How to Master Your Drawing of a Menorah Without Messing Up the Symmetry

Grab a pencil. Seriously. Most people think they can just wing a drawing of a menorah because it looks like a glorified candlestick, but then they hit the third branch and realize they've run out of room on the paper. It’s frustrating.

The menorah is one of the oldest symbols in Jewish history, dating back to the wilderness tabernacle described in the Book of Exodus. But here’s the kicker: there isn't just one "menorah." If you’re drawing this for Hanukkah, you’re actually drawing a hanukkiah, which has nine branches. If you’re going for the historical Temple version, it’s seven. Mixing these up is the first mistake almost everyone makes.

The Geometry of the Seven-Branch Menorah

Let’s talk about the OG version first. The seven-branched menorah is what you see on the Arch of Titus in Rome. Those Roman soldiers are depicted carrying it away after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. When you’re looking at that specific drawing of a menorah, the branches aren't curved like a U-shape. They're actually straight, diagonal lines.

Maimonides, the famous 12th-century scholar, actually drew a sketch of this. His version had straight arms. Most modern depictions use the curved style because it looks more "organic," but if you want to be historically nerdy, go for the straight lines.

Start with a center stem. Call it the spine. It needs to be perfectly vertical. If that line leans even a fraction of a degree, the whole thing looks like it’s melting. From there, you pull your three pairs of arms out.

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Why Your Hanukkiah Drawing Usually Looks Wonky

Now, if we’re talking holiday vibes, we’re talking the nine-branched hanukkiah. This is where the drawing of a menorah gets tricky for beginners. You have the shamash—the helper candle—and then four branches on either side.

The biggest pitfall? Proportions.

People start on the left, draw four candles, then realize the center is now at the far right of their page. It’s a mess. Instead, draw the center shamash first. It usually sits higher or lower than the rest. It has to be distinct. That’s Jewish law (halakha), by the way. The shamash can’t be in a straight line with the others because it’s not technically part of the mitzvah count for the night.

Light and Shadow on Gold Surfaces

Gold is hard to draw. Like, really hard. A menorah is traditionally made of "beaten gold," which means it’s not a flat, matte yellow. It’s reflective.

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If you’re using colored pencils or digital brushes, don't just reach for the yellow. You need burnt sienna for the deep shadows and a bright, almost-white cream for the highlights. Think about where your light source is. If the candles are lit, the light is coming from inside the shape. This creates a weird, beautiful glow on the top edges of the arms.

Common Artistic Mistakes to Avoid

1. The Floating Base: Don't just draw a flat line. Most ancient menorahs had a tripod base or a solid, tiered hexagonal pedestal. Give it some weight.
2. The "Lollipop" Flame: Flames aren't perfect ovals. They have a blue core at the bottom and a flickering, wispy top. If you’re doing a drawing of a menorah with burning candles, make the flames slightly different sizes to show movement.
3. Crowded Candles: Leave gaps. If the wax drippings from one candle touch the next, you’ve got a fire hazard on paper and a cluttered composition.

Cultural Nuance and the Arch of Titus

History is messy. The Arch of Titus shows a menorah with a base featuring sea monsters. Most Jewish historians argue this wasn't the "real" base used in the Temple, but rather a Roman replacement or a stylistic choice by the sculptor. When you create your drawing of a menorah, you get to decide: are you drawing the Roman version, the Maimonides version, or a modern silhouette?

The Israeli national emblem uses the Arch of Titus version as a base but simplifies the ornamentation. It’s a powerful statement of return. Your art carries that weight whether you mean it to or not.

Techniques for Different Mediums

If you're using charcoal, focus on the silhouette. A menorah has such a recognizable shape that you don't even need details for it to be striking. Just a strong black outline against a textured background.

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For watercolor, it’s all about the "wet-on-wet" technique for the flames. Drop a bit of orange into a wet yellow circle and watch it bleed. It’s cathartic. Honestly, it’s the best part of the whole process.

If you’re struggling with the curves of the arms, use a compass. Or a bowl. Or literally anything round. There is no shame in using a template to get those arcs symmetrical. Even the pros do it.

The Secret to Perfect Spacing

Here is a pro tip. Use a ruler to mark nine dots in a line before you draw a single branch.
Dot 1... Dot 2... skip a bit of extra space for the shamash... Dot 3... and so on.
By mapping out the "landing zones" for your candles first, you ensure the drawing of a menorah doesn't end up lopsided.

It’s basically architecture on a small scale. You're building a structure.

Final Practical Steps for Your Art

• Choose your branch count: 7 for historical/symbolic, 9 for Hanukkah.
• Sketch the central axis: Ensure the base and the shamash are perfectly aligned.
• Use "Ghost Lines": Lightly draw the curves before committing with heavy ink or dark pencil.
• Vary the candle heights: If you're depicting a specific night of Hanukkah (like the fifth night), only draw flames on five candles plus the shamash.
• Add "The Glow": Use a soft eraser to lift color around the flames, creating a halo effect.

Get your paper ready. Start with the base, build the spine, and map those nine points. Symmetry is your friend, but don't let it paralyze you—slight imperfections actually make the drawing look more "human" and less like a clip-art icon.

Next Steps for Your Project

1. Select a reference style: Decide if you want the straight-arm Maimonides look or the classic curved Romanesque style.
2. Map the layout: Use a 4-1-4 spacing grid to ensure your nine candles fit comfortably across the page.
3. Refine the light: Position your highlights on the "shoulders" of the branches to simulate the reflective quality of polished metal.