Sanctuary Lamp - in Jewish Tradition

In Jewish Tradition

In Judaism, the sanctuary lamp is known by its Hebrew name, ner tamid (Hebrew: נֵר תָּמִיד), which is usually translated as "eternal flame" or "eternal light". Hanging or standing in front of the ark in every Jewish synagogue, it is meant to represent the menorah of the Temple in Jerusalem as well as the continuously burning fire on the altar of burnt offerings in front of the Temple. It also symbolizes God's eternal presence and is therefore never extinguished. It is also intended to draw parallels between God and fire, or light, which is emphasized throughout the book of Exodus in the Torah.

In a Reform Jewish congregation, it is often used to symbolize the light released from the shards of the receptacles that God used to create light and goodness.

These lights are never allowed to dim or go out, and in the case of electric problems, alternate emergency energy sources are used to prevent it from diminishing.

Though once fueled by oil, most today are electric lights. The ner tamidot at Peninsula Sinai Congregation in Foster City, California, Temple Sinai in Worcester, Massachusetts, and Temple Israel in Minneapolis, Minnesota, are solar-powered, symbolizing those synagogues' commitment to preserve the environment.