The lighting of the Hanukkah candles has long been one of the highlights of the Jewish calendar. The many highlights of Hanukkah (also spelled Hannuka or Hanuka, and pronounced Chanuka or Chanukkah in Hebrew) include lighting the Hanukkah Menorah (also called a Hanukiah, or Chanukia in Hebrew), spinning a dreidel (top) and exchanging Hanukkah gifts, but the lighting of the Hanukkah candles clearly outshines (pun unintended) the rest. It is customary to light one candle on the first night, and add one candle each night until on the eighth and final night eight candles shine beautifully, accompanied by the “shammash”, the candle used to light the others and then displayed.
Award winning Israeli artisan, silversmith, goldsmith, sculptor, photographer and Judaica maker has crafted a masterpiece which is both functional as a Hanukkah menorah and a stunning piece of modern art. This menorah represents the artist’s memories of building a kibbutz in the Galilee region.
The base is a triangle which features nine holes along one side, both to house the Hanukkah candles as well as representing the circles used on topographical maps to indicate different heights. The base is supported by three pegs, representing the pegs used by surveyors in assessing the land. A partridge, which is a very common bird in the region, is featured in the center of the base. Rising from the back of the Menorah is a tree, representing the many olive trees native to the region. This interpretation is just what the artist had in mind, but as is the case with all modern art, anyone can come up with their own meaning and interpretation of the work of art.
Despite its value as a unique item of Israeli art and conversation-starter, just in case you’d like to store this menorah during the year, it comes with special features for compact storage – the partridge can be easily removed, and the tree can swing downwards on a hinge to rest on the base. This remarkable work is dominated by smooth curves and great attention paid to every detail, and the result is truly a sight to behold.
Measuring 24x17x25 cm (9.6 X 6.8 X 10 inch) when open and made of cast aluminum, this fantastic menorah is the perfect Hanukkah gift, Bar/Bat Mitzvah gift, engagement gift, anniversary gift, or gift to any lover of original Israeli art.