CELEBRATIONS: Contemporary Chanukah menorahs

There is an endless variety of contemporary menorahs available these days, 

in shops and online. With Chanukah 2018 coming soon, I decided to revisit  

Mad for Mod's 2015 posting about this design phenomenon.

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 Skyline menorah, designed by Jonathan Adler

    This now-classic piece of Judaica is included 

  in several prestigious design museum collections.

One of the things I like best about being Jewish is the fact that decorative arts are so interwoven into our traditions, both at home and in public spaces. This is an outgrowth of the ethic known in Hebrew as Hiddur Mitzvah, which translates roughly as "the beautification of a commandment." Judaica in silver and gold, wood, glass and earthenware abounds in the form of candlesticks, wine goblets, tzedakah (charity) boxes, mezzuzot (door post prayer boxes), seder plates, spice boxes, and -- of course -- menorahs, which are traditionally placed in windows, to illuminate and affirm miracles for all.

You don't have to be Jewish to love these designs!

                  Flexus menorah (above)

          This menorah can be configured any way you like,

            and the candle holders can be used individually

                                 throughout the year.
                  Available through the MOMA Design Store

City Lights glass menorah (above)

Carmageddon (below)

 both by Shardz

Stanley Saitowitz architectural menorah

 Clear glass geometric menorah

  Column Menorah from Crate & Barrel

              Beaded traditional menorah by Jillery

This menorah matches my Sabbath candlesticks and wine goblet.

                                  

 Musician menorah

Shoshi Art Glass of Israel

                                                                                           Water blossom menorah

According to Jewish lore, the ancient temple menorah was made of golden almond-blossom-shaped cups. This modern take on that design inspiration sets a ring of almond blossoms in a shallow pool of water. The pool reflects the candlelight, and also provides a safe way for the candles to sizzle out as they burn down. 

        Lotus menorah by Michael Aram

       Available from ModernTribe.com

 

and a 

"Save the Elephants"menorah

by Jonathan Adler

The possibilities are infinite ...

Posting originally published 12/20/15