Hanukkah (also spelled Hanuka, and pronounced Chanukkah in Hebrew), one of the highlights of the Jewish year, occupies a prominent spot on the Jewish holiday calendar. Rich in symbols, it is impossible to envision Hanukkah without the traditional dreidel (top) spinning, exchanging of Hanukkah gifts and eating of potato latkes (pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts).
However, the lighting of the Hanukkah candles is undoubtedly the most prominent Hanukkah tradition. On the first night one candle is lit in the Hanukkah menorah (also spelled menora, and known as a Hanukkiah or Chanukkiah in Hebrew), and on each following night one is added, until on the eighth and final night eight candles shine together in harmony. On each night, an additional candle named the ‘shamash’ (Hebrew for ‘helper’ or ‘servant’) is used to light the others, and is then displayed alongside them.
Alim Studio, home of some of the most original Israeli Judaica (Jewish ceremonial art) has created yet another unique menorah that brings the ancient (and not-so ancient) past to life. This menorah was crafted by creating the imprint of an antique menorah on an aluminum base. The original menorah used in the design has been passed down for five generations by the Goldstein family, among the founders of Petah Tiqwa (pronounced ‘Tikva’ in Hebrew), one of the first modern Jewish colonies in the Land of Israel. A small candle holder is attached by a curved branch to the base to hold the ‘shammash’, while the other candles are to be placed on the shapes of the candle-holders from the original menorah.
The elaborate and classy design cannot be adequately described by words; this menorah has to be seen to be believed. The base’s flat back allows this remarkable menorah to be used year ‘round as a wall decoration, for those who enjoy using classy Judaica as home décor. This menorah features the option of plating the aluminum with brass or copper.
This historic menorah is the perfect Hanukkah gift, and a great gift on the occasion of a Bar/Bat mitzvah, engagement or anniversary. Judaica lovers and appreciators of Jewish history as well, will certainly treasure this menorah.