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

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

The ner tamid (eternal lamp) may be electric or oil with a wick. It is often enclosed in a glass box and is placed in an elevated spot near the front of the synagogue.

Answer 3

The ner tamid (eternal lamp) is not an obligatory item in a synagogue, but many do have it. It symbolizes that God is eternally present ("tamid" = eternal) and is based on Leviticus 24:1.

Answer 4

The ner tamid (eternal flame) is not really used in Jewish worship. But it is a traditional to keep an eternal flame (or electric light) outside the ark in which the Torah scrolls are kept, in memory of the eternal flame in the Temple in Jerusalem, and before it, the flame in the portable tabernacle in the wilderness. The latter is commanded in the book of Exodus. In the synagogue, Temple or tabernacle contexts, the eternal flame was always a symbol of God's presence and not in itself an object of worship.

(Note that Christians also took the symbol of the eternal light, Catholics and more traditional Protestants put an eternal light near their altars.)