Thursday, March 23, 2006

A Book Recommendation

This book is full of wonderful pictures. Be sure to click on the image above and look inside.

Interestingly, page 51 contains the following statement:

"A discrepancy exists regarding the shape of the menorah's branches. Are they rounded, like those found in ancient drawings, or do they rise in straight diagonal fashion, as Maimonides illustrates his writings? The question is not imperative, since according to all authorities either version is acceptable for use and legally binding in terms of Jewish law. Today, the generally accepted view that Maimonides' straight-branched menorah was intended solely as a schematic drawing to illustrate several details of the candelabrum, and that the branches of the menorah in the Holy Temple were indeed rounded."

4 Comments:

At March 24, 2006 at 1:29:00 AM EST, Anonymous Anonymous said...

ASJ,
That is a very surprising quote, and as far as I know an incorrect one! Does the book cite any support for that claim?

 
At March 24, 2006 at 4:59:00 AM EST, Blogger Mottel said...

The son of the Rambam states clearly that his father meant that the branches were indeed strait. This is the opinion of Rashi as well.

 
At March 24, 2006 at 6:23:00 AM EST, Blogger A Simple Jew said...

Chabakuk Elisha: I will have to check and get back with you.

Mottel: Where can Rashi's opinion on this be found?

 
At March 25, 2006 at 4:26:00 PM EST, Blogger Mottel said...

Rashi on Chumash says that the branches of the Menorah came out at an angle.

 

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