Editing Sanctuary lamp (section)

==In Jewish tradition==
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[[File:Ner tamid.jpg|thumb|left|A ''ner tamid'' hanging over the [[ark (synagogue)|ark]] in a [[synagogue]]]] 
In Judaism, the sanctuary lamp is known as a '''''Ner Tamid''''' ([[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], “eternal flame” or “eternal light”), Hanging or standing in front of the [[ark (synagogue)|ark]] in every Jewish [[synagogue]], it is meant to represent the [[Menorah (Temple)|menorah]] of the [[Temple in Jerusalem]], as well as the perpetual fire kept on the [[altar]] of burnt offerings before the Temple.<ref>{{bibleverse||Leviticus|6:12-13|KJV}}</ref> It also symbolizes God's eternal presence, and is thus never extinguished,{{citation needed|date=December 2016}} and to draw parallels between God and fire or light as emphasized throughout Exodus in the [[Torah]].{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}
[[File:David Ascalon - Ner Tamid.jpg|thumb|right|Contemporary blown glass and bronze ''ner tamid'' by artist [[David Ascalon]]]]
These lights are never allowed to dim or go out, and in case of electric problems, alternative emergency power is used to prevent them from extinguishing. {{citation needed|date=April 2016}}

Though once fuelled by oil, most today are electric lights.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}

===Hanukkah story===
{{Main article|Hanukkah}}

The eternal light is central to one of many stories behind the celebration of the Jewish festival of [[Hanukkah]]. When the ancient [[Maccabees]] rebelled and reclaimed the [[Temple in Jerusalem]], they rekindled the eternal light. However, there was only enough oil to keep the flame burning for one day, and it took eight days to bring new oil. Miraculously, according to the narrative in the [[Talmud]], the flame continued burning until new oil arrived.

Modern Jewish celebrations of Hanukkah include lighting a [[Menorah (Hanukkah)|Hanukkah menorah]] (''Hanukkiyah''), which has nine branches. This includes the ''shamash'' used to light the other eight flames (candles or oil wicks), evoking the story.