
And remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be He, said ...
“Return unto Me,
and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה - the LORD of hosts”. Mal’a’chi 3:7. MEC).
And Remember ...
Enjoy
your Sabbath Rest, thus Shabbat Shalom!
אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, בְּחֻקּוֹתַי
לֵכוּ; וְאֶת-מִשְׁפָּטַי
שִׁמְרוּ, וַעֲשׂוּ
אוֹתָם
וְאֶת-שַׁבְּתוֹתַי, קַדֵּשׁוּ; וְהָיוּ
לְאוֹת, בֵּינִי
וּבֵינֵיכֶם-לָדַעַת, כִּי
אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם
“I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה (the
LORD your Eloheichem); walk in My statutes, and keep Mine ordinances, and do them; and
hallow My Sabbaths, and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that ye may
know that I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה”. Yechezkel
- Ezekiel 20:19-20. (JPS).
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“Hebraic Studies” motto is as follows;
“The More Torah, the More Life”,
For our Elohim is the One who gave us our ... Life!
May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom (Peace) of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה(the LORD
of hosts) be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the ‘מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim -
Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Te’fee’lah’s (Prayers)
and regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah (blessings)
before food and drinks, etc!
שָׁלוֹם
עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!
Rabbi,
Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
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