9 Branch Menorah

Predating the iconic Star of David is the seven-branch menorah, not only Judaism
S oldest symbol but also the Western world’s oldest continuously used religious symbol.
After escaping slavery in Egypt, the Israelites created a new community and new way of life.
This seven-branch menorah was found in the wilderness sanctuaries and later a large one was erected in the First Temple of Jerusalem when it was built in the 10th century BCE.
After the second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE this menorah was carried off to Rome as depicted on panels on the Arch of Titus near the entrance to the Roman Forum portraying his triumphal procession.
Following the destruction of the Second Temple a tradition developed that artifacts of the Temple should not be duplicated and the seven branch menorah therefore should not be constructed.
For a time, a 6-branch was constructed but any number other than seven was permissible.
Subsequently it has become a symbol of the Jewish diaspora and an important symbol in both ancient and modern Israel including as the emblem for the modern State of Israel.
The more widely known 9-branch menorah symbolizes the Chanukkah miracle of the oil for the eternal light lasting for eight days and not just one as feared.
A major difference between these two is that the Chanukkah menorah is lit for celebration of a miracle, the other, not.
This piece of art has been prepared for mounting on a wall.
It’s uniqueness will certainly make quite the statement in a home, synagogue or anywhere Judaic art will be appreciated.