The Menorah Oil Lamp from Mount of Olives. Photo by Emil Eljam, Courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

A remarkable archaeological discovery has been made near Jerusalem: a 1,700-year-old ceramic oil lamp adorned with symbols of the Second Temple. This lamp, dating back to the late Roman period, features engravings of a seven-branched menorah, an incense shovel, and a lulav (date palm frond), all significant symbols in ancient Jewish rituals.

The lamp was unearthed during excavations near the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Its preservation is exceptional, providing valuable insights into the material culture of the time. The intricate designs were achieved using delicately carved limestone molds, a technique characteristic of the “Beit Nattif” type—a style named after a production workshop identified near Beit Shemesh in the 1930s.

The Significance of the Menorah Imagery

IAA Archaeologists Michael Tsherin and Benjamin Storjin examining the new discovery. Photo by Emil Eljam. Courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

The imagery on the lamp is particularly significant. The menorah, a central symbol of the Second Temple, was destroyed in 70 CE. Its depiction on personal items like this lamp suggests a continued cultural and religious connection to the Temple’s legacy, even after its destruction.

This discovery is especially poignant during Hanukkah, a festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple. The find underscores the rich archaeological heritage of Jerusalem and the enduring significance of the Second Temple in Jewish history.

Happy Hannukah!