The ner tamid is the eternal light which represents God's constant presence in the lives and communities of Jewish people. In the synagogue, it is hung above the holy ark. The ner tamid also represents the Menorah of the Temple in Jerusalem, as well as the continuously burning incense altar in front of the Temple. Originally the ner tamid was an oil lamp, however, today most have electric light bulbs. A ner tamid is never extinguished or turned off.

Examples of Ner Tamid~~

Sources:
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/ner_tamid.html
http://www.answers.com/Ner%20Tamid

Virtual Synagogue • Sacred Objects

Wellesley Middle School
February 2006