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A Ner Tamid is an eternal lamp. Ner is a light, and Tamid is eternal.

It generally refers to a lamp above or in front of the ark in the synagogue, usually electric in modern times.

It represents the constant presence of God.

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In synagogues the Ner Tamid is a continuously burning lamp which hangs over the ark. It is a symbol of the "western lamp" which was the eternal light that constantly burned in the Temple of Jerusalem.

Furthermore, it is a symbol of God's unwavering presence and our never-ending faith in God so they never put out the flame. It also symbolizes the guiding light of the Torah. They are also intended to draw parallels between God and fire, or light, which is emphasized throughout the book of Exodus in the Torah.

In a Reform synagogue, it is often used to symbolize the light released from the shards of the receptacles that God used to create light and goodness. These lights are never allowed to dim or go out, and in the case of electric problems, different emergency energy sources are often used to prevent it from ending. Though they were once fueled by oil, most today are electric lights. The Ner tamids at Temple Sinai in Worcester, MA, and Temple Israel in Minneapolis, MN, are solar powered, symbolizing that synagogue's commitment to reducing dependencies on non-renewable resources.

The eternal light is the main reason to one of many stories behind the celebration of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. When the ancient Maccabees rebelled and reclaimed the Temple of Jerusalem, they relit the eternal light. However, there was only oil sufficient to keep the flame burning for one day, and it took eight days to bring new oil. Miraculously, the flame continued to burn until the new oil arrived.

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12y ago
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6y ago

Having a ner tamid (eternal lamp) in a synagogue is a very minor custom, not mentioned in the Code of Jewish Law and observed by many synagogues but not all. It is a symbolic representation of the Western Lamp of the ancient Jewish Temple, which indicated God's presence (Talmud, Shabbat 22b).

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12y ago

Net tamed refers to the eternal light as ner means eternal and tamid means light

Hope that helped a BIT;)xx

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Q: What is ner tamid?
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When was Congregation Ner Tamid created?

Congregation Ner Tamid was created in 1961.


Is the ner tamid ever turned off?

It shouldn't be. Ner Tamid means eternal light.


What does ner tamid mean to Jewish people?

The Ner Tamid is the continually burning lamp placed before or near the Holy Ark (where the Torah scroll is kept) in a synagogue. It represents the menorah or candle stand which was placed in the Temple in Jerusalem; it also symbolizes the presence of God and the light of God's word in the Torah. "Ner Tamid" translates as 'forever light', or as we would say in English, 'eternal flame'.


What 's the Hebrew name for eternal light?

"NAYR tah-MEED" (נר תמיד)


What is the purpose of the enternal light in the synagogue?

The ner tamid, or eternal light, is a reminder of the lamp in the Beis Hamikdash that never went out.


How does a menorah help Jew in their relationship with God?

The menorah, in the form of a ner tamid (everlasting light) is a symbol of God's eternal presence.


What actors and actresses appeared in Ner Tamid - 2009?

The cast of Ner Tamid - 2009 includes: Blake Boyd as Paul Owen Robert DiTillio as George Thompson Luca Ellis as Singer Harvey Fisher as Berle Kellie Koppel as Patricia Owen Aarti Mann as Mann, Laura Kevin McCorkle as Richard Conrand


What is the Hebrew name for eternal light in a synagogue?

it's called ner tamid (נר תמיד), pronounced nehr tah-MEED


What is the purpose of the ner tamid in the synagogue?

A ner tamid, also known as a sanctuary lamp, is "is a light that shines before the altar of sanctuaries in many denominations of Jewish" worship. "Hanging or standing in front of the ark in every Jewish synagogue, it is meant to represent the menorah of the Temple in Jerusalem as well as the continuously burning fire on the altar of burnt offerings in front of the Temple.[2] It also symbolizes God's eternal presence, and is therefore never extinguished." In the event of a power outage alternate energy sources keep the ner tamid lit.


What is the relation with the Ner Tamid and the Star of David?

Both are commonly found in synagogues. As Jewish symbols, they are actually more different than they are similar and represent, in a certain way, the duality of the Jewish experience. The Ner Tamid or Everlasting Light, represents God's unwavering presence in the world and the unending light emanating of the Torah. In many ways, the Ner Tamid embodies the religious aspect of Judaism, guiding the Jewish people as God did in the Old Testament (Exodus 13:21). The Magen David or Shield of David, is the emblem that King David supposedly placed on his shield and has become seen as a symbol of the unity of the Jewish people since King David fought on behalf of all of the Children of Israel when he went to battle. This embodies the national spirit of the Jewish people.


How do you say bright light in Hebrew?

light of God = Or shel hashem


What is the Burning Lamp in a synagogue?

The Ner Tamid or Eternal Flame is a representation of the eternal flame that existed in the Great Temple in Jerusalem. In that Temple, there were flames on the sacrificial altar that were always burning. This constant light is a symbol of God's constant presence.