Colored Hanukiah -Magen David

Why is the hanukkiah so important in Jewish tradition?

The most famous symbol of Hanukkah is undoubtedly the hanukkiah, the nine-branched Jewish candlestick that is lit every night for eight days.

The history of Hanukkah dates back more than 2,000 years to a time when the Jewish people living in and around Jerusalem were ruled by Syro-Greeks (more on that later). During a war between the two peoples, the Holy Temple in Jerusalem was heavily damaged and therefore had to be repaired and rededicated to God. The word Hanukkah actually means dedication.

In the Holy Temple in Jerusalem was a menorah, a seven-branched candelabra. It is one of the oldest and most important symbols of Judaism. The story goes that when oil was sought to light the menorah, there was only enough to light it for one day. But then a miracle happened: the candles burned for eight days. This is known as the miracle of the oil, and it is commemorated every year during Hanukkah.

Today, Hanukkiahs are available in a wide range of shapes, styles, sizes and materials. You will find them in silver, metal, glass, wood… All made by Israeli artists from Jerusalem, specialized in Judaica art.