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Get ready for Hanukkah 2024 with a Menorah from Israel

Possibly the definitive piece of Judaica, the Hanukkah menorah has since time immemorial been one of the decorative centerpieces of a Jewish home as well as one of the most popular outlets for the creative energies of Jewish artists and artisans. While it's not normally referred to as a "Jewish Menorah", no Jewish home is complete without one. Many families even have multiple Hanukkah menorahs, often one for each family member.

Choosing the right Hanukkah Menorah

Take a look at our amazing selection of dozens upon dozens of beautiful Hanukkah menorahs in all possible styles and made from every possible material. Traditional and contemporary, we have Hanukkah menorahs for every taste and every budget, so you'll be ready for every night of Hanukkah!

What does the Hanukkah Menorah symbolize?

The Hanukkah Menorah symbolizes the miracle that occurred when the Maccabees re-sanctified the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. After taking back control of the Holy Temple, the Maccabees discovered only one kosher jug of olive oil that could be used for lighting the Temple's Menorah. Even though this was only meant to last one day, a miracle occurred and it lasted for eight days, until more kosher olive oil could be produced. In celebration of this miracle, we light a Hanukkah Menorah for eight nights.

How is the Menorah used during Hanukkah?

Every night of Hanukkah (there are eight in total), a candle is lit as a celebration of the miracle that God performed for the Maccabees in their struggle against the Greek Army. It is considered an act of beautification to add an extra candle every night (i.e. light one candle the first night, two candles the second night, three candles the third night) until your Menorah is gleaming with eight candles on the last night. Alongside the eight menorah candles, there is a separate candle known as the shamash (it usually appears on a different level from the other candles) that is used to light the Hanukkah candles every night.

What is the difference between a Hanukkiah and a Menorah?

On Hanukkah, do we light a Menorah or a Hanukkiah? Is there a difference between these two items? In Hebrew, "menorah" refers to a lamp. Traditionally, the term has been used to describe the seven-branched golden candelabra that stood in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem was continuously lit every day. This is the same candelabra that was sanctified by the Maccabees after the rededication of the Temple. Since the word "menorah" simply means lamp, many refer to the nine-branched candelabra that we light on Hanukkah as a menorah. However, since the Hanukkah Menorah has nine branches (instead of the traditional seven) and does not contain the same holiness as the original Menorah, some refer to it as a "Hanukkiah." This latter term is particularly popular in Israel. Whether you call it a Hanukkah Menorah or a Hanukkiah, we are sure that you will find the perfect one for you at Judaica Web Store.

The deep meaning of the Menorah

Historian Simon Sebag Montefiore talks about Jerusalem as not only the holy city in Israel but also a multivalent metaphor, the place of our origin and the place to which we will one day return, a memory as well as a hope that each one of us carries inside us no matter where we live. Thought of this way, the menorah is not only a commemorative object referring to the miracle in the Temple, when The Maccabees defeated the Seleucids and when one day's worth of oil lasted eight. The menorah is also our way of sanctifying the stronghold of the family home.

Historic Hanukkah Menorahs

Judaica Webstore's miniature Jerusalem menorahs make the Hanukkah metaphor almost literal, but we have a variety of other appealing styles, too. Amongst our traditional offerings are several highly polished brass menorahs in traditional designs from across Europe. These replicas of an early 20th century Polish menorah, an 18th century Sicilian menorah, and a 15th century German menorah are a testament and an archive of the European-Jewish experience.

Upscale Hanukkah Menorahs

Another traditional and upscale group of menorahs which also come by way of European history are our Hazorfim Sterling Silver Menorahs. Founded in Israel in 1952 and harnessing the skill and tradition of Eastern European émigré artisans, Hazorfim Silver has produced pieces that can be found in the private collections of King Hussein of Jordan and Vladimir Putin of Russia.

Contemporary interpretations of the Menorah by Israeli Artisans

Contemporary designs are also available, such as Avner Agayof's minimalist-style menorahs. These colorful menorahs are made of anodized aluminum and break down into modular units and to be stored in a clever wooden box. World-renowned sculptor David Gerstein has designed a number of colorful Hanukkah menorahs in his signature approach, sheet steel plasma cut into playful patterns and printed in exuberant colors. You will also find hand-painted designs from Jerusalem-based Yair Emanuel as well as modernist designs from Haifa-based Shraga Landesman.

Hanukkah candles

Be ready for every night of Hanukkah with hand-dipped Israeli-made candles for all of your Hanukkah menorahs, also conveniently available at our store!

Buy a menorah from Israel

Judaica Web Store is your one-stop shop for all your Hanukkah and menorah needs! And, you'll be supporting local Israeli artists and designers at the same time.