Return of the Menorah

L Plater has added a photo to the pool:

Over 2 m in height and plated with 43 kg of 24k gold, this menorah, currently on display in the new location overlooking the Temple Mount and the Mount of Olives, is a replica of the original one that was found in the First Temple.

Jewish people believe the original menorah was taken by the Romans when they destroyed the second Temple in 70 AD and is now hidden somewhere in the Vatican. They hope that one day the menorah will be returned to Jerusalem. This will signal the beginning of rebuilding the Temple and redemption of the people and land of Israel. The Vatican however denies their possession of the original menorah.

The Menorah, Jewish Quarter, Old City of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel (Friday 26 November 2010 @ 10:27am).

ISO100 | f/8 | 1/125 sec | 17-40mm @ 29mm | AWB | raw | CPL

Click on image to feel the 24k gold