Article: Jewish Customs and Ceremonies - What is the Meaning of the Eternal Light in the Synagogue? By Daniel Gwertzman

The Ner Tamid (Perpetual Lamp or Eternal Light) is based on Exodus 27:20 and Leviticus

24:2-4 where the people of Israel are commanded to keep the Menorah burning in the

Tabernacle continually before the Holy of Holies. It is a symbol of the Permanence of the

Torah and the Light of the Jewish Faith. It hangs in Jewish synagogues before the Holy Ark. In the past it was an oil lamp, but in modern synagogues electricity is used for convenience and safety. It is considered a symbol Israel whose destiny is to be “a Light to the Nations“ (Isaiah 42:6).