Why are there six-branched menorah, seven-branched menorah, and nine-branched menorah?

Answer by  aleva932 (101)

The seven-branched menorah was once the symbol of Israel, though it fell out of use in favor of the six-branched menorah. The nine-branched menorah is strictly for Hanukkah eight of the candles are used to observed the eight nights and one to light the others.

Answer by  cangel818 (981)

The original Menorah had nine branches. The Menorahs in the first and second Temples had seven branches. After the destruction of the second themp it was decided that no objects of the Temples would be exactly duplicated. Thus you have the six-branched menorah.

Answer by  traumatised (3285)

The seven-brancher is a "temple menorah", said to represent the burning bush/days of the week and an important religious symbol to ancient Jews. Many temples have one today. The nine-branched menorah is used to celebrate Hannukah, and I've never seen/heard of one with six branches.

Answer by  triangular (148)

The seven-branched menorah is used in the synagogue or home throughout the year. The one with nine is for Chanukah only and is called a hanukiah. There is no traditional six-branched menorah, but this arrangement is sometimes used to commemorate the six million Holocaust (Shoah) victims.

Answer by  Gabriel (2146)

I've never seen a six-branch one before. The seven branch is the one traditionally used in the temple. The nine-branch is used at Hanukkah, representing the eight days of the miracle.

Answer by  rjn613 (100)

The seven-branched menorah is first described in Exodus to be used in the Temple and long employed as a symbol of Judaism. The nine-branched menorah is used for Hanukkah and is properly called a hanukkiah. There is no six-branched menorah, only a poorly executed seven-branched menorah.