Why would a Christian use a Menorah?
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 or nine branches of the candle stand allude to the branches of human knowledge, represented by the six or eight lamps inclined in wards towards, and symbolically guided by, the light of God represented by the central lamp. The 7 or 9 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 center candle is called ‘The Servant’ because this candle is used to lite the surrounding candles. Because of this, this candle is supposed to symbolize Jesus who is a ‘servant’ and the light of the world. But as Christians we know this is not Jesus Christ of the Bible. Notice how Jesus Christ is continuously reduced to the level of a servant, when He is in fact a KING seated at the right hand Father in heaven.
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
Matityahu
Dear Matityahu
You said “Jesus did not remove any of the fundamental Judaic laws from our responsibility to follow – he added the role of our hearts, actions meant nothing”
I’m confused at this statement, you say “Jesus did not remove any of the fundamental Judaic laws from our responsibility to follow”…then you say “actions meant nothing”
Do you follow all Judaic Laws?
Nita wrote:
Dear Lorna,
Nowhere in the entire Bible are we encouraged to come closer to God. As a matter of fact, the word “closer” appears only once in the Bible (Proverbs 18:24). That doesn’t say much for NIta’s “If anyone wants to do whatever they want or can to be closer to God, Yahweh, Jesus, whatever you call Him, then . . . YES!!!” The reason why the Bible never says that we should come closer to God is that you cannot come any closer to Him when you are IN Jesus Christ and He in you. However, nothing on this earth, including a Menorah, prayer, symbols, meditation techniques or whatever can place you IN God. Faith alone in Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross and the forgiveness of your sins can place you IN Him.
The very reason why you say these things is because you are not saved and desperately need the Holy Spirit to baptize you INTO Jesus Christ by faith and faith alone in his finished work on the cross and to beg Him for the forgiveness of your sins. By the way, I’m not talking about water baptism.
Jesus/Yeshua Light of the world. A Hebrew. Used many illustrations during his ministry. He stood in the temple. A Menorah also stood in the temple. Menorah a candelabrum with (seven) branches. (Three) to the left. (Three) to the right of center flame. Hum. Six is symbolic of man. Christ is the corner stone. The prominent flame positioned in the center is called the (server). Hum. The proper order of the six (must) be lit by the server only. From left to right. Hum…So the menorah has a total of seven candle sticks. Seven is symbolic with Gods’ completion. Seven=Gods rest. Six the number of man. Christ is light of the world!
Perfect obedience unto God the Father. Christ came ((to serve)). Sacrificed on a roman cross. All on our behalf. A debt he never owed. A price we could never pay. He showed the way. He called us his people a (light on a hill). Teaching we should not hide the light he gives us. Hum…
Seems Menorah compliments the ministry of Christ & the finished work of the cross perfectly. Why throw the baby out with the dirty bath water. The Christian cross & Menorah pretty much sum it up for me and reflect the ministry of Christ and my personal faith to (serve) Him because he (First) loved me.
John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Dear Dennis
You said “Seems Menorah compliments the ministry of Christ & the finished work of the cross perfectly.”
So you need Jesus Christ and a Menorah in your house and a Cross to hang around your neck to compliment your salvation? I just need Jesus Christ and what He did for me, thank you :thumbsup:
Jesus is the light of the world. Do i need a Menorah? No. As a Christian I do not but I wanted one because so many things from the Old covenant proclaim Christ in the New covenant. Watch on U tube Perry Stones sermon on the Menorah. We don’t put our trust in symbols but when we love God it is not wrong to have symbols just like when we wear a cross around our neck. i Just got a Menorah as a symbol of Jesus’ light to the world.
Laurie,
If you want to use a Menorah as a symbol of Jesus, then I would like to suggest that you buy many oxen, lambs, rams, goats etc. and sacrifice them every single day to God on an altar at you home because they too are symbols of Jesus. If you want to go back to the Old Testament you must be prepared to include every single OT symbol that pointed to Jesus. If you don’t, you are being downright dishonest and selective.
Dear Laurie
You said “Jesus is the light of the world. Do i need a Menorah? No. As a Christian I do not but I wanted one’
So you know it’s wrong but yet you did it anyhow. You may as well get yourself a little plastic ark of the covenant too while your at it, as you collect all your little symbols (idols) together.
Hi Tom Lessing, if possible could you please remove my last response, it contained a few errors I’d like to correct if possible. I just took too long to realise how to edit it. (Also I have no idea how to directly respond to your replies, if it’s even possible.)
