Dorothea Hofmann

Menora

The menorah is the seven-branched candelabrum of the Old Testament – the number seven of lights corresponds to the many meanings of the number seven, such as the seven planets or the seven days of creation. The Kabbalistic interpretation, however, leads much deeper into religious dimensions, as the menorah is a symbol of the Sefirot, the attributes of G-d. These are Chesed – love, Gevurah – strength, Tiferet – light, Netzach – eternity, Hod – glory, Yesod – foundation and Malkuth – kingdom. As the title of my seven reflections, I have chosen possible German translations of these multi-coloured terms, which of course can only reflect one aspect at a time – but the music is there for all the other resonating levels. Menorah is a reminder of the diverse and magnificent yeshiva tradition in Fürth/Bay. devoted. (Dorothea Hofmann)