The nine-candle candelabra known as a menorah is the centerpiece of the Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah. It commemorates the miracle that occurred thousands of years ago when one flask of oil lasted eight days.
A silver menorah is a beautiful addition to any home. This is especially true when it is cleaned properly.
Symbolism
The menorah is a seven-branched candelabrum that is lit during the Hanukkah holiday to commemorate the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the Temple during the Maccabees’ revolt. It is one of the oldest symbols of Judaism and is a symbol of faith, resilience, and family. It is even featured on the official emblem of the State of Israel.
There are many different types of silver menorah, but a popular choice is the curved-arm style with intricate filigree designs and a middle shamash that can be removed. It also features a hexagonal base that adds extra dimension and detail.
Another type of menorah is a nine-branched hanukkiyah, which is used during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The hanukkiyah is a symbolic reminder of the Jewish people’s return to the land of Israel after their exile from Europe. It is also a reminder of the importance of sharing miracles with family and friends.
History
A silver menorah, especially one wrought by skilled artisans, can carry a family history of generations. It is a symbol of Jewish continuity and a reminder of the miracle that occurred during Hanukkah. It is also a beautiful gift to give to a Bar or Bat Mitzvah student.
A small, footed silver Austrian menorah from this era is highly desirable, as are finely chased peacocks and rampant lions. Polish brass menorahs embellished with crests and noble animals are also very popular.
Some modern Western artists recast vintage favorites with Hebrew inscriptions, embossed Biblical scenes or popular motifs. Others create intriguing menorahs from crystal, acrylic or freeform molten silver. And some, like the Leidman-Golub menorah from North Carolina, combine a range of styles to tell a family’s rich history. The gnarled fingers of Helen gently caressed the smooth lines as she looked at the menorah. She thought of her mother, Rochel, a Lithuanian immigrant who left the old country for South Africa and then immigrated to Israel with her daughter.
Cleanliness
It is customary to light eight candles on the Hanukkah menorah each night, along with a separate candle known as the “shamash.” While lighting the candles each night, you will probably need to clean your menorah periodically. The best way to do this is by placing the entire menorah in a pot of boiling water or submerging it in hot, but not super hot, water. This will melt the wax and make it easy to wipe off the sides of your menorah.
You can also try using a metal polish liquid designed for brass items or a silver cream polish to remove stains from your menorah. Be careful not to use any harsh chemicals that can damage your metal.
Another option is to invest in a reusable menorah drip shield, available at Judaica Web Store, which will help keep your wax candle from dripping. This method is especially useful if your unique menorah has little wells for the candles that are hard to reach with a non-stick spray or your fingernail.
Maintenance
If you have a traditional silver menorah, you may want to place it in a protective box when it is not being used. This will help to prevent tarnish and keep it looking shiny. A box will also help to protect your Menorah from scratches and dents.
If a large amount of wax has accumulated on your menorah, there are several ways to remove it without damaging the metal. One way is to place it in the freezer and allow the wax to melt off. This method is quick and easy. You can also use non-stick cooking spray or vegetable oil to remove the wax from your menorah.
A sterling silver menorah can be an elegant addition to any home and represents a connection to our Jewish history. Choose a unique piece that you can pass down to future generations and enjoy for years to come. We have a wide variety of styles and designs to choose from, including modern and traditional menorahs made in Israel by artisans who learned their craft from Eastern European emigres.