As Christians we believe by faith in Jesus Christ. We do not need candle sticks to remind us who Jesus Christ is because we have the Holy Spirit abiding IN US. The Menorah is part of the Jewish faith – a Christian should NOT be entertaining symbols from other faiths.
What’s the difference between the 7-candle Menorah and the 9-candle Menorah?
7-branch Menorah:
God said to Moses in Exodus 25:31-38: 31 “Make a lampstand of pure gold and hammer it out, base and shaft; its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms shall be of one piece with it. 32 Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. 33 Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. 34 And on the lampstand there are to be four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. 35 One bud shall be under the first pair of branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair—six branches in all. 36 The buds and branches shall all be of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold. 37 “Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it so that they light the space in front of it. 38 Its wick trimmers and trays are to be of pure gold.
9-branch Menorah:
The Talmud (Menahot 28b) states that it is prohibited to use a seven-branched menorah outside of the Temple. The Hanukkah menorah therefore has eight main branches, plus a ninth branch set apart as the shamash (servant) light which is used to kindle the other lights. This type of menorah is called a hanukiah in Modern Hebrew. — Birnbaum, Philip (1975). A Book of Jewish Concepts. New York: Hebrew Publishing Company. pp. 366–367
The story of Hanukkah:
Hanukkah or Chanukah, also called The Feast of Lights or Feast of the Maccabees which is celebrated on the 20th December is a Jewish celebration that commemorates the re-dedication or cleansing of the Temple after the success of a Jewish military victory over the Greeks of Syria in about 166 BC. It is said that the victorious Jews (Maccabees) could find very little oil to light their lamp, enough oil for only for a day. But miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days before they could find an alternative source of oil.
This so called miracle started a tradition of lighting eight candles on nine branched candle stick. Each day during Hanukkah one arm is lighted. The candle that is used to light all the arms is kept at the centre. For many it’s very much a children’s holiday, similar to Christmas with special food prepared, decorated bushes and wrapped gifts. But Hanukkah is not a children’s holiday at all, in fact it’s story is tainted.
“History tells us that the original name for the festival was not the Feast of Lights but the Feast of Fire. [1] The story of the Maccabees and the Maccabean Revolt, was reportedly commissioned by the Maccabees themselves, and is found in the Apocrypha’s 1st & 2nd Maccabees, which are found in Catholic and some Protestant Bibles. However, those writings are not found in Jewish Bibles, but rather, the Maccabean Revolt is found referenced to in the extra-biblical writings of the Talmud.
From those and other historical sources such as Josephus’ Antiquities, we know that Antiochus or “Epiphanes”, outlawed the practice of Judaism prior to the second century BC. Idols and altars were established throughout Jerusalem where sacrifices were made to the various ‘gods’. In full rebellion to Almighty God, an idol was erected on the great Temple, with many historically believing it to be an image of Zeus. Jews who disobeyed the directive to burn their Torah scrolls and cease from practicing Judaism were murdered. Some suggest by about 167 BC, Mattathais Maccabees and his sons determined to stop the sacrilege of the Temple and proceeded to overthrow the Syrians. Judah Maccabees took the lead and the Jews recaptured the Temple. According to the various writings they rededicated the altar on the 25th of Kislev or November-December. The celebration for the dedication of the altar went on for eight days followed by the rededication of the Temple to God. [2] Many venerated Judah Maccabees as the awaited Messiah.
For many years, Hanukkah in essence symbolized the overthrow of pagan Gentile influence from Jewish spirituality, and the rededication to God and the Mosaic Law. However, history reveals that the wrath that was dealt out by the Maccabees did not end the path of disaster which Israel had been treading. Whether reading ‘gentile’ historical or Jewish resources, the end result was that the Maccabees or Hasmoneans as they are called, became power hungry and corrupt. What started out for many as a zealous spiritual endeavor based on wrath, became immersed in corruption, murder and destruction, and the eventual act of Jews killing Jews. The war and rebellion became a civil war. According to Josephus, in his Antiquities, within 65 years of the initial revolt, a challenge was put forth by a number of Pharisees towards one of the corrupt leaders of the Maccabees, one Alexander Janneus. His response was to quell the revolt by having the Jewish soldiers under his command crucify 800 of the Pharisees. He then ordered the throats of their children and wives cut, while they watched. While many celebrate Hanukkah and the Maccabees, what many do not realize is that the Maccabees themselves became a destructive force to Judaism.
