Menorah





The menorah signifies the creation of the universe in seven days for each candle. awkward wording The candles also represent the seven continents guided by god. The center candle represents the Sabbath. When described in the Talmud it was said it had to be made of gold and have gviim kaphtorim uphrakhim, flower cups, knobs and blossoms. It is also supposed to be beaten out of one piece of metal for harmony of entire piece. It is a symbol of the Jewish faith and was always present in the Temple when it stood in Jerusalem. The seven branched menorah was made according to the instructions God gave in Exodus. Priests used to light the menorah in the evenings, and clean it in the mornings. The nine branched menorah is what is commonly found in households today. According to the Talmud, after the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, there was only enough olive oil left to fuel the eternal flame for one day. However, the fuel burned for eight days, giving just enough time to make new oil. This is why the Hanukkah menorah has eight main branches to honor these miraculous eight days, plus a ninth called the //Shamash// (meaning servant) that is separated to start the other lights. The reason for the //Shamash// is because it is forbidden to use any of the other candles for any purpose except for viewing. When lit, the menorah is supposed to be placed in a spot, such as a window, for all to see. THIS NEEDS MORE FOCUS. YOUR INTRO SHOULD EXPLAIN THAT THERE ARE 7 AND 9 BRANCH MENORAHS AND THAT THEY SYMBOLIZE DIFFERENT THINGS.

The holiday Hanukkah is a major Jewish holiday involving the Menorah that commemorates the rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Jews' 165 B.C.E. victory over the Hellenist Syrians. Antiochus, the Greek King of Syria, outlawed Jewish rituals and ordered the Jews to worship Greek gods. In 168 B.C.E the Jews holy temple was taken over and dedicated to Zeus. Some Jews listened to Greek commands and worshiped their gods but many could not accept the Greek's monotheistic beliefs and escaped to the nearby mountains to plan their retaliation. Jewish soldier traveled back to the holy temple to find it in ruins with most of it broken and destroyed, including the golden Menorah. They cleaned and repaired the temple and then decided to add a dedication ceremony. However, all the oil to light the menorah was gone except one small flask with enough oil to light it for one day. Through a miracle, the menorah stayed lit for eight days which is why the current Menorah has eight candles. One is lit by a separate candle, the //Shamash//, on each of the eight days of Hanukkah for each day of the miracle. Hanukkah is a day where people come together to light the menorah, join in prayer, sing songs, play games, and receive gifts.To Judaism, the menorah represents much more than a way to light up the room, but a way to illuminate the world. To those who believe in Judaism, it symbolizes a spread of the religion, and demonstrates a connection between the Jews and God. WHY IS REDEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE IMPORTANT? COMPLETE THE THOUGHT.

YOUR IDEAS ARE GOOD, BUT YOU NEED MORE FOCUS TO YOUR PARAGRAPHS.