I’m so bad at using these comment sections. So please forgive my boomer-ness. 😄
I believe I may have misspoken once or twice in my original point/comment.
When I said that I felt that I had faith in my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…what I was meaning to say is that I feel Him in me and that I have faith in Him! I have complete faith in Him! Again forgive my lack of eloquence when it comes to word choice. 😊
Firstly I’d like to point out that you quoted me as saying “it is futile…” I didn’t say this. I posed a question, not a statement. I asked, “Is it futile…?” And I would agree with trying to abide and live by all of the 613 laws given in the Old Testament but are you saying that we aren’t still expected to live by the 10 Commandments? One would imagine that we are to still live by those…!? Not to worship false gods, love thy neighbour, do not kill, do not steal, do not covet etc. These may seem obvious to most but you did mention commands in your reply. I just want to be certain about what we are discussing.
Secondly, I would say that the single most important thing to me is my faith in Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made for me (us) on the cross and nothing will ever supercede this. Ever! So would the fact that I gave up Pork (didn’t really give up other unclean foods as didn’t really eat many others) be an insult to the Lord? It definitely was not done for this reason, or with this intent. I only did it as I genuinely thought it was what was good to do. I’ve done it for long enough now that I doubt I’d be that inclined to eat it again. I mainly only eat fish, chicken and turkey now with pulses, rice etc. Well that and fruit and veg. (I mainly changed these eating habits to not only look after my heart health but believed it was a good thing to eat similarly to the early Christians. Not because the food was clean or unclean, mainly for health reasons.) 😊 I certainly didn’t do it for “kosher” reasons.
Maybe in hindsight it was the wrong thing, but I genuinely didn’t realise that at the time. I’ve only properly come to my faith in Christ since, maaaaybe April this year. I’m still learning so I hope the Lord will forgive me for misinterpreting the scriptures as I read them. My trust and faith is most definitely in Him, works and laws have never come before Him that I can think of and if they have I have every intention to change this!!
The more I research and study, the more I think/believe you’re right and that I’m possibly being deceived…I don’t know if the person in question is doing it intentionally or not however. 😔
But I am grateful, thank you. I also hope that I’ve put this message on your page correctly. If not please guide me how to reply correctly. 😄
P.S. I really do find this a little clunky to use, although it could just be my clunky old brain. 😂 Also if it’s easier you’ll find me on good ol’ Facebook under this same name if it’s easier/faster to converse there.
Hey everyone,
First of all, I hope you’re all good. 😊
This may seem like a stupid question, so apologies if it is. This may not even be the article/post for a question such as this. And please forgive me for my poor vocabulary.
But even though I feel like I have been saved through the Blood of Christ and that I truly feel like I have complete faith in Him…is it futile to want to try and live by the Laws and Commands that we were given?
I’ve heard opposing viewpoints. Some saying that Jesus Christ didn’t put away the Laws when he came to fulfill them. Some say that because of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice it now means that we are not beholden to them and that it goes against Him to even try.
I would be very grateful for your thoughts, thank you.
Again I understand that is maybe not the place. 😊
Hi Alex. Thank you for your comment. The best way to gain a better understanding is to read Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Here he distinctly says that law and grace are entirely incompatible. We may not mix the two. Anyone who chooses to follow the law has no claim to grace and vice versa. In fact, those who claim to follow the law are cursed. “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.” (Gal 3:10, 13).
It is as you said, ” it is futile to want to try and live by the Laws and Commands . . .” Indeed, it is a slap in Jesus Christ’s face because it suggests that his death on the cross was not sufficient to save us and, therefore, we need to add the law to gain eternal life or to be sanctified. This is precisely why Jesus said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Mat 7:13-14). Jesus plus anything else (such as being baptized and speaking in tongues) is another gospel because it widens (broadens) the strait gate.
Therefore remember, feelings have nothing to do with faith. If you believe that Jesus shed his blood for you and to cleanse you from all your sins, you are saved. You already have eternal life.
Make some time to study the epistle to the Galatians and ask Jesus to give you the wisdom to understand. Gofer it, and God bless.
One last thing. You wrote:
Those who say this don’t know what they are saying. It is an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms. How can it be that Jesus fulfilled the law but still demands of us to follow it the perfect way He followed it? Of course, Jesus didn’t put away the law. That’s precisely why He fulfilled it on our behalf. God sees those who are in Christ (saved) as having fulfilled the law. In Him we are new creations, the old things have passed away (2 Cor 5:17). indeed, Jesus is the end of the law. (Romans 10:4).
