Jerusalem Temple

The Temple in Jerusalem was the center of the ancient Jewish cult, where, according to the Torah, through animal sacrifice, the sins of Israel could be forgiven and Israel’s relationship with God could be repaired. It was also a great symbol of Israel’s glory, and of her special relationship with the one true God. 

Hence, the destructions of the Temple—in 587 BCE by the Babylonians and in 70 CE by the Romans—were catastrophic. In the absence of the Temple, how could the relationship of Jews with God be maintained? Of course, the rabbis suggested methods—methods, such as giving Tzedakah, that have worked for Jews through the ages—but these methods did not eliminate the hope that the Temple would one day be rebuilt. The symbols of the Temple, such as the Menorah, are therefore often used to express the Jewish hope for final redemption.

Menorah

The Menorah was the seven (6 + 1) branch lampstand of the ancient tabernacle and Temple. It’s visual prominence in the Temple led to its becoming the visible symbol of Jews and Judaism, serving a function similar to the “Jewish Star” (the “Shield of David”) in later times. As a symbol of the Temple, it also often functioned as a symbol of restoration or rebuilding, the hope that the Temple would be restored in the times of the Messiah.