Download Menorah, symbol of Jewish community, faith, not giving

The Menorah
Tacoma’s Jewish community chose the seven-branched menorah as their symbol because
of its long history within their faith. According to the Book of Exodus, Moses crafted the
first menorah to symbolize the light of God’s divine presence. Its design features
elements of the almond tree, possibly as a reminder of the rod of Aaron, which
miraculously bore leaves, flowers and almonds overnight (Numbers 17:8).
The menorah has now come to symbolize the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, the Festival
of Lights. The word Hanukkah means “rededication,” and the holiday celebrates a
miracle. After Judah and his followers drove the Syrians out of Israel, Judah filled the
temple’s lamp with barely enough oil to keep the lamp lit for a single day. Miraculously,
the tiny amount of oil stayed lit not for one day, but for eight days, until oil was brought
to refill the lamps.
The menorah, now made with nine candles, symbolizes the miracle in the temple and
marks the eight days of Hanukkah. It also celebrates the light of freedom won by the
Jewish people. The menorah on the mural incorporates all of these meanings, as well as
representing the light that the Jewish community has brought to the Hilltop. As a
minority group that has historically struggled to overcome oppression, prejudice and
displacement, the Jewish community shares a history of struggle and triumph with the
African American, Native American, Asian American, and Ndebele cultures.