The lighting of the Hanukkah candles is a long-cherished symbol of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah (also spelled Hanukka or Hanukkah, and pronounced Chanukkah in Hebrew). Leaving the dreidel (top), latkes (potato pancakes) and jelly doughnuts far behind, the Hanukkah menorah for sale (also spelled menora, and also known as a Hanukkiah, or Chanukkiah in Hebrew) has become the dominant symbol of Hanukkah, and with good reason.
Aside from being the only rabbinical commandment of the festival, it's hard to compete with the image of an entire family gathered around to light the Hanukkah candles. One candle is lit on the first night, and on each following night another candle is added until on the eighth and final night eight candles shine together beautifully, joined by the shammash, the candle which is used to light the others and then displayed alongside them.
Shraga Landesman, an award-winning Israeli photographer, artisan, silversmith, goldsmith and sculptor has applied his wide array of talents and creativity to crafting a menorah that is quite a sight to behold. A rectangular base contains nine holes to house the eight regular candles along with the shammash. Rising from the right side of the menorah, set back slightly from the candles’ holes, is a small tree featuring 2 small branches protruding upwards, with a longer branch parallel to the rectangular base. Perched at the edge of the branch is a majestic Kingfisher, a beautiful bird that can be found nearly anywhere in the world, was worshiped by the Polynesians and is considered ominous by several African tribes.
The decision to craft a menorah based on the Kingfisher was inspired by the artist’s observations of nature and love of natural scenes that can be “captured” in an image. The Kingfishers are most commonly seen sitting alone in the wild, hence the single bird featured in the menorah.
Regardless of the artist’s motives, this unique design boasts of great attention paid to detail, and is a sure conversation-starter as well as a dazzling work of Israeli art. The stark contrast between the Hanukkah candles symbolizing an unnatural miracle, and the perfect depicting of a natural setting leaves much to the imagination and much to be pondered.
Measuring 23x14x7 cm (9.2 x 5.6 x 2.8 inch), this menorah offers two unique material and design schemes:
Cast aluminum (450g) – This design features a homogenous aluminum color, directing attention towards to intricate curves and simple yet classy shape of the menorah.
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This spectacular menorah is the perfect birthday gift, anniversary gift, Bar/Bat Mitzvah gift and, of course, Hanukkah gift.