Terry Harman, of Northwest Indiana, has spent decades cultivating an interest in Jewish learning. While serving as a prison chaplain, he developed a close friendship with Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov, shliach of Chabad Northwest Indiana, who would visit the Jewish inmates.

“Terry developed a deep love for the Mishkan and its keilim,” Rabbi Zalmanov tells Anash.org. “Initially, it was just a side hobby, but upon retirement, it fully blossomed. He has since dedicated his time to a remarkable personal project: building, collecting, and commissioning lifesize recreations of the Mishkan and its vessels.”

Terry explores a wide range of interpretations from both accurate traditional Jewish sources and, l’havdil, non-Jewish sources. One of his projects was the menorah. He commissioned several menorahs – some based on Christian sources and others reflecting what he believed was the menorah of the Beis Hamikdash according to our sources, featuring a round design.

A few years ago, he took a deep dive into the correct design of the menorah. In studying the Rambam’s specifications, he noticed the precise diagonals described, as well as Rashi and others, including the Rebbe’s sichos, which explain with absolute certainty that the menorah was diagonal.

This deep dive inspired him to commission a replica of the Beis Hamikdash menorah – this time, correctly diagonal. Once completed, he, alongside Rabbi Zalmanov, showcased it at various locations, including the cheder in Chicago and other mosdos.

“He always said that the most conclusive piece of evidence that the menorah in the Beis Hamikdash was diagonal was because that’s what the Lubavitcher Rebbe said,” Rabbi Zalmanov recounts.

He also gave a presentation at his Chabad House over Chanukah several years ago, where Terry demonstrated the historical and halachic accuracy of the piece. While Terry initially asked if the menorah could be lit at a Chanukah event, Rabbi Zalmanov explained that its design was like that of the Beis Hamikdash, with only seven branches, whereas the Chanukah menorah has eight.

Undeterred, Terry decided to create an eight-branch menorah, modeled after the one in 770 by the Rebbe. He traveled to 770 multiple times to study the menorah and soon commissioned a lifelike replica in Asia.

Two weeks before Chanukah, the menorah was finally completed and arrived in the U.S. The result was a stunning work of art: each piece handmade, detailed, and plated in gold paint, weighing 200 pounds, standing seven feet tall, and nine feet wide – exactly like the menorah in 770.

The menorah was unveiled at a Motzoei Shabbos event on the main street near the Chabad House in Northwest Indiana. Hundreds of community members gathered to witness the lighting, many visibly inspired by the sight.

“Having grown up as a child by the Rebbe’s side,” Rabbi Zalmanov tells Anash.org, “and seeing the Rebbe’s menorah at the Chanukah rallies, now, finally, after 25 years on shlichus, being able to bring this same menorah to our small community is a big reminder and encouragement that the Rebbe is with us.”

Terry’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. Shluchim from around the world have expressed curiosity and admiration for his work, and he hopes to mass-produce replicas for other communities within the next year.

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