Bread and Lights

In the sanctum of the Holy Temple there were two major holy vessels, the Menorah and the shulchan [table] upon which the lechem hapanim were arranged. The Menorah consisted of seven candles, corresponding to the seven “moving stars” [from our earthly perspective]—the sun, the moon, and the five planets closest to the earth. Arranged upon the table were twelve loaves of showbread, corresponding to the twelve constellations used as astrological signs of the zodiac. These loaves are arranged in two tiers of six because, of the twelve signs, six are always ascending and six are in decline. Thus, the Menorah stood for the heavenly lights, and the table for the astrological signs.

The purpose of this symbolism was to emphasize that all that transpires in the world is by His word alone; nature is only at His command. Neither do the hosts of the heavens nor do the astrological signs control the fate of the world.

The Chanukah Menorah, which endures even after the destruction of the Temple, contains within itself both the symbol of the Temple Menorah and the symbol of the shulchan. It contains the seven lights that represent the seven “moving stars,” and an eighth light that represents the entire zodiac.

During the long exile of the Jewish people, these lights would serve as a remembrance that the exile was not caused by stars or astrological signs, for they are impotent. The only true candle and light are the Torah and mitzvahs, as it is written, “For the mitzvah is a candle and the Torah, light” (Proverbs 6:23).

[Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Reinman (C.I.S.)]