Symbol of hope and light.
Each of the seven days of creation was represented by a branch on the original menorah. In Judea’s temple, there was an endless light. Despite the fact that the temple had been desecrated, a small number of people kept the menorah light burning. One day’s supply of oil, according to folklore, lasted eight days. After several years, they were able to reclaim the temple and relight the menorah. Menorahs now have nine branches, one for each of the eight days that the oil lasted and one to light the remaining candles.