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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.