1,147. Copying the Temple and Its Vessels

168:5 One may not build a house following the design of the Heichal of the Temple in height, length and width, nor a portico following the design of the Ulam (the hall), nor a courtyard following the design of the Azarah (the Temple courtyard), nor a table like the Shulchan, nor a lamp like the Menorah. However, if one makes it with five, six or eight branches (rather than seven as the Menorah in the Temple had), it is permitted. One may not make a lamp of seven branches even of metals other than gold, even without the cups, knobs and flowers that the Menorah had, and even if it is not 18 handbreadths tall, because failure to meet these details would not have disqualified the Menorah for use.

168:6 Some have the practice to make a lamp with seven lights, six in a circle and one in the middle; many authorities prohibit this. One should be strict in this matter as there is the possibility of violating a Biblical prohibition.