Sunday, 28 November 2021 10:45 pm
Come Light The...?
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deckardcanineIt’s time to light menorahs for the Festival of Lights—
But wait: Some folks declare the term “menorah” isn’t right.
In Hebrew, it means “candlestick,” but purists say it must
Refer to one with seven branches only. Feel nonplussed?
The slimmer candelabra was the ancient Temple’s tool,
In keeping with what Exodus reports as Yahweh’s rule.
It’s said the number signifies creation’s seven days,
But seven is traditional for Jews in many ways.
Today the symbol’s found on the Israeli coat of arms
As Judaism’s emblem (I agree it has its charms).
Now what to call a candlestick whose lamps go up to nine:
“Hanukkiah”—but “Hanukkah menorah” may be fine.
The candle in the center is the shammash, which we use
To light the rest (by “we,” I mostly mean observant Jews).
We add a candle every night from right to left, and yet
We light them all from left to right, for reasons I don’t get.
Regardless, I will try to keep “hanukkiah” in mind
In case a modern Hebrew buff is feeling so inclined.
But wait: Some folks declare the term “menorah” isn’t right.
In Hebrew, it means “candlestick,” but purists say it must
Refer to one with seven branches only. Feel nonplussed?
The slimmer candelabra was the ancient Temple’s tool,
In keeping with what Exodus reports as Yahweh’s rule.
It’s said the number signifies creation’s seven days,
But seven is traditional for Jews in many ways.
Today the symbol’s found on the Israeli coat of arms
As Judaism’s emblem (I agree it has its charms).
Now what to call a candlestick whose lamps go up to nine:
“Hanukkiah”—but “Hanukkah menorah” may be fine.
The candle in the center is the shammash, which we use
To light the rest (by “we,” I mostly mean observant Jews).
We add a candle every night from right to left, and yet
We light them all from left to right, for reasons I don’t get.
Regardless, I will try to keep “hanukkiah” in mind
In case a modern Hebrew buff is feeling so inclined.
no subject