The plural form of menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum used in Jewish religious practice, is spelled menorahs. The pronunciation of this word is /məˈnɔrəz/, with the stress on the second syllable. The '-ahs' ending indicates that the word is pluralized according to regular English rules, despite the word's Hebrew origin. It is important to note that the singular form, menorah, is spelled the same way as it is pronounced, /məˈnɔrə/, with the stress on the second syllable.
The term "menorahs" refers to a specific type of religious symbol in Judaism. A menorah is a candelabrum that traditionally holds seven candles, although there are variations with additional branches for a total of nine candles. It is an important symbol associated with the Jewish faith, often used during the holiday of Hanukkah.
In its most traditional form, a menorah consists of a central stem with three branches on each side, forming a symmetrical shape. The central branch, called the shammash, serves as the "helper" or "servant" candle used to light the others. The other six or eight candles are usually of equal height and placed in a straight line, representing the miracle of the oil during the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
During Hanukkah, menorahs are lit each night for a specific number of days, depending on the holiday's duration. The lighting symbolizes the miracle of the oil, where a single container of oil miraculously burned for eight days in the temple's menorah. Each candle is lit, progressing from right to left, with the shammash always being the one used to ignite the others.
Beyond its religious significance, menorahs also carry symbolic meanings related to enlightenment, knowledge, and spirituality in Judaism. They have become a prominent cultural symbol, present in Jewish households worldwide, and are often made from various materials and adorned with different designs, shapes, and colors. Menorahs serve as a tangible representation of Jewish identity, heritage, and faith, embodying the historical and spiritual significance deeply rooted within Jewish tradition.
The word "menorahs" is derived from the Hebrew word "מְנוֹרוֹת" (pronounced menorot), which is the plural form of "מְנוֹרָה" (pronounced menorah). In Hebrew, "מְנוֹרָה" refers to a traditional Jewish lampstand with seven or nine branches, commonly known as a menorah.
The word "menorah" itself comes from the Hebrew root word "נֵר" (pronounced ner), which means "lamp" or "candle". The menorah holds significant religious and symbolic meaning in Judaism, particularly as it is associated with the story of Hanukkah.