Oil lamp
Object numberM2006/027:003
TitleOil lamp
DescriptionModern silver plated Chanukiah oil lamp, topped with a regal crown, featuring a central seven-branched menorah flanked by two lions - symbols of the Lion of Judah.
The Chanukiah is a nine-branched candelabrum used during the festival of Chanukah, which commemorates the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire in 165 BCE. According to tradition, when the Temple in Jerusalem was rededicated, there was only enough consecrated oil to keep the menorah burning for one day, but miraculously, it lasted eight. The Chanukiah has eight branches - one for each night of Chanukah - plus a ninth, the shamash (helper candle), used to light the others.
The Chanukiah is a nine-branched candelabrum used during the festival of Chanukah, which commemorates the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire in 165 BCE. According to tradition, when the Temple in Jerusalem was rededicated, there was only enough consecrated oil to keep the menorah burning for one day, but miraculously, it lasted eight. The Chanukiah has eight branches - one for each night of Chanukah - plus a ninth, the shamash (helper candle), used to light the others.
Object namechanukiah
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Sol Schonberger