28 West – Candelabra
Al Hinson – Donor
The menorah is a seven-branched candelabrum that is described in the Hebrew Bible and in later ancient sources as having been used in the Tabernacle and in the Temple in Jerusalem. Since ancient times, it has represented the Jewish people and Judaism in both the Land of Israel and the Diaspora, while in modern times it is represented on Israel’s national emblem. The symbol has also been found in archaeological artifacts from ancient Samaritan, Christian and Islamic communities. The seven lamps allude to the branches of human knowledge, represented by the six lamps inclined inwards towards, and symbolically guided by, the light of God represented by the central lamp. The menorah also symbolizes the creation in seven days, with the center light representing the Sabbath. The Book of Revelation refers to a mystery of seven golden lampstands representing seven churches, or (since seven is a representational number meaning “completion”) all the churches of all generations.
In temple worship, this object of beauty was symbolic of the light of God – the presence of the shekinah glory among the chosen people housed in the tabernacle. For the Christian, it recalls that Jesus exclaimed, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
See also: 1 East – Burning Torch; 22 East – The Lamp; 2 West – Candlestick.
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. —John 9:5