Hi Tom Lessing, if possible could you please remove my last response, it contained a few errors I’d like to correct if possible. I just took too long to realise how to edit it. (Also I have no idea how to directly respond to your replies, if it’s even possible.)
I’m so bad at using these comment sections. So please forgive my boomer-ness. 😄
I believe I may have misspoken once or twice in my original point/comment.
When I said that I felt that I had faith in my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…what I was meaning to say is that I feel Him in me and that I have faith in Him! I have complete faith in Him! Again forgive my lack of eloquence when it comes to word choice. 😊
Firstly I’d like to point out that you quoted me as saying “it is futile…” I didn’t say this. I posed a question, not a statement. I asked, “Is it futile…?” And I would agree with trying to abide and live by all of the 613 laws given in the Old Testament but are you saying that we aren’t still expected to live by the 10 Commandments? One would imagine that we are to still live by those…!? Not to worship false gods, love thy neighbour, do not kill, do not steal, do not covet etc. These may seem obvious to most but you did mention commands in your reply. I just want to be certain about what we are discussing.
Secondly, I would say that the single most important thing to me is my faith in Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made for me (us) on the cross and nothing will ever supercede this. Ever! So would the fact that I gave up Pork (didn’t really give up other unclean foods as didn’t really eat many others) be an insult to the Lord? It definitely was not done for this reason, or with this intent. I only did it as I genuinely thought it was what was good to do. I’ve done it for long enough now that I doubt I’d be that inclined to eat it again. I mainly only eat fish, chicken and turkey now with pulses, rice etc. Well that and fruit and veg. (I mainly changed these eating habits to not only look after my heart health but believed it was a good thing to eat similarly to the early Christians. Not because the food was clean or unclean, mainly for health reasons.) 😊 I certainly didn’t do it for “kosher” reasons.
Maybe in hindsight it was the wrong thing, but I genuinely didn’t realise that at the time. I’ve only properly come to my faith in Christ since, maaaaybe April this year. I’m still learning so I hope the Lord will forgive me for misinterpreting the scriptures as I read them. My trust and faith is most definitely in Him, works and laws have never come before Him that I can think of and if they have I have every intention to change this!!
The more I research and study, the more I think/believe you’re right and that I’m possibly being deceived…I don’t know if the person in question is doing it intentionally or not however. 😔
But I am grateful, thank you. I also hope that I’ve put this message on your page correctly. If not please guide me how to reply correctly. 😄
P.S. I really do find this a little clunky to use, although it could just be my clunky old brain. 😂 Also if it’s easier you’ll find me on good ol’ Facebook under this same name if it’s easier/faster to converse there.
Hi Alex. Good to hear from you again. First of all, I would like to apologize for my misreading your “is it futile to want to try and live by the Laws and Commands that we were given?” You asked a question and I mistakenly took it as a statement. Nevertheless, the answer remains the same, Yes, it is futile to want to try and live by the laws and the commands that we are given. If any of us were able to keep all the commandments (Ten Commandments) 100% for every single day of our lives, we would have had no need for Christ. Christ could never and can never fulfill the law for those who claim to keep the Ten Commandments 100% every single day, hour, minute, and second of their lives. Imagine you having been caught speeding in a zone that says 80 while you sped along at 100. The officer stops you and gives writes out a ticket for speeding. You decide not to pay and consequently, you are summoned to appear in court. In court, you argue that in the past you have always obeyed the law and that this was the very first time you disobeyed it. What do you think the judge would say? Well, he would say that all the times you obeyed in the past do not make up for or nullify your one-time disobedience. The law is the law and you must pay up, or go to jail.
In your comment, you mentioned five of the ten laws. What about the others? What about “Thou shalt not commit adultery?” You may never have literally committed adultery in your life, but do take serious cognizance of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28). You see, our core problem is the heart which the Bible says is “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). We do not even know our own hearts. Even our best works (for trying to live by the Laws and Commands) are as filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6). The word for filthy is “ayd” and means “the menstrual flux (as periodical); by implication (in plural) soiling: – filthy.) We do not have the means, the power, or even the effort to live by the Laws and Commands. I think this is enough for now. I will answer, God willing, your pork-abstinence for your health’s sake later. God bless.