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The Temple Menorah had seven branches, why isn't the Chanukah Menorah the same?

by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg

  

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The Chanukah Menorah was designed (not to replicate the Temple Menorah, but) to celebrate the miracle of the oil, which should have sufficed for one day, but lasted for eight. So practically speaking, there are eight days of Chanukah to commemorate the miracle of the oil, and there are eight branches on the Menorah because we celebrate each night with lighting an additional candle. [The ninth branch is there for purely technical reasons. See What is the purpose of the Shamash candle on my menorah?.]

On a deeper level, the number seven symbolizes the Holy Temple, whereas eight represents what Chanukah is all about.

It is explained in Kabbalah that G-d created the world with seven Divine attributes. This is why G-d created the world in seven days, for every day of creation was dominated by one of these attributes. For this reason, the number seven is symbolic of the Divine flow of energy which is present within creation.

Sometimes when serving G-d we have to do first and think later. The message of Chanukah is that such "illogical" behavior is the pathway to miracles!
Eight is one above seven. This represents the level of Divine energy which is super-natural, a level which transcends time, space and all laws of nature. A miracle is an expression of this level of G-dliness. The Holy Temple was about revealing the G-dliness which is inherent within creation, Therefore the Menorah had seven branches, for the purpose of the Temple was to illuminate the world by revealing its G-dly core - the divine energy which is constantly vivifying every detail of creation. The miracle of Chanukah, however, was a revelation of G-d which was above nature, and therefore is symbolized by an eight-branch menorah.

The way to access this level of Divine energy is by behaving benevolently. When a Jew serves G-d by going beyond his/her nature, then G-d reciprocates in similar fashion. The Maccabees' revolt against the powerful Greek army wasn't logical, but they marched forward with utter self-sacrifice and an unshakeable trust in the A-lmighty. And due to this "super-natural" behavior they merited to witness a super-natural miracle from G-d. Sometimes when serving G-d we have to do first and think later. The message of Chanukah is that such "illogical" behavior is the pathway to miracles...1

Footnotes

  • 1. Sources: Hisvaduyos 5748, vol I, p. 526; Sefer Hamamarim Melukat, vol VI, p. 63

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Chanukah
An eight day mid-winter holiday marking: 1) The miraculous defeat of the mighty Syrian-Greek armies by the undermanned Maccabis in the year 140 BCE. 2) Upon their victory, the oil in the Menorah, sufficient fuel for one night only, burned for eight days and nights.
Kabbalah
Jewish mysticism. The word Kaballah means "reception," for we cannot physically perceive the Divine, we merely study the mystical truths which were transmitted to us by G-d Himself through His righteous servants.
Menorah
Candelabra. Usually a reference to the nine-branched candelabra kindled on the holiday of Chanukah.
Temple
1. Usually a reference to the Holy Temple which was/will be situated in Jerusalem. 1st Temple was built in 825 BCE and was destroyed in 423 BCE. The 2nd Temple was built in 350 BCE and was destroyed in 70 CE. The 3rd Temple will be built by the Messiah. 2. A synagogue.
G-d
It is forbidden to erase or deface the name of G-d. It is therefore customary to insert a dash in middle of G-d's name, allowing us to erase or discard the paper it is written on if necessary.
Maccabees
The Maccabees (Hebrew: Makabim) were a Jewish family who fought against the rule of Antiochus IV Epiphanes of the Hellenistic Seleucid dynasty in the story of Chanukah. The Maccabees founded the Hasmonean royal line and established Jewish independence in the land of Israel for about 100 years.