The Menorah

Oil on canvas (original dimensions 18″ x 24″) 

This painting is part of a series commissioned by Maimonides Elementary School, featuring depictions of the Ark, the Menorah, the Table, and the Altar. For each recipient, the vessel that held the most personal significance was enlarged.

Before beginning the series, I turned to The Mishkan: The Tabernacle by Rabbi Avraham Biderman (ArtScroll) to deepen my understanding of each element. When it came to the Menorah, I researched the differing opinions on its design—whether it followed the V-shape described by the Rambam or the U-shape described by Rashi. For this piece, the school chose Rashi’s interpretation, and I followed the U-shaped form.

The Menorah is more than a source of physical light; it is a symbol of divine presence among the Jewish people. As Rava taught, the Kohen would place an equal amount of oil in all the lamps, lighting the western lamp first. Though the other lamps were lit from it, the western lamp miraculously burned longer—testifying that the Divine Presence rests with Israel.Every detail of the Mishkan carries deep spiritual meaning. The palette for this series—gold, turquoise, purple, and scarlet—was inspired by the colors of the Kohanim’s garments, chosen to reflect the sanctity and inner beauty of these sacred vessels.