The Best Representation of the Temple Menorah

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These two fragments of unpainted plaster were found in the debris of one of the Herodian period homes in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem. They provide the earliest detailed depiction of the seven-branched menorah, the candelabrum that stood in the Temple, 150 yards to the east of where the depiction was found.

Inscribed on the wall of the “Mansion House,” which was destroyed in 70 CE and overlooked the Temple Mount, is an accurate representation of the Temple Menorah as described in the Bible.

Exodus 25:31-39

You shall make a lampstand of pure gold…its base and its shaft, its cups, calyxes, and petals shall be of one piece.

Six branches shall issue from its sides; three branches from one side of the lampstand and three branches from the other side of the lampstand.

On one branch, there shall be three cups shaped like almond-blossoms, each with calyx and petals…so for all six branches issuing from the lampstand.

Make its seven lamps—the lamps shall be so mounted as to give the light on its front side…

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Israel Museum / Israel Antiquities Authority

Photo: Ardon BarHama

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Overview

Inscribed on the wall of the “Mansion House” destroyed in the year 70 CE overlooking the Temple Mount is an accurate representation of the Temple Menorah as described in the Bible.

Exodus 25:31-39

‍You shall make a lampstand of pure gold…its base and its shaft, its cups, calyxes, and petals shall be of one piece.

‍Six branches shall issue from its sides; three branches from one side of the lampstand and three branches from the other side of the lampstand.

‍On one branch there shall be three cups shaped like almond-blossoms, each with calyx and petals…so for all six branches issuing from the lampstand.

‍Make its seven lamps—the lamps shall be so mounted as to give the light on its front side…