Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes structural and artisanal requirements for the Menorah in the Temple. It should be constructed from a complete block (eshes) and from gold. If they fashioned it from fragments (gerutaos) of gold, then it is unfit. If the Menorah was fashioned from other types of metal rather than gold, it still may not be made from fragments; however, the other standards—such as being hammered out of one piece or having the various adornments—are not required.

What is the symbolic meaning of these differences? Rav Hirsch (Shemos 25:39) explains that the Menorah represents wisdom (light = enlightenment) in its many facets and branches (the various stems). Even within the wisdom process, there are those that possess full purity (pure gold); as such, they meet the highest requirements. Others, who are less refined (other metals), cannot contribute in the same capacity. They may not have all the frills and bells and whistles. They are not assembled from one hammered-out piece, as their road to perfection might have been in different stages. Yet there is a pure and uncorrupted Jewish soul within them, and that is why one standard remains: he is not from scrap metal and broken fragments.

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation

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Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R, LMFT, DHL is a psychotherapist who works with high conflict couples and families. He can be reached via email at simchafeuerman@gmail.com