Moshe Ben-Chaim
Reader: Could you please inform me as to the Menorah: I have seen 7-candle Menorahs and 9-candle Menorahs. Please tell me the meaning of each.
Shalom
Mesora:
Clarence,
The
Levites and priests used the 7-branch Menorah in the Temple alone. I believe
this existed to demonstrate the idea that our God is the Creator who rested on
the 7th day. It is of the utmost importance that we are regularly cognizant of
God's identity as the Creator. The Menorah, in the primary location of God's
worship, assists the Levites and priests in this manner.
The
9-branch Menorah is used only on Channukah: there are 8 days, and one extra
light is required so one is not using the prohibited light of the Menorah,
which are the other 8 lights. The lights of the Channukah Menorah have one
purpose: to publicize the miracles. Therefore, personal use is prohibited. In
order that we do not use their light, the Rabbis instituted there be another
light in the room through which, one may perform his activities at night.