Hanukiah colored candlesticks- Hammered metal

What is the symbolism of Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is the eight-day Jewish winter « Festival of Lights » celebrated with nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and the preparation of fried foods.

The Hebrew word Hanukkah means « dedication » and is so named because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple. Hanukkah begins on the eve of 25 Kislev and continues for eight days. On the civil calendar, it usually coincides with the month of December.

At the heart of the Hanukkah holiday is the nightly lighting of the menorah. The menorah contains nine flames, one of which is the shamash (« attendant »), which is used to light the other eight lights. On the first night, we light only one flame. On the second night, an additional flame is lit. On the eighth night of Hanukkah, all eight lights are lit. Special blessings are recited, often to a traditional melody, before the menorah is lit, and traditional songs are sung afterwards.

Today, hanukiahs 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.