With Hanukkah right around the corner, it's time to get a handle on some attractive menorahs with a bit of a modern flair. 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 our site, 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. Also, remember that many of these picks of mine come from shops that have a number of other designs, many of which aren't half bad.
Also, hats off to new DC blogger, Susan Mitchell Blavin, who did a great post last week on Menorahs, which I include below. Enjoy!
My Top Picks for 2010
>> Cast Iron Menorah by Josh Owen for Areaware
>> Menorah by Marilyn Davidson for Nambe
>> Rosewood Menorah by Stephanie Caplan
>> Skyline Menorah from Jonathan Adler
>> Ginkgo Contemporary Oil Lamp Hanukkah Menorah
>> Olive Branch Menorah by Michael Aram
>> Sabra Menorah by Anat Basanta
>> Silver Menorah from Crate & Barrel
More Good Roundups
>> Sleek Modern Menorahs by Susan Mitchell Blavin
>> Roundup: 5 Eco-Friendly Hanukkah Menorahs
>> Out of the Ordinary Menorahs from Modern Tribe
>> The Jewish Museum has a nice big collection
>> Modern Menorah List by Laura Sweet
>> Top 10 Menorahs - 2006
>> Good Questions: Modern Menorah?
From Readers
Lillie in Los Angeles:
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!)
Laura in Chicago:
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.
7934sst in Israel
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Flatwa...
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
Found another great one - http://shop.gessato.com/to-decorate-c-17/concrete-menorah-marit-meisler-p-303
Thanks for this great & timely post. It would be appreciated if you could do a similar top-10 for mezzuzahs at some point. I had a modern mezzuzah I picked up in a design store years ago, but have never found one I liked as much (sadly it broke). I'd love to see a round-up from you & your readers. Thanks!
Beautiful menorahs! Happy Hanukkah!
Just an FYI: While these are all beautiful, not all of them are kosher.
In order to be a kosher menorah, eight of the candles must be on the same level, with the ninth (the shamash) noticeably higher or lower than the rest. One with candles on several different levels (like the one from Jonathan Adler) should not be used during the holiday. Additionally, the eight main candles have to be in a straight line, not a semi-circle.
For many people, this isn't an issue, but if you're buying a gift for a Jewish person who is orthodox or otherwise observant, it's something to keep in mind.
thanks for this post! they are beautiful menorahs. also, i love the idea of a top 10 for mezzuzahs!
Ooh, that cast iron one is pretty.
We have the walnut menorah by Niles Snyder:
http://designwatcher.blogspot.com/2009/11/walnut-menorah.html
Looks like Canoe doesn't carry them this year, though.
Great list! It's funny-- I work for the Skirball and we sell most of these menorahs in our museum store (http://www.skirball.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=176&Itemid=1). The Olive Branch Menorah by Michael Aram is beautiful and has been hugely popular.
The Areaware Cast Iron Menorah is another one of my favorites. Being a graphic designer, I really love how simple and iconic it is (but then again, that can be said for most of Josh Owen's work: http://www.joshowen.com/product/).
@lindalinda You may want to check out some of the mezuzahs that the Jewish Museum carries. They have some really great ones: http://shop.thejewishmuseum.org/jmuseum/dept.asp?s_id=0&dept_name=General+Mezuzot&dept_id=3391 - I personally love the Connection Mezuzah by Alessi for The Jewish Museum.
Beautiful menorah post! Check out our Hanuka party ideas and Hanuka sugar cookie recipe at http://thejewishhostess.com!
@SarahGoldbaum: Thanks, thanks for the links to the Jewish Museum mezzuzot collection. I've looked before, but I will check it out again. Happy Hanukkah!!