The initial Revolt lasted about four years, from 167-163 BC. By 66 AD, the Zealots again revolted against their Gentile oppressors. Just as with the earlier Maccabees, again the revolt ended with Jews killing Jews, and many would agree that it changed the course of Jewish history forever. Many know that by 70 AD the Romans destroyed the Temple, burned Jerusalem, and slaughtered thousands of people. The last stronghold at Masada ended with the rebel Jews committing suicide. The surviving Jews were exiled from the land, until 1948.”
Hanukkah itself was added to Jewish celebrations by Pharisees and was not God ordained in the Scriptures. —www.seekgod.ca/legend.htm
The miracle of the oil burning for 8 days is just a legend, nothing more.
Why is the celebration of Hanukkah and the use of the 9-branch Menorah becoming so popular?
Universally the menorah symbolises the ideal of universal enlightenment. The seven branches of the candle stand allude to the branches of human knowledge, represented by the six lamps inclined in wards towards, and symbolically guided by, the light of God represented by the central lamp. The 7 branches are also symbolic of many faiths leading to one Universal Christ (reference to Jewish Mysticism (Chakras / Tree of Life / Kaballah) and the 7 colours of the rainbow) The centre candle is called ‘The Servant’ because this candle is used to lite the surrounding candles. Because of this, this candle is supposed to symbolise Jesus who is a ‘servant’ and the light of the world. Shocking how Jesus Christ is continuously reduced to the level of a servant, when He is a KING.
Menorah as the symbol for interfaith understating?
About the Centre for Interreligious Understanding CIU: With more than 30 years of experience in interreligious affairs, the CIU is a trusted resource for insight, analysis and positive action. Through educational programs and policy leadership, the CIU brings people of all faiths together to learn about our history, our shared values and why we must live and work together toward a society of justice and peace. By exploring the theological foundations and common goals of the world’s religions, the CIU fights religious stereotypes and intolerance to foster genuine understanding.
Education. The CIU educates theologians, academics and laity about interfaith issues among Christians, Jews and Muslims including sacred texts, Holocaust revisionism and the Middle East. The Vatican also invites CIU Director Rabbi Jack Bemporad to teach seminarians about Judaism and interreligious cooperation at the Angelicum University in Rome.
Insight. The CIU analyzes major theological developments through articles, conferences and speeches at leading institutions such as the United Nations, New York University and at temples, churches and mosques around the world.
Awareness. Through its historic Menorah Project, the CIU places Holocaust menorahs in major Catholic centers throughout the United States, bringing Christians and Jews together to remember the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust and raise awareness of anti-Semitism.
Recognition. Through its “Faith in Dialogue Award” the CIU recognizes extraordinary individuals who have fostered interreligious dialogue and understanding throughout the world. —www.faithindialogue.org/update/story.cfm?chnl=18&storyid=47
————– References: [1] http://www.hebrew-streams.org/works/judaism/hanukkah.html [2] Ibid ————–
Christians would need to use a Minora to shave? The more blades the better, I didn’t realise they were up to 9 already!
Now thats a stupid comment, if ever I made one:)
Grant
LOL. Stupid, but funny ;)
Deborah, in this article you make an assumption, namely that Jesus came to start a new religion. Have you ever considered if that is really true? Does the Bible support it?
I would use it to burn some candles and have some light – before i used the blades to shave if my electricity had been cut off again…..If if I had a pure gold one I’d probably sell it and get my electricity reconnected actually.
Andrew
Seeing that you are not a Christian but an Emergent (Cosmic Jesus follower), and therefore have never heard of the New Covenant (which is not a new religion) I would have to say you have no idea what you are speaking about. I do recommend a book called the bible for you to read, start at page 1.
