The lighting of the Hanukkah candles is easily one of the most cherished ceremonies of the Jewish year. Far more famous than the dreidels, latkes, jelly donuts and the exchange of gifts, the menorah is definitely the most recognizable symbol of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah (also spelled Hannuka or Hanukka, and pronounces Chanukkah in Hebrew). On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, the family gathers around to light the Hanukkah menorah. The number of candles increases as the holiday goes on – one candle is lit on the first night, two on the second and so on – until on the eighth and final night, eight candles blaze in a glow of glory. An addition candle, the “shammash” (Hebrew for ‘helper’), is used to light all the other candles each night, and then is displayed alongside them.
It is customary to use beautiful Hanukkah menorahs to further enhance the candle-lighting ceremony, and award-winning Israeli artist, Judaica maker, goldsmith, sculptor and photographer Shraga Landesman has proved himself up to the task of creating dazzling menorahs to fit all homes and tastes. This particular masterpiece is a menorah made of cast metal, featuring two exquisite small sculptures of a sheep and a ram grazing together on a square base. The base contains nine holes for holding the Hanukkah candles – eight in a row for the regular candles, and another hole for the “shammash”, which is slightly set back from the rest, as is customary.
The menorah for sale features two unique design options:
Cast Aluminum (950g)– The entire menorah, base and sheep, is made of cast aluminum. The homogenous coloring highlights the masterful shaping and original design of the sheep, and lends the menorah an intricate flavor of modern art.
Cast brass (2500g) – The base and sheep are made of cast brass. The bodies of both the sheep and the ram are treated to create a green patina with a sophisticated acrylic method and the heads of the animals are painted gold, while the base retains its shiny brass color. The contrast of colors is truly a sight to behold, and makes for a “splashier” effect. Additional cost for this version.
Measuring 13 X 22 X 20 cm (5.2 X 8.8 X 8 inch), this remarkable menorah is a fantastic piece of Israeli art and Israeli judaica, and the perfect anniversary, birthday, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, anniversary, engagement and Hanukkah gift.
