Undoubtedly, the most famous and recognizable symbol of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah (also spelled Hanukka, and pronounced Chanukkah or Chanuka in Hebrew)is the Hanukkah Menorah (also spelled Menora, and known as a Chanukkiah or Chanukia in Hebrew) – leaving the dreidel (top), potato latkes (pancakes) and jelly doughnuts far behind . On each night of Hanukkah it is customary to light a number of candles corresponding to the number of nights since the festival began – one on the first night, and so on, until on the last night of Hanukkah, the eight Hanukkah candles blaze together. An additional candle, the “shamash”, is used each night to light the others, and is then displayed along with them.
Famed Israeli artisan, painter and designer Yair Emanuel has applied his years of experience and astounding creativity to creating a Hanukkah menorah which is both practical and aesthetically pleasing, traditional while of modern design; truly a remarkable piece of Israeli art and Israeli judaica rolled into one.
Made of cast aluminum, the menorah bears the shape of a Star of David (a six-pointed star) resting on a rectangular base. The Star of David has long been a symbol of the Jewish people, and as a result Star of David judaica is very popular among all streams of Jewry. The star is formed by two thin stars on each side of the menorah which are connected at the top by a layer parallel to the base. The top layer of the Star of David contains nine holes, meant to house to standard eight Hanukkah candles, along with the “shamash”. On the sides, each point of the Star of David features two holes, one on each side, to enable housing six candles by sliding them through; the base features eight additional slots for candles – making forty-four in all, which is exactly the number of candles needed throughout the Festival of Lights.
This menorah comes in three different colors – shiny silver, blue and magenta, and measures 8” X 7.5” X 3.5”.
Practical, attractive and delightfully combing the best of past and modern design – this dazzling menorah makes the perfect Hanukkah gift, or gift on the occasion of a Bar/Bat mitzvah, anniversary, graduation of housewarming event.