8.5" Twelve Tribes Solid Brass Menorah

Menorah 8.5" Twelve Tribes Solid Brass

A solid brass Seven Branch Menorah made in Israel by Amy/Chen design. The branches are formed in an angular style and are decorated with various symbols of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The rectangular base rises in three levels as an elegant counterpoint to the magnificent design.

This Menorah features the emblems of the 12 tribes of Israel. The symbols of the tribes are representations of the sons of Jacob. These symbols are derived from biblical scripture, However the symbols themselves are not biblical.

In Jacob' Blessing (Genesis 49) each of the sons is described allegorically and symbols for the tribes have been derived from these descriptions as well as from other biblical passages.

REUBEN -The mandrakes in Reuben's coat-of-arms are based on the story related in Gen. 30, where Reuben brought his mother Leah mandrakes from the field. The biblical phrase is from Deut. 33:6, "Let Reuben live."

SIMON - Simon was one of the strongest tribes during the wandering in the desert but later became one of the weakest in consequence of losses suffered during the battles for the Promised Land. It was eventually absorbed by mighty Judah. Formerly the city of Shechem was situated within the boundaries of Simon and the gate of the city therefore appears on the tribe's. The biblical phrase is from Deut. 33:5, "...and the tribes of Israel were gathered together."

LEVI - The Levites "kept charge of the tabernacles of testimony" (Num. 1:53); they had no territory of their own and were dispersed among the other tribes. Their emblem was the ephod of the High Priest on which were engraved, upon precious stones, the names of all tribes. The biblical phrase is from Deut. 33:10, "They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law."

JUDAH - The most famous symbol belongs to the tribe of Judah, which displayed a lion on its shield. This tribe became the most powerful and constituted the Kingdom of Judah. The lion is the symbol of strength and is featured as such in innumerable works throughout the ages. The biblical phrase is from Gen. 49:9, "Judah is a lion's whelp."

DAN - The original area of the tribe of Dan extended from Jaffa southward. Samson was a son of this tribe. As it could not conquer its entire territory, Dan looked to settle elsewhere and the tribe moved north to the source of the Jordan River, captured the city Laish, and settled there. In Jacob's Blessing Dan was promised that he "shall judge his people" (Gen. 49:16), a reference symbolized by the scales of justice.

NAFTALI  - After the conquest of the country, the tribe of Naftali settled in the north. Naftali is represented by a gazelle or running stag. The biblical phrase is "Naftali is a hind let loose" (Gen. 49:21).

GAD - The tribe of Gad settled in the land of Gilead, east of the Jordan. It did battle against Amon and Moab coming from the south, wandering tribes from the east, and Aram from the north. The emblem resembles a camp in accordance with the biblical phrase "Gad, a troop shall overcome him" (Gen. 49:19).

ASHER - The coastal strip from the foot of Mount Carmel up to Sidon was inhabited by Asher, the fertility of whose land was indicated by an olive tree or by ears of corn or fruit. The biblical phrase is "Out of Asher his bread shall be fat" (Gen. 49:20).

ISSACHAR - Issachar's territory was the plain of Esdraelon, from the sea to the banks of the Jordan. This tribe is frequently mentioned together with Zebulun indicative of their being neighbors and maintaining close relations. The tribe's emblem of sun and stars is derived from the biblical phrase, "And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times" (1 Chron. 12:32). Other representations of Issachar reflect the dependence of this tribe nearby nations. They carried loads with donkeys and camels.

ZEVULUN - Zevulun settled on the country's seaboard and as symbolized by its emblem was engaged in navigation. This idea is conveyed in the biblical phrase, "Zebulun (...) shall be for a haven of ships" (Gen. 49:13).

JOSEPH - Joseph was the principal tribe in central Israel, which split into Manasseh and Ephraim. The fertility of Joseph's country is symbolized by the sheaf. The biblical phrase on the tab reads, "...blessed of the Lord be his land" (Deut. 33:13).

BENJAMIN - The favorite son of Jacob, Benjamin has remained the symbol of the tender youngest child. The tribe of Benjamin, however, was considered particularly warlike and courageous. To this tribe belonged Saul, the first king, and Jonathan, his son. The symbol of the tribe was the wolf, a predatory animal. The biblical phrase reads, "...in the morning he shall devour the prey" (Gen. 49:27).

Height:  8.5"

Inner cup diameter approximately 3/8 inches or 1 cm.

Made in Israel

**Please note: There are many different types of Menorahs and many different types of candles. However, there are techniques that can help you fit the two.

1.     If the diameter of the candle is larger than the Menorah's candle holder then you may try whittling a bit off the base of the candle so it will fit. Please keep in mind that this tip will not work if the candles are significantly larger than the candle holder.

2.     If the candle is too small then try heating the base of the candle using a small flame from a “Lighter” or another candle and when the base begins to melt insert it to the menorahs candle holder and press lightly for a few seconds until it sticks.