The Menorah

The Menorah in the Temple was a fascinating spiritual object. There was a great deal of mysticism attached to it.

The Alshich wrote that there was a Menorah in Heaven as well. When it was lit by the High Priest, it brought much more than light to the world.

The Menorah was somehow fashioned from one huge block of gold, that was chiseled into the form that we recognize. This one block hinted to unity.

Similarly, the three candles on each side of the center, leaned towards that center candle. From a distance, it appeared as one flame. This was another hint to unity in the world.

It was also a source for Divine wisdom that traveled from above via the Menorah. This was the explanation of the prophet Jeremiah to the Greek philosopher, Plato.

There was something that Jews possessed that the nations of the world did not. This was the חכמה אלוקית, Divine wisdom that emanated from the Menorah.

It is the custom in synagogues all over the world to have a “Ner Tamid,” an eternal light to commemorate the Temple Menorah.

This also explains why Moshe Rabbeinu told Aharon that his share was greater than that of the princes of the Tribes. He was charged with lighting the Menorah. His descendants, the Chashmonaim, would rededicate the Temple in the future, and the holiday of Chanukah would be declared. The Menorah is very special and unique.