The shape of the Menorah that is used as the symbol of the nation of Israel? It is commonly thought to be curved, and a representative copy of what was to be found in the Second Temple before its destruction. It has create an aesthetic in popular culture as to form which is deeply ingrained despite an erroneous misrepresentation. intentional or not, it conceals mystical secrets about the Menorah in the holy temple and places it within a new context of that of material object, sacred fetish object, and perhaps even object of idolatry completely denaturalized from its origins which date back to Moses and Aaron of Exile in the desert renown.
—In the summer of 69AD, the Emperor Vespasian entrusted Titus with the suppression of the Jewish Revolt. In the following year, after a siege of four months, Jerusalem fell. The Temple of Jerusalem was destroyed, and the contents of its treasury were looted and taken to Rome.
Here’s an interesting if little known fact: so massive was the haul of gold removed from the Temple, that the price of gold on the Syrian market fell to half its former value.
The scene above shows the procession from the Triumph given to Titus. His troops march through the main thoroughfare of Rome, carrying tangible evidence of their victory: the sacred seven branched Menorah used in Temple ceremonies.—click image for source…
Titus had actually created his iconic arch before emptying the Temple of its treasures and designed the menorah based on either aesthetic principles or as a sort of joke on the Jews.The Roman artist’s artistic and design decisions were no guarantee of accuracy. His model may have been one of the other candelabras outside in the Temple courtyard and not the one and only Menorah inside that was originally fashioned by Moses with Divine direction and assistance.
—The menorah is the official emblem of the State of Israel. Its shape is said to have derived from the plant known in antiquity by the name “Moriah.” The olive branches surrounding the menorah represent the Jewish people’s yearning for peace.
The photographs (below and right) show President Truman meeting on May 8, 1951 with Prime Minister David Ben Gurion of Israel and Abba Eban. They presented the menorah as a token of esteem for President Truman’s timely recognition of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948.—click image for source…
There is much discussion over Maimonides rendition of the goblets as well.A goblet has two functions, being to pour and to receive. Maimonides sketch of the goblet upside down indicates an emphasis on spreading influence to others and to extend this to the menorah in the temple, the overturned position symbolizes a purpose of not receiving and containing godly light into a neat little compartment for analysis, but to spread that light over the world at large. An overturned cup is also symbolic of happiness and joy which connects to the Temple being as a source of happiness for the Jewish people. …When the liturgy reads “next year in Jerusalem” it refers to the reconstruction of the Temple through divine intervention coinciding with the arrival of the messiah…
—Drawing of the Temple Menorah, in Maimonides’ own hand. Manuscript of Perush Hamishnayot, illustrating his comments on Menachot 3:7 (c. 1168-1180). Reproduced in Y. Kafih’s edition of the Mishneh Torah, Jerusalem, 1967, vol 3 p 79.
(Source: Wikipedia)—
ADDENDUM:
(see link at end)…Archaeologists have discovered the Menorah shape embedded in ancient mosaic tiled floors in northern Israel, and in the decoration of pottery, jewelry and artifacts. Menorah engravings have been found in old Jewish catacombs and on tombstones in the Middle East and Europe. Indeed, the Menorah prominently adorns the doors, walls, and building facades, stationary and letterheads of synagogues, organizations and institutions to this very day.In terms of its popularity, the Menorah certainly overshadows the Temple Altar…
…While the Menorah branches are commonly depicted in a semi-circular shape of a rounded arch, a recently discovered source shows otherwise. The great Maimonides (Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon -1135-1204) had originally written his Mishna commentary in the Arabic Language, which was later translated into a standard Hebrew edition studied by Jews for the last 800 years.
Recently, an improved Edition (Kapach) of Maimonides’ magnum opus, the Mishne Torah, has been published on the basis of newly found documents. These include an original manuscript in Maimonides’ own handwriting on the Mishna Menachot 3:7, which is highlighted by a diagram of a Menorah that was personally drawn by Maimonides. This unusual illustration depicts the Menorah’s seven branches in straight diagonal lines!…
…If we take a little closer look at Maimonides’ illustration, we will also note that the three cups on each branch of the Menorah appear to be inverted. Instead of standing in a normal upright position, the cups face downward! What can be the significance of these upended cups that seem to be spilling out their contents?
Low and Behold!
This downward orientation of the Menorah may be better understood against the general background of the Temple as a whole. It certainly seems strange that we humans should build a physical Temple to serve as a “Dwelling place” for the A-lmighty on high. The Temple
The Menorah has within it a dual symbolism, which goes both ways. The branches express our yearning to rise higher, as static pillars that support and carry the Divine Light aloft.
And vice versa, for what goes up also comes down. The Menorah’s branches also represent an active flowing conduit that channels the flow of G-d’s reciprocating blessings and spiritual energies from above to below. Perhaps this direction may also explain the diagonal shape of the branches. Rather than go through a roundabout route, the diagonal Menorah directs the spiritual flow in the straightest line between the two points. Read More:http://www.jewish-holiday.com/sichachan65.html
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