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Cause they're Jewish and it is a key component in the Jewish holiday of hannukkah.
The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices such as Sabbath-observance, and pressed the Jews to offer up idolatrous sacrifices. The Hasmoneans (a family of religious Jews) fought to retake the Holy Temple, which had been seized by the Seleucids, and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah. When they reached the Temple grounds, they found only one day's supply of unsullied olive oil, but the menorah's oil lamps miraculously burned for eight days, allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought.
The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence still dwelt in the Holy Temple. This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation).
The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid).
What else can I help you with?
Why do some menorahs have 9 candles?
Some menorahs have 9 candles because they are used during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, which lasts for 8 days. The extra candle, called the shamash, is used to light the other candles each night.
What would you expect at Hanukkah?
You'd expect to see menorahs in the windows of Jewish homes.
Where do you buy a menorah?
A menorah can be purchased in many places. First of all, some synagogues have small gift shops, where menorahs are likely to be found. Second, most big department stores (Target, Walmart, Bad Bath & Beyond) also hold menorahs. Menorahs can also be found in Jewish shops (in the Jewish quarter of a city, or a Jewish neighborhood) as well as in Judaica shops - shops which sell Jewish ceremonial art (like Canaan online, Ajudaica, etc.).
Are there any Jewish objects that can be on the Jewish museum?
Yes! Menorahs, Havdalah Sets, Circumcision Sets, Torah Yads, Kiddush Cups, and even books!
What is the analogy for creche Christmas menorah?
Huh? Creche scenes and Christmas are Christian. Menorahs are Jewish. They are unrelated.
What is the 6 branched candle holder?
The Menorah in the Jewish Temple had seven (including the one in the middle) branches (Exodus ch.25). Hanukkah-menorahs have eight branches, plus an extra candle used to light the others.
What did light mean to the Hebrew people?
Light is a symbol of wisdom in the Jewish religion.
Is elaine paige Jewish?
Honey, Elaine Paige is about as Jewish as a bacon sandwich on Yom Kippur. She's a British actress and singer, not a member of the tribe. So, nope, no matzah balls or menorahs in her holiday celebrations.
What symbols represent Christmas Hanukkah?
You would never see Jewish symbols for Christmas in a frum neighborhood. Sometimes you see big inflatable menorahs or light-up magnei David, but usually these are put up by either intermarried couples or atheists and agnostics.
When was St. Louis Jewish Light created?
St. Louis Jewish Light was created in 1947.
Where is the Star of David commonly seen?
The star or shield of David is not a religious symbol and doesn't have any one specific location.
Why do some menorahs have 7 candles instead of the traditional 9?
Some menorahs have 7 candles instead of the traditional 9 because they are used for Hanukkah, which lasts for 8 days. The 7-candle menorah represents the 7 days of the week, while the 9-candle menorah is used for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, which commemorates the miracle of the oil lasting for 8 days.
