How often can a functional and useful Judaica item be a plaything also? Israeli artist Yair Emanuel has designed the perfect blend of work and fun, with this two in one Hanukkah menorah which also doubles as a set of dreidels (spinning tops)!
The Jewish festival of Hanukkah (pronounced Chanukkah or Chanukka in Hebrew) is also known as the festival of lights, and the candles lit every night of the holiday is a reminder of that fact. The lighting of the candles each night is in memory of the miracle that occurred for the Jewish people, so the amount of candles goes up each night, peaking on the eighth night with the whole menorah gloriously lit. The candles stand in a Hanukkiah, which is also known as a menorah, termed from the instrument used in the temple. There are nine holes in the menorah, with the Shamash (lighter) being higher than the others.
Another tradition of Hanukkah (also spelled Hanukka) is the dreidel, which is a spinning top. The dreidel has four Hebrew letters, one on each side, which are the equivalent of the words “Nes Gadol Haya Po/Sham” (A great miracle happened here/there, depending on if the dreidel was made in Israel or not). Children play dreidel in the light of the candles, usually for chocolate chips, nuts or Hanukkah Gelte, chocolate coins.
Yair Emanuel has done a spectacular job fitting these two traditions together to form a stunning piece of Israeli art. The base of the menorah is a painted wood rectangle with nine holes to fit the dreidel candleholders. The dreidel created for the “shamash” (the extra candle used to light the others, and then displayed) is slightly larger than the others, making it more prominent.
This remarkable menorah comes in two unique designs:
1. Jerusalem – A dazzling blend of color and impeccable design make the Holy City come to life. Intricate paintings of ancient vistas of Jerusalem are combined with Oriental patterns, the Seven Species of the Land of Israel and much more to create a beautiful piece of Judaica art to behold.
2. Pomegranates – The pomegranate, one of the Seven Species of the Land of Israel has long been a symbol of multitude and success. Each candle-holding-dreidel features a painting of a gorgeous pomegranate, with colorful branches and a beautiful background completing the picture.
The perfect gift for a bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah, housewarming gift or simply as a Hanukkah gift – this amazing 2-in-1 combo can’t be beat, and is sure to delight the lucky recipient.
