The Menorah is one of the oldest Jewish symbols. The Menorah is a seven-branched candelabrum that was lit in the Temple by the priests every evening. The description of the Menorah can be found in the book of Exodus, 25:31-40. In the vision of Zechariah (Zechariah 4:1-6), Zechariah sees a Menorah and G-d says “Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit.” This vision hints to the fact that the Menorah is meant to remind the Jewish people of their mission in the world; to be a light unto the nations. This mission is not to be accomplished by force but by setting an example- by living lives of morality, purity and justice.
In Jewish houses of prayer (Synagogues), there is a lamp that is constantly alight (called in Hebrew Ner Tamid-meaning Eternal Flame) which represents the Menorah.
The nine-branched candelabrum lit on the festival of Chanukah is commonly similar in appearance to the candelabrum from the Temple because Chanukah is the commemoration of a day’s worth of oil lasting for eight days in the Temple candelabrum.