Ner tamid

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A ner tamid hanging over the ark in a synagogue
Enlarge
A ner tamid hanging over the ark in a synagogue
Contemporary blown glass and bronze ner tamid (eternal flame) by artist David Ascalon
Enlarge
Contemporary blown glass and bronze ner tamid (eternal flame) by artist David Ascalon

A ner tamid (נר תמיד), usually translated as "eternal flame" or "eternal light," hangs or stands in front of the ark in every Jewish synagogue. Though once fueled by oil, most today are electric bulbs.

The ner tamid is meant to represent the Menorah of the Temple in Jerusalem, as well as the continuously burning incense altar in front of the Temple. It also symbolizes God's eternal presence, and is therefore never extinguished. To the Jews, the beauty is there at every service, and, since it symbolized God, it brings them closer when they are praying.

The relation between God and fire, or light, is emphasized throughout the book of Exodus in the Torah.

There is also an emblem earned in Boy Scouting for doing Judaism related things by the same name. The requirements for this emblem may be found here[1]

In other languages