Best Modern Menorahs 2008

Nambe Menorah by Marilyn Davidson

I was going to do a lighting roundup, when I realized that Hanukkah is right around the corner (sundown 12.21 this year) and menorahs are popping up everywhere in Manhattan. Folks need guidance! Most of the ones I've seen are not beautiful enough to make it into your home (or building lobby). Here's an updated roundup for this season. I've scoured the web and chosen the ones that I like best. I've also included some good sources below. Got your own best pick? Put it in the comments below. I've already got three good ones added from the email...

>> Rosewood Menorah by Stephanie Caplan

>> Simple Festival Menorah from Chiasso

>> Skyline Menorah from Jonathan Adler

>> Olive Branch Menorah by Michael Aram

FROM READERS:

Lillie in Los Angeles

Dear Maxwell,

I think that the Flexus menorah is ideal for Apartment Therapy folks. Not only is it simply and elegantly designed, but each of the nine candleholders can be used throughout the year as lovely individual candleholders.

(However, my personal favorite is the funky Man-orah made of galvanized steel piping!)

Happy holidays!
Lillie

Laura in Chicago

Hi there,

Saw your posting about Menorah’s and wanted to let you know about some great ones currently available at the Spertus Shop at Chicago’s Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies.

The shop stocks Chicago’s most creative selection of menorahs (with prices starting at $18); among them is Michael Aram’s new Pomegranate Menorah, which is an elegant reminder to wish for our good deeds to be as numerous as the seeds of the pomegranate, as well the Peace Menorah, which donates a portion of the proceeds to The Institute For The Study & Practice of Nonviolence.

Thanks! Laura

7934sst in Israel

חנוכיה לכל יום מעצב / יונתן בר אור

GOOD COLLECTIONS

>> The Jewish Museum has a nice big collection
>> Michael Aram
>> Modern Menorah List by Laura Sweet
>> Top 10 Menorahs - 2006

Comments (10)

Technically these are meant to be Hanukiahs. However, I think a couple of them would be considered unfit for use - the eight arms are all supposed to be at the same height, which isn't the case for at least a couple of these.

I wonder if there is something similar for those that celebrate the season of advent. I've been looking for a modern advent "wreath," something along the same lines as these beautiful menorahs.

I have the Jonathan Adler menorah above, and it's gorgeous all year round -- but yes, Noe, it is definitely for the reformed Jew, for the reason you mentioned!

I love these - What great gifts they'd make! Sure, they're over the top--- but they'd definitely make the recipient smile! I got 4 menorahs for my wedding which was towards the end of the year and they were all lame compared to these.
http://tinyurl.com/coolmenorahs

Technically speaking, the eight candles in a Hanukkah Menorah must be in a straight line. (So the last two on this list are not Hanukiahs).

The ninth (the shamash) must be slightly above, not below, the others. (So that rules out the first one as a proper Hanukiah).

They are beautiful though, and I think they are fine as ordinary Menorah (which just means "candelabrum" or "candleholder" or some such). They just aren't proper Hanukkah Menorahs, if anyone here cares to be a purist :-)

The best modern menorah can be found at www.8nights.com

Actually, ebay has some beautiful menorahs from Israel. The most creative and aesthetic are those made by Hen Holon or Dayagi and date back to the 50's. I also found a 1960's Israeli menorah, influenced by African cloth patterns, at a second hand shop for $12.00.

ModernTribe.com has modern design Judaica. View a great collection of Modern Menorahs including from Jonathan Adler and Walteria Living. http://www.ModernTribe.com is the home page.