In Jewish communities, a “Shiviti” plaque is generally placed on the eastern wall of the synagogue or near the
cantor of the synagogue. Likewise, the “shiviti” can be found in various prayer books (siddurim).
The inscription on the plaque is based on the verse: “Shiviti Adonai le’fanai tamid” (“I have set the Lord before
me at all times.”) that appears in the Book of Psalms, Chapter 16, verse 8. The plaque, and the menorah
(7-branched lamp or candelabra) on it, which is composed of verses from Psalm 67 in the Book of Psalms, are
considered to be a talisman for protection and progress in prayer.
The connection between the psalm and the menorah is based on the number 7, to which are attributed mystical
qualities: the parallel between the seven verses in the psalm, excluding the opening verse, and the seven
branches of the menorah, the number of words, which stands at 49 (7×7) as a parallel to the seven days of the
week and to the days of the Counting of the Omer (the counting of the 49 days between the Passover holiday
and the holiday of Shavuot), and more.
In the opinion of the researcher, Dr. Esther Yohass, the menorah, comprised of the letters of the psalm, adds
to the symbol of the menorah the mystic-magical dimension. The menorah places the person praying at the
intersection connecting the Temple which was destroyed to the future Temple and to the worshipper himself.
When the worshipper focuses on the menorah during the prayer, it is as if he lights the Temple menorah and
connects to the hope for a future Temple. The Menorah combines the personal protection and redemption
and the future national redemption.
