The Hanukkah menorah (also spelled menora, and also known as a Hanukkiah, or Chanukkiah in Hebrew) has long been the dominant symbol of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah (also spelled Hannuka, and pronounced Chanukkah in Hebrew), leaving other cherished symbols such as the dreidel (top), latkes (potato pancakes) and jelly doughnuts far behind.
On each of the eight Hanukkah nights, the entire family gathers around for the ceremonious lighting of the Hanukkah candles, followed spinning of dreidels, exchange of Hanukkah gifts and eating of latkes. On each night, the number of candles lit corresponds with the nights that have been celebrated. On the first night, one candle is lit, two on the second and so on; on the eighth and final night eight candles shine together in a blaze of glory.
It is customary to beautify this age-old tradition by using beautiful Hanukkah menorahs, and most homes feature a dazzling array of artistic creations. Award-winning Israeli artisan, sculptor, painter and photographer Shraga Landesman has applied his remarkable talents to creating a menorah that once seen, cannot be forgotten.
Made of either cast brass or cast aluminum, this menorah for sale features a round base mounted on 3 small pegs, and featuring many lovely leaves engraved into its top. Intertwining with the leaves are eight holes in a row, meant to house the eight Hanukkah candles, with a ninth hole set a bit towards the front, to house the “shammash”, the ninth candle which is used to light the other candles and then displayed. Rising from the center of the base is a tree, which features several branches bearing leaves and perched birds.
The intricate design and exceptional attention paid to detail make this menorah a remarkable piece of Israeli art as well as a perfectly functional and kosher menorah. The artist has explained that the design of the menorah was inspired by his childhood memories of trees growing in an orchard owned by his parents. Each morning a worker would dig a small ditch around each tree, and fill it with water, causing dry leaves to float to the top.
Measuring 24X31X15 cm (9.8 x 12.4 x 10 inch) and and available in Cast Aluminum (850g) or at an additional cost, brass (2500g) versions, this exceptional menorah is the perfect birthday gift, engagement gift, anniversary gift and of course, Hanukkah gift.
