Without a doubt the ultimate symbol of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah (also spelled Hanukka and pronounced Chanukkah or Chanuka in Hebrew), the Hanukkah Menorah (also spelled Menora, and called Chanukkiah or Chanukia in Hebrew) leads the category of favorite Hanukkah gifts, followed by the dreidel (spinning top).
On each night of Hanukkah it is customary to light a number of candles corresponding to the number of nights since the festival began, to remember the miracle of the Menorah during the era of the First Temple, when an amount of oil that was only enough for one night lit the Menorah for eight full days and nights. The addition of each candle symbolizes the increasing effect of the miracle. On the last night of Hanukkah, the eight Hanukkah candles blaze together, along with the shamash, the extra candle which is used to light the others, and then displayed along with them.
Shraga Landesman, an award-winning Israeli artisan, silversmith, goldsmith, sculptor, photographer and Judaica maker, has created a unique menorah made of cast aluminum which is the product of impeccable design and brilliant originality. The rectangular base features nine holes to house the eight Hanukkah candles along with the shamamsh. Rising behind the base is a majestic tree which is being peered at by two deer, with one perched on each side of the tree.
The theme of this stunning creation is unclear, which is one of the beauties of modern art – it can be interpreted in many ways. The theme of the 'Garden of Eden' is featured in many of Shraga’s pieces of original art, and this piece can possibly be interpreted in the same vein. Whether or not you feel like pondering the meaning of this piece of modern Israeli art, this fantastic menorah is both a great place to light your Hanukkah candles and a terrific conversation-starter.
Measuring 26 X 25 X 6 cm (10.4 X 10 X 2.4 inch), this fabulous Menorah is the perfect Bar/Bat Mitzvah gift, engagement gift, graduation gift or anniversary gift. Of course, if you choose to make it a Hanukkah gift, you’ll be making sure one lucky recipient will be having a very happy Hanukkah.