Lighting the Way: The Artistic Symbolism of the Menorah
A timeless symbol of faith and family, the menorah also shines as a stunning work of design.
This year, Hanukkah begins on December 14. When the sun sets that evening, it’s time to light the first candle (or sometimes oil wick) of the menorah. The Hanukkah menorah is one of the most famous Jewish symbols and one of the most beautiful examples of Judaica, the collector’s term for Jewish memorabilia and ceremonial art.
Unlike the seven-armed temple menorah, the Hanukkah menorah has few requirements for its appearance or construction. It must have nine arms or oil fonts, one for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah and one for the shamash (meaning “helper” or “servant”), the candle or wick used to light the rest. The shamash must be offset from the other lights, usually higher or lower, and the remaining lights are traditionally, but not always, arranged in a straight line. As long as these standards are fulfilled, artists have been free to choose their materials and make their designs as simple or as ornate as they desire.
Menorahs from the 19th century and earlier are usually made of metal, but the metal can range from inexpensive alloys to precious silver or gold (or both). They could have oil lamps or candle cups. In the 20th century, candles became the preferred light source, and other materials, like ceramics, glass, and even Lucite, grew more popular. Artists and designers took inspiration from modern movements like Brutalism and Surrealism. Some modern designs have a playful spirit, with candles held up by dancing figures or, sometimes, characters from pop culture. Others use traditional images.
In a stunning example of traditional symbolism meeting a modern spirit, Russian-born artist Romain de Tirtoff, known as Erté, designed a Tree of Life menorah in about 1987. The Tree of Life is an important symbol in cultures and religions around the world. In Jewish traditions, it appears in the Garden of Eden in the Book of Genesis, and the Torah is described as a metaphorical “tree of life.” Many artists have incorporated the Tree of Life into designs for Hanukkah menorahs, adding leaves to the “branches” and creating bases in the shape of roots. In this context, there is also a sense of a family tree, with families gathering to celebrate Hanukkah together with the menorahs, which are often passed down through generations as heirlooms.
Erté designed his menorah as a limited edition, and after thirty-eight years, this bronze casting sold for $1,187 at World Auction Gallery. His signature, sinuous lines, and glamorous touch can be seen in the leaves and thorns that adorn the branches, the roots that make up the base, the fruits at the ends of the arms, and the two elegant perching birds. The combination of an artist’s unique vision and centuries of history and ceremonial significance makes it a true work of art.
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