שמות, פרק כ״ה, פסוק ל״ה

The crafting of the golden Menorah required precise artistic planning, particularly at the junctions where its branches emerged. A repeating pattern of decorations marked these points of division. Wherever a pair of branches split from the central shaft, a distinct knob was placed [שטיינזלץ, קאסוטו]. This pattern occurred three times, accounting for the three pairs of branches that formed the six extensions on the sides [רשב״ם, אברבנאל]. These knobs were round, protruding bulges shaped much like apples [קאסוטו, אברבנאל]. From the sides of each knob, the branches stretched outward to the right and left [רש״י, ביאור יש״ר].

The branches grew directly out of the central shaft, which itself is often referred to simply as the Menorah [רשב״ם, ביאור יש״ר, קאסוטו]. These three knobs and their corresponding branches were not crafted as separate pieces and attached later, as metalworkers typically do. Rather, the entire structure was hammered and carved from a single, solid block of gold [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. Because of this strict requirement, some maintain that the branches had to be completely solid rather than hollow, as it would be impossible to forge hollow branches out of a single piece of metal [אברבנאל].

The complete structure stood at a height of eighteen handbreadths. Its lower section was mostly smooth, with the branches only beginning to separate from the tenth handbreadth and above. This specific height was intentional, designed to match the height of the Table of the Showbread standing opposite it. Consequently, the dramatic outward spread of the branches began in perfect alignment with the top of the Table [מלבי״ם].

In total, the Menorah was adorned with twenty-two cups, eleven knobs, and nine flowers. The three knobs located at the splitting points were in addition to the others placed along the main body [רש״י, מלבי״ם, ביאור יש״ר, אברבנאל]. Every design element was absolutely critical; missing even a single cup, knob, or flower would render the entire piece unfit for use [רש״ר הירש]. Beyond its visual beauty, this unique structure carried profound meaning, serving as a symbol of wisdom. The seven branches represent the various fields of knowledge, while their emergence from one solid piece of gold reflects the deep inner unity and shared source of all wisdom [אברבנאל].