The Menorah is a nine branched candelabra that is lit for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Hanukkah celebrates two miraculous events, one being the defeat of the Jews over the Greeks. The Jews were persecuted by the Greeks and not able to celebrate their religion freely. The Jews were much smaller than the Greeks in numbers, but by a miracle they overcame this factor and won. The second miracle of Hanukkah is that after the battle, the Jews searched through their destroyed Holy temple to find oil to light a candle. There was only enough oil to last one day, but by a miracle it lasted eight days.
These miracles are remembered and celebrated during Hanukkah by lighting one candle on the Menorah each night and reciting a blessing.
There are many traditions and Jewish laws surrounding the holiday of Hanukkah. One of the commandments is to display the Menorah prominently in your window to fulfill the mitzvah of publicizing the holiday.
Traditions associated with this holiday include gift giving and preparing foods cooked with oil such as latke potato pancakes and sufganiyot, jelly filled doughnuts.
Menorahs can be made out of sterling silver, copper, pewter, marble, and glass materials. Traditional Menorahs are silver and feature a base stand where the branches emerge from. On these Menorahs, the Shamash lighting candle is placed in the center on a higher level. More modern Menorahs can be found in a multitude of colors and designs, including whimsical figurines and Jewish star shaped candlesticks. The modern style Menorahs come in different styles and shapes, as some do not have a stand or base like the classic candelabras.
There is a specific method for lighting the Hanukkah candles on the Menorah. Each Menorah has one raised branch in which the candle, referred to as the Shamash, sits and serves to light the other candles.
One candle is lit the first night and an additional candle is lit for each of the other seven nights of the holiday. The candles are lit from left to right and the blessing of Hanerot Halalu is recited. On the first night of Hanukkah, the Shehechiyanu is recited. There are many other songs that are traditionally song during Hanukkah, including Ma'oz Tzur.
Menorah candlesticks differ from regular Shabbat candlesticks in that they are usually taller and thinner to fit in the holders of the Menorah. Many candlesticks are designed in different colors and it is customary to use candlesticks made in Israel for this holiday.
The eight candles of the Menorah may not be lit by a lighter or match, but only by the Shamash. It is customary to use a decorative matchbox or match holder for this holiday, as the matches are used each night.
Matchboxes are usually made of wood and feature a design such as the Western Wall in Jerusalem or a picture of a Menorah. The matchbox is usually displayed next to the Menorah in the window for the duration of the holiday.
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The Menorah is a nine branched candelabra that is lit during the holiday of Hanukkah . One candle is lit each night for eight nights, using the tallest candle called the Shamash, to light the others. During Hanukkah time, there is an abundance of Menorahs for sale . If you are looking to buy a menorah, whether it is for your home or for a Hanukkah gift, there are many factors to consider. Two of these factors include style and price.
In terms of style, traditional menorahs are perhaps the most popular type of menorahs. In the Judaica market, menorah sales are inundated with ceramic, glass, and brass made menorahs. The options are overwhelming. Traditional Hanukkah menorahs can be extremely elaborate, stunningly ornate, and tend to be pricier. If you like the classic look, then the sterling silver traditional menorah is a perfect fit for you. These types of menorahs come in a multitude of sizes and colors. Look through World of Judaica's Hanukkah sale for a variety of menorah styles.
Traditional menorahs often combine tradition with a touch of art, like small enameled baroque menorahs. These menorahs can be decorated with leaves, vines, and flowers with augment the uniqueness of this beautiful menorah. Other menorahs can be cast in pewter or brass and then plated with sterling silver or gold materials. The coloring of this menorah will not only lighten up your holiday, it will also grace your living room and be a magnificent mantel piece or living room accessory.
In addition to traditional menorahs, there are modern-looking menorahs that feature a sleek design. Newer menorahs may display fun elements such as sports figures, Magen David stars, and figurines. These types of menorahs tend to be made of stone, glass, and metal. If you are on the search for a menorah for sale, modern menorahs tend to be more affordable.
When buying a menorah, make sure to check out our collection of matchboxes and holders to light your candles, as well as our supply of dreidels. Dreidels are spinning tops that are used to play games on the holiday on Hanukkah. Look through our dreidels for sale and find the perfect dreidel to play with by the light of your Menorah.
Browse our Menorah sale and find the perfect menorah for your home or to give as a Jewish gift to family and friends. To learn more about Menorahs and Hanukkah, read about the traditions and history of the holiday on our Hanukkah learning page.