Andrew
That is simply one of the most ridiculous questions I’ve ever seen on a blog of this nature.
The Bible does not simply support it, it is what the entire Christian faith is about, therefore ditto the Bible. “Christ-ian” as in one who follows the Gospel of Christ, Andrew. Christianity is found in the Bible, Andrew.
Huh? What a ques… What a ques…!
Debs, Elmarie, Cecilia!
Kees kraayenoord published a song… and I smell a rat.
Ever heard of him?…
Looks like some kind of ecumenical effort.
God of the gay- and singles bars
…God of the fragile hearts we are, I come to you
God of our history, god of the future that will be
What will you make of me, I come to you
God of the meek and mild,
God of the reckless and the wild
God of the unreconciled, I come to you
God of our life and death
God of our secrets unconfessed
God of our every breath, I come to you
God of the rich and poor
God of the princess and the whore
God of the ever open door, I come to you
God of the unborn child
God of the pure and undefiled
God of the pimp and paedophile, I come to you
God of the war and peace
God of the junkie and the priest
God of the greatest and the least, I come to you
God of the refugee
God of the prisoner and the free
God of our doubt and certainty, I come to you
God of our joy and grieve
God of the lawyer and the thief
God of our faith and unbelief, I come to you
God of the wounds we bear
God of the deepest dreams we share
God of our unspoken prayer, I come to you
God of a world that´s lost
God of the lonely cross
God who has come to us, I come to you
Moet nou nie met my raas as ek weer op die verkeerde bladsy is nie Debs!!!
seeming as Christ stands in the midst of the Menorah in first chapter of the final book of the Bible then its importance was paramount to the early Jewish believers in Christ. Just because the later Christianity of Rome segregated itself from the religion of Christ, all the Apostles it doesn’t make it any less significance. This is a typical article by mislead gentiles who have no real notion of the truth but who believe in the religion of Constantine.
Read the bible and do some research into history. you will find Jesus was a Jew, not like yourself a gentile of which it says. ‘Do not give your pearl to swine because they’ll trampen it into the ground.’ Exactly what your shallow religion has been doing for the last 1800 years.
ps Did Jesus die on the cross for you to eat pork
Did Jesus die so you didn’t have to observe the sabbath (check it out it says in the Torah, what you naively call old testament, that Sabbath is an eternal decree for all generations.
Aso te lighting of the menorah signifies the seven spirits of G-d and its lighting by the Priesthood is guess what. an eternal decree for all generations.
One who breaks the least of the commandments has brken the all. who said this. Moses? actually Jesus did.
Its about time someone educated gentiles and stopped their ridiculus claims on the sacred and Holy texts. also if your a woman why don’t you listen to Paul and keep quiet and only have your husband explain things to you at home.
G-d bless
Alex Slade
Alex
Oh my goodness no one here said Jesus was not a Jew nor claim HE was as gentile ….did you even read and understand what was said?
You are being insulting to us? by calling us shallow, do you know anyone here? NO you don’t so stop the insults and lies.
We will keep an eye on your future comments and please stop your insults and before you comment again please read here and read it carefully.
Have you got the love Jesus and the Apostles had in your heart to “educate” the gentiles as you call it? It surrely does not seem that way by your comment Alex.
All the ladies here have husbands who do a wonderful job explaining to us at home did you know that? A Big Fat No, why? Because you have no clue who you are dealing with on this blog.
2 Timothy 2:15-17 (Amplified Bible)
15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
16 But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.
17 And their teaching [will devour; it] will eat its way like cancer or spread like gangrene. So it is with Hymenaeus and Philetus,
Having a menorah at home or on our website, is not going to lead anyone down a path of idolatry. The menorah is a biblical item that God instructed in detail to be constructed for temple use. Now we do not have the temple and we know Yeshua is our light, for the millenial temple will no longer have a menorah, yet, to insinuate that a menorah is a symbol that will lead people to damnation is really speaking from a lack of understanding what is in the bible.
