I have read repeatedly that one of the meanings of the Jewish menorah is that the seven lamps represent the six branches of human knowledge, which come from God (the lamp in the middle). But no one ever seems to define exactly what these six branches are. So now I’m dying to know!
Anyone know what these six branches of human knowledge are supposed to be?
I think you have been misinformed. A menorah has EIGHT “branches” in addition to the shamash (the one usually at a different level than the others). The eight candles represent the eight days the temple light remained burning on a quantity of oil sufficient only for one day. I’ve never heard of the branches representing “branches of human knowledge”.
Kwanzaa uses seven candles to represent principles of African heritage, but that doesn’t fit your OP question either.
A Hanukkah menorah has nine branches, yes. But I mean the regular seven-branch menorah that is a symbol of Judaism. I’ve seen the allusion to the branches of knowledge in lots of places in attempting to find out what the branches actually are but nobody explains that much.
For example, here:
“The menorah symbolized the ideal of universal enlightenment. The seven lamps allude to the branches of human knowledge, represented by the six lamps inclined inwards towards, and symbolically guided by, the light of God represented by the central lamp. The menorah also symbolizes the creation in seven days, with the center light representing the Sabbath. It is also said to symbolize the burning bush as seen by Moses on Mount Horeb (Exodus 3).”
According to some ancient sources, such as Josephus, the candles represent the seven known planets in classical astrology. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/9512
‘‘Alternatively, it is sometimes argued that the six outer branches represent types of human knowledge – astronomy, mathematics, music, medicine, philosophy, and physics.’’
from here: http://www.spiritualliving360.com/index.php/the-significance-of-the-seven-branch-menorah-6909/
Just for the record, in Israel the Hannukah candelabra is called the hannukiah, the word menorah reserved for the 7 branched one.
I don’t know about “branches of human knowledge” unless what is being referred to is the kabbalistic concepts. If so, yes, there is a teaching that the 6 menorah branches stand for the six components of “Zeir Anpin”, and the straight - seventh - branch stands for Malchut (which contains all seven).
Hmm interesting answers. Thanks guys!