The Menorah: Jewish Religious Rituals

Decorated with elaborate Jewish scriptures and symbols, the Temple Beth-El flawlessly captures Judaism in an architectural style. Inside the temple lies one of the most sacred objects known to the Jewish community: the Menorah[1]. Two fairly tall golden menorahs stand in front of the ark as if guarding it.

As it is used during religious rituals of Judaism, the menorah is certainly considered a sacred object. The Jewish community utilizes the candelabrum for lighting during a religious ritual since it holds consecrated oil, which is burned from the evening to the morning on the following day. Furthermore, the Menorah is a profound symbol for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. On each day of Hanukkah a candle is inserted into one

This event led to the slaughtering of many Jews as well as the long lasting persecution of the Jewish community. Outlawing the practice of Jewish religious rites and traditions, Antiochus became determined to cease the practice of Judaism from the Jewish community. This in turn initiated a Jewish rebellion now known as the Maccabean Revolt. After an abundance of small battles, the Maccabean forces gained victory over the Seleucid army thus, causing a friction within the Seleucid dynasty’s Hellenistic influence[5]. The re-dedication of the Temple occurred soon after the Maccabean victory over the Seleucid as it would establish the traditional Jewish presence. Moreover, rabbinic tradition states that in the temple only a small jug of oil was found that was unharmed or uncontaminated, which would be used to light the Menorah for just one day. In a miraculous turn of events the menorah lasted a full eight days. This event is significant to the Jewish community as its divine nature continued to prove to the people that they were God’s chosen

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is sacred to the community and the use of the menorah during the eight-day holiday is a sacred religious ritual. A consciousness for the good of mankind revolves around the Menorah, since it symbolizes Jewish victory against its evil persecutors. Even the Temple Beth-El, where there are various depiction of the menorah, welcomes those who find it necessary to live an ethically conscious life and who try to bring attention to the problems that the world faces. Moreover, the Temple Beth-El is one of the few synagogues found in San Antonio. This is a distinctive trait of the temple as it creates a unique setting for the congregation and the menorahs found in the temple. When members of the fellowship enter the temple and see the marvelous tall golden menorahs near the ark they are enveloped with religious appeal that is beyond their volitional control as is any other religious movement upon entering its house of worship. The prayer, the reading of the scriptures, the complete unity of the Reform Judaism movement is brought to life at the Temple Beth-El. The mere presence of the Menorah contributes to the illustration of victory among the Jewish community. Judaism has faced criticism in the past; however, the community has overcome these negative events. The Jewish community is here to