Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Menorahs: A lovely addition to your festival of lights


(above: classic menorah, $34.00, Pottery Barn)

The lights that are kindling in thousands of homes across New York City are
beacons to the memory of wars won, of miracles wrought, of religious freedom.


(l to r: classic menorah, 29.95, Crate & Barrel; menorah, $160.00, Nambe)

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah began last night at sundown with the traditional
lighting of the nine-branched candelabrum called a menorah. For eight days
the candles will burn, a new one added each night, as reminders of the divine
presence of God and the miracles he brings to the faithful.


(clockwise: Mariposa menorah, $160.00, Saks Fifth Ave; Waterford menorah,
$300.00, Horchow; skyline menorah, $130.00, Jonathan Adler; Rivington
menorah, $350.00, Maxwell Silver).

Today, many artists have taken the menorah from a lamp used to commemorate
the miracle of the oil to an opportunity to explore the idea of religious objects
as art. Many people choose a traditional menorah for ceremony and artistic
renditions as year-long decorative objects .


(above: Candorah, $315.00, U+ Design Collection)

They range from serious to whimsical. With such beautiful offerings available,
menorahs can be part of household decor beyond the holiday season.


(l to r: Olive Branch menorah, $210.00, Michael Aram; Salusa glassworks menorah,
$149.00, Barney's)

I’ve shared a few of my favorite menorahs and it is my hope that people
permanently display them rather than box them up. Menorahs are a piece of
Judaica art that can really enhance the home and make a beautiful centerpiece
for the table.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

My mom was very into Jewish and Israeli culture( hence the name "Hadassah")and I've always loved their design elements especially menorah.

Sarah Dennis said...

Hey Hadassah, how are you? Hadn't heard from you in a while. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. I just bought my best friend a Jonathan Adler menorah last year and this year I'm thinking about getting one myself. I'm not Jewish, but I absolutely love the design element! Thanks for stopping by!

Brooke Hagel said...

What a beautiful selection of menorahs! I especially love the Michael Aram and Horchow menorahs.

I took some great pictures of my menorah last night, i can't wait to share them with you. It will look better with all the candles, on the 8th night, but I have no patience to wait a whole week!

Sarah Dennis said...

Ooooh Brooklit I can't wait to see! Don't you just love that Jonathan Adler menorah!

girl meets glamour said...

Love this selection you've put together! That Jonathan Adler one is my fav. Great post!

~Kate

katiedid said...

Sarah! You have had so many beautiful posts lately! I just wanted to let you know I have been enjoying them, but have been short on time to comment lately. Thanks for all of your hard work and wonderful information, as always!
Katie

Anonymous said...

Hi Sarah I love them, and I love yoru all posts. You are very pleasant.Hugs from İstanbul :)

Barbara Jacksier said...

I already have at least five menorahs (one with a line-up of engraved brass Macabees but the Pottery barn one is calling my name. Thanks for the post.