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Exodus 37:18 - Menorah's six branches symbolize wisdom

Exodus 37:18 - שמות 37:18

Hebrew Text

וְשִׁשָּׁה קָנִים יֹצְאִים מִצִּדֶּיהָ שְׁלֹשָׁה קְנֵי מְנֹרָה מִצִּדָּהּ הָאֶחָד וּשְׁלֹשָׁה קְנֵי מְנֹרָה מִצִּדָּהּ הַשֵּׁנִי׃

English Translation

and six branches going out of its sides; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side of it, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side of it:

Transliteration

Veshishah kanim yotzim mitsideha shloshah knei menorah mitsidah ha'echad ushloshah knei menorah mitsidah hasheni.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשִׁשָּׁ֣ה קָנִ֔ים יֹצְאִ֖ים מִצִּדֶּ֑יהָ שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה&thinsp
וְשִׁשָּׁ֣ה קָנִ֔ים יֹצְאִ֖ים מִצִּדֶּ֑יהָ שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה&thinsp

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Structure of the Menorah

The verse describes the design of the menorah (Exodus 25:32), which had a central shaft with six branches extending from its sides—three on each side. According to Rashi, the branches were not straight but rather curved upward, alluding to the spiritual ascent of the Jewish people. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 3:10) elaborates that the branches were of equal height, emphasizing balance and harmony in divine service.

Symbolism of the Six Branches

The Talmud (Menachot 28b) explains that the menorah represents wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 6:23: "For a commandment is a lamp, and the Torah is light." The six branches correspond to the six orders of the Mishnah, while the central shaft symbolizes the Written Torah. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:4) further connects the menorah to the light of Torah study, illuminating the world.

  • Three Branches on Each Side: The symmetry reflects the balance between different aspects of Torah study—between halachah (law) and aggadah (narrative), or between the revealed and hidden dimensions of Torah (Zohar, Terumah).
  • Unity in Diversity: Despite the multiple branches, they all drew oil from the same source, teaching that all wisdom must be rooted in divine truth (Malbim on Exodus 25:32).

Practical Halachic Insights

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 673:1) derives from this verse that the Chanukah menorah should ideally have its branches spaced evenly, emulating the design of the Temple menorah. The Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:2) also notes that the menorah’s construction required precise craftsmanship, reflecting the importance of hiddur mitzvah (beautifying commandments).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 28b
The verse is discussed in relation to the construction and design of the menorah in the Temple, particularly focusing on the number and arrangement of its branches.
📖 Shabbat 22b
The verse is referenced in the context of the laws concerning the lighting of the menorah, emphasizing its structure as described in the Torah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the six branches on the Menorah?
A: The six branches (three on each side) plus the central shaft make seven branches total on the Menorah, symbolizing completeness and divine light. The Talmud (Menachot 28b) explains that the Menorah represents wisdom and Torah knowledge, which should illuminate the world. Rashi notes that the branches were arranged symmetrically to show balance and harmony in serving Hashem.
Q: Why does the Torah describe the Menorah's design in such detail?
A: The detailed description (found in Exodus 25 and 37) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling mitzvot with precision. Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechira 3:10) teaches that every detail of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and its vessels carries spiritual meaning. The Menorah's structure reminds us that even physical objects used in divine service must be made with intention and care.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the Menorah's branches?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:7) compares the Menorah to the Jewish people—just as all branches point toward the central stem, we should direct our lives toward Torah values. The symmetry also teaches balance between different aspects of life (like study and action) while staying connected to a central purpose.
Q: How does the Menorah's design apply to us today?
A: Though we no longer have the Temple Menorah, the Talmud (Shabbat 22b) states that our Shabbat candles at home spiritually parallel the Menorah's light. Just as the Menorah illuminated the Mishkan, we bring light into our homes and communities through Torah and mitzvot. The symmetry of the branches also reminds us to approach life with equilibrium and focus.