After the Star of David, the Menorah is Judaism’s most iconic symbol—and also that of the modern State of Israel. The Israeli Center of Judaica keeps the tradition alive with a boutique range of 925 silver Menorahs, which are more than just ornaments.
In fact, the style of your menorah says a lot about you. Whether you’re the type to polish yours on a regular basis or to have it in your living room for only one holiday, the Menorah is a symbol of your Jewish identity that’s worth showing off.
But what kind of menorah do you really want? Sure, you could go with the old lopsided and mismatched menorah your mom gave you when you were seven. Or, you could upgrade to a sleek sterling silver version designed by a leading Judaica manufacturer. These Menorahs are a statement piece and will add a touch of elegance to your home.
The menorah is an eight-branched lamp that is lit for eight nights during the festival of Hanukkah to commemorate the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. The design has taken many forms over the years, including those in Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern styles. It’s also possible to find Menorahs that are made in precious metals like gold and platinum.
There are currently 48 antique and vintage silver Menorahs for sale on 1stDibs, with more than 16 available in modern editions. While some are purely decorative and can’t actually be lit, others are fully functional. These include those made by Hazorfim, the undisputed leader in sterling silver Judaica. These are the most popular Menorahs to be found on the site.
Other menorahs have been crafted in the ancient technique of repousse, which is the process of beating the metal with various tools to create patterns and textures. The Moldovan menorah, for example, has marks that localize it to mid-nineteenth-century Lemberg (now Lviv), in present-day Ukraine. That type of hanukkiya typically stood to the south of the Torah ark in European synagogues, an allusion to its position in the Tabernacle and the Temple.
A hammered silver Menorah is also an option. This is a style that was especially popular in the early twentieth century, when a number of Israeli jewelry companies began to specialize in creating Judaica. A silver Menorah from this era is typically shaped like a hexagon and has eight candle-holders with the shammash standing tallest in the middle. It rests on a rounded, hex-form final and is set on four paw feet.