<P> In the Orthodox Church the use of the menorah has been preserved, always standing on or behind the altar in the sanctuary . Though candles may be used, the traditional practice is to use olive oil in the seven - lamp lampstand . There are varying liturgical practices, and usually all seven lamps are lit for the services, though sometimes only the three centermost are lit for the lesser services . If the church does not have a sanctuary lamp the centermost lamp of the seven lamps may remain lit as an eternal flame . </P> <P> The Menorah has also become a symbol for the Iglesia ni Cristo since the 20th century . </P> <P> In Taoism, the Seven - Star Lamp qi xing deng 七星 燈 is a seven - lamp oil lamp lit to represent the seven stars of the Northern Dipper . This lampstand is a requirement for all Taoist temples, never to be extinguished . In the first 9 days of the lunar 9th month festival, an oil lamp of nine connected lamps may also be lit to honour both the Northern Dipper and two other assistant stars (collectively known as the Nine Emperor Stars), sons of Dou Mu appointed by the Taoist Trinity (the Three Pure Ones) to hold the Books of Life and Death of humanity . The lamps represent the illumination of the 7 stars, and lighting them are believed to absolve sins while prolonging one's lifespan . </P> <P> The menorah features prominently in the 2013 crypto - thriller The Sword of Moses by Dominic Selwood . It is also featured in the archaeology novels Crusader Gold, by David Gibbins, and The Last Secret of the Temple, by Paul Sussman . </P>

Where is the menorah from the second temple