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Menorah in the Temple


Question:

I own a seven-branched menorah for decorative purposes. A friend recently told me that this menorah should never be lit. Is this true and if so, why?



AskTheRabbi.org answered:

The Torah commands that in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem there should be a seven-branched menorah, and that making such a menorah for private use is prohibited. Having six or eight branches is fine, so bring your menorah to a silversmith and add a branch, or take one off!

Sources:

  • Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah 141:8
  • Numbers 8

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