3

Ever since I started learning about Judaism, I noticed that Israel’s emblem contains a 7 branch menorah, not the chanukiah (which everyone, including tons of Jews) call a menorah.

I understand that the 7 branch was in the Temple and depicted on the Arch of Titus. I’m considering buying a 7 branch menorah for my house.

I've found some wildly differing opinions online. Some say none are permitted, some say they're permitted provided that they are either non-metal (I see a bunch of enamel), some say all of the types I see online are permitted but simply cannot be lit. Which is the truth?

I also know Israel itself had a debate when the Knesset Menorah was given to it, but the chief rabbi at the time ultimately decided it was halachic.

Improve this question
3
  • Welcome to MiYodeya. Hope to see you around!
    – mbloch
    Jan 13, 2018 at 16:09
  • What would be the purpose of having such a menorah in your house?
    – ezra
    Jan 14, 2018 at 6:34
  • 1
    as a decoration and to have the eternal symbol of the Jewish people in my house.
    – Dudeskiseph
    Jan 14, 2018 at 18:57

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

The Talmud in Rosh haShana 24b mentions a dispute as to if a wooden 7 branched menorah would be permissible, with all agreeing that a metal one is forbidden and that one made from pottery is permissable.

I'm not quite sure which category enamel would fall into, as as far as I can tell it is a kind of glass coating, normally on pottery.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .