The Jews were told to make a golden menorah for the Mishkan, with seven straight branches. The branches of the menorah were decorated with three shapes: cups, knobs, and flowers. Can you believe that the entire masterpiece was crafted out of one giant block of solid gold? It was!
There was a bowl at the top of each branch for oil and a wick. Only the purest, clearest olive oil was used in the menorah.
Every morning, the kohen gadol (high priest) would enter the Mishkan to re-light the menorah. (Are you surprised that he used pure gold tongs to handle the wicks?)
The same amazing thing always happened. The oil in the center branch would still be burning, while the others had gone out - even though all of the bowls started with the same amount of oil the day before!
Since the middle flame was always burning, the kohein gadol would use it to light the other six wicks. Then he would put out the middle light and light it again.
HaShem made this miracle happen to show the Jewish people that His presence was always with them.
