📸 Golden Menorah | Jerusalem, Israel
📝 My Story:
Right outside the Western Wall Plaza, in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City, stands the impressive Golden Menorah.
This isn't just any replica — it’s a massive, pure gold menorah crafted for the Temple Institute’s efforts to prepare items for a future Third Temple.
Seeing it gleaming inside its protective glass case, with the stones of ancient Jerusalem as a backdrop, was incredibly powerful.
Photographing the Golden Menorah was surprisingly challenging — reflections from the glass and the bright sunlight made it a real test of angles and patience.
Still, capturing the symbolism and history wrapped into this modern creation was a rewarding moment in my journey through Jerusalem.
If you’re planning your own trip, you can find this spot and many more pinned on my Israel Travel Map:
🗺️ View My Israel Travel Map Here
🗺️ Location:
📍 Google Maps: Open in Google Maps
📌 Quick Info:
🏙️ City: Jerusalem, Israel
🅿️ Parking: Best to park outside the Old City and walk into the Jewish Quarter
🚻 Bathrooms: Available nearby at the Western Wall Plaza
🧭 Travel Tip: Best lighting for photos is in the morning before heavy crowds arrive
📸 Photographer’s Note: Watch for reflections from the glass case; polarizing filters can help
🛐 Etiquette:
Respect the religious significance of the area
No touching or leaning on the display glass
🕰️ Best Time to Visit: Morning for soft light and smaller crowds
♿ Accessibility: Easy — smooth walking paths around the display
💡 Pro Tip:
It’s easy to miss if you’re rushing toward the Western Wall — take a few minutes to appreciate the artistry of the Golden Menorah and the symbolic hopes it represents for many.
📸 Photography Tip:
Try positioning yourself slightly off-center to minimize glare on the glass case.
Shooting early in the day with soft natural light makes the gold shine without harsh reflections.
🎉 Fun Fact:
The Golden Menorah is crafted with over 90 pounds (approximately 43 kilograms) of pure gold — valued at millions of dollars!
It’s based on ancient biblical descriptions, and modern scholars worked carefully to reconstruct its exact design for future ceremonial use.
🇮🇱 Want to explore even more?
Read our full story of our adventure across Israel!
Click here to view my full Israel Photo Travel Guide ➔
You'll find photo journals from every place we visited — from ancient Jerusalem streets to Tel Aviv sunsets!