(Heb. ner tamid). A perpetually burning lamp associated with Jewish worship. It originated with the biblical command to the Children of Israel "to bring ... clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, to maintain light regularly" (Ex. 27:20-21 and Lev. 24:2). During the desert wanderings, these lights were to be arranged on the lampstand, or Menorah, which was placed within the Tent of Meeting, in the Sanctuary. Aaron and his sons were responsible for its care, "from evening to morning before the Lord regularly" (Lev. 24:3-4).
In remembrance of the position of the menorah in the Temple, the Synagogue created a niche for the Eternal Light, on the western wall opposite the Ark. Later it was transferred to the wall beside the ark, and finally as a suspended lamp above it where it usually hangs in synagogues today.
When the Eternal Light consisted of a wick burning in olive oil, it was considered a meritorious deed and an honor to give donations for its upkeep. Special mention of the benefactors was made in the Mi She-Berakh prayer recited after the Reading of the Law in synagogues on Sabbath mornings. In the wooden synagogues of Eastern Europe, the Eternal Light was placed in specially vaulted stone niches, as a precaution against fire. In modern times, however, the Eternal Light is electrified with a bulb whose encasement and pendant chains are often made of precious metal.