I would like to mention that the early brethren during the days Yeshua walked this earth, and even in the 1st century, had the menorah inscribed on their walls or synagogue walls. Please try to refrain from publishing views that can tend toward anti-semitism. I know some of you fear people getting caught up in new age beliefs, but the menorah is not one of those. I am a Christian and have a menorah at home, and no I am not one of John Hagee’s followers.
Incidently, just because some other religions take the menorah of the bible and try to use it as an interfaith thing, does not make the menorah an ungodly symbol. If that is the logic to go by, then what about Hindus and new agers who say they believe in “Jesus” and also use him in their teachings of Hinduism? I know a Hindu who goes to catholic church because her Hindu religion teaches such. Does this make the Lord Jesus a fake? No.
So balking at the biblical items such as menorah, really is done out of ignorance in my opinion. In any case, isn’t the menorah also mentioned in Revelation? It is mentioned in book of Zechariah chapter 4, in relation to the two witnesses of the Last Days even.
Another thought, do you know that the cross is also being misused by some cults? I am sure you have seen pictures of these interfaith cults. That does not make the symbol of the cross an ungodly one. You get the idea.
Wow! What language I see.
For what it’s worth. I follow the Messiah of the scriptures, the “son of David”, the savior of the world. And He says that to ‘love Him’ means to obey Him (John 14). He followed the “instructions” given to His people by the Father through Moses, and since He is to be ‘our example’, and we are to ‘walk as He walked’, I’d say that you at least find out what He did, and follow in His footsteps.
It’s not abandoning the faith is salvation by grace, for no one was ever saved by obedience, but only through the sacrifice of our blessed Messiah. If Moses were to tell you to obey the commandments, which ones would you obey? If the Messiah were to tell you to obey the commandments, would those be any different? The faith that was once delivered to the saints is just that. The faith of the forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who obeyed the same “Torah” (instructions) handed down directly from the Father in heaven to guide His people in their behavior.
The Messiah never once spoke a word against anything that had already been written in the scriptures. In fact, in Acts 15 we read about the four prerequisites required of the PAGAN Gentiles before they can fellowship with believers and thus read from the writings of Moses in order to learn about righteousness by faith, which, by the way, is all over the ‘old testament’.
The ‘new testament’ is not new…it’s just TRUE. The Father never changes, He never lies, He never changes His mind…He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
At least learn what the Messiah did. How He lived His life. And then follow in His footsteps.
I pray for all of you who wish to have discernment. Amen.
Shalom
What language?
I am a little concerned by the sentence that I read on the site – ‘The Menorah is part of the Jewish faith – a Christian should NOT be entertaining symbols from other faiths.’
I am a non Jew and I do agree that Christians should not be using symbols of other faiths, or really any symbols but Judaism is the completion and fulfillment of our faith manifested in the life of Jesus Christ. As there are Gentiles who haven’t seen the light of Chr-st there are also Jews that have not seen the light of Chr-st and don’t follow their Savior yet. We gentile believers have been grafted in. The New Testament wasn’t to start a ‘new’ religion. It really captured the time from when G-d sent his Son and the ministry He had.
Pro 4:5 Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding;
do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will guard you.
7 Wisdom is supreme – so acquire wisdom,
and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding!
8 Esteem her highly and she will exalt you;
she will honor you if you embrace her.
9 She will place a fair garland on your head;
she will bestow a beautiful crown on you.”
Sar Shalom
I would have thought that the Menorah is also symbolic of the seven Spirits of God in Revelation. In fact, I’ve heard it argued that the Cross is a pagan symbol (I was in a church that claimed as much and refused to have crosses or allow us to wear them. Yet the same church allowed us to wear Magen Davids.) I can understand that of a crucifix!
It depends whether or not a symbol–providing it is not pagan or anti-Christian–honours God or dishonours Him. God gave Israel the Menorah but not the Magen David.
I think the Menorah honours God and reminds me of his symbol of the seven spirits of God in Revelation. I honestly don’t know what it means but I am happy having one in my home. It also shows people that I support Israel and the Jewish people.
Martin
Did you read the article properly? There are 2 types.
Yes Deborah, I know there are two types, thanks.