Kanne-hora

Q: What does Kanne-horaliterally mean?

A: Kanne-hora comes from the Hebrew phrase, kayn ayin ha-ra, which means, “Here is the evil eye.”  Of course, we mean just the opposite when we say this word. The effect of uttering the word Kanne-hora was to offset any damage done to it object or person by our praise. It is as if one were to say, “My son makes $200,000,” would invoke ill fortune. Then the person who boasted of that would follow with “kanne-hora” to avoid brining misfortune.  Kanne-hora would sometimes be accompanied by three spits over the shoulder to further dispel negative consequences.

Ner Tamid

Q: What is the meaning and origin of the Eternal Light above the Ark in the Sanctuary?

A: The Talmud calls the synagogue a “mikdash m’at,” a replacement for the Temple which once stood in Jerusalem.  There, a menorah burned continually.  A menorah, by the way, is not the same as a Hanukkiyah. While the menorah consists of seven level branches, a Hanukkiyah used exclusively for the holiday of Hanukkah, has eight, plus a shamash.

The Eternal Lamp or Ner Tamid, is first mentioned as a fixture in the desert Tabernacle.  There it was continually alight with oil replenished into its receptacles regularly to make sure it never went out.  This was and remains a reminder of God’s ever-watchful eye over the people of Israel.  It, like God’s Presence never is extinguished.