Modern Menorah Matchmaker
Meaning “lamp” in Hebrew, the menorah is one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish people. The eight- or nine-branched menorah is popularly used during Hanukkah, and design options abound to find your perfect menorah fit.
Bullseye | JONATHAN ADLER
This chunky Carrara marble menorah could double as a sculpture on a well-curated bookshelf. Designed by Jonathan Adler, it’s no surprise that one could envision a version of it built from clay, harkening back to Adler’s roots in pottery. Designed to be shown off year-round, this substantial menorah is not going anywhere when Hanukkah is over.
Cast Iron | AREAWARE
This impressively heavy, solid, cast-iron menorah could double as a free weight if you want to exercise after eating too many latkes. All jokes aside, Areaware’s design is simple but packs quite a geometric punch. The design judges obviously agree—it earned the Chicago Good Design Award in 2011. And for the practical types, it incorporates a tray to catch any wayward melted wax.
Nosh | MODERN MENSCH
You might think this playful menorah is modeled on macaroni, but you’d be wrong. It’s inspired by something even better—a bagel. Dreamed up by Modern Mensch (mensch being a Yiddish word meaning a person of integrity), the Nosh menorah boldly announces its presence in highly polished plated metal.
Origami | ARMADILLO JUDAICA LOVERS
This geometric statement piece translates the art of origami into bold, white ceramic. The accordion folds are a throwback to elementary-school parties with cheese balls and apple juice, and having this menorah on the table will enchant adults and children alike.
Antique Copper | RITE LITE
If you’ve been looking for a more modern menorah but aren’t ready to get your hair wet in the avant-garde swimming pool, this version with an antique copper finish from Rite Lite is a good compromise. With a more traditional shape and style, it will remind you of your childhood while also managing to look streamlined in all its aluminum glory.
Trace | VIA MARIS
The Trace menorah takes a classic shape and reimagines it in a modern silhouette of steel. It also makes use of a technique called swaging, which widens the opening of a tube. After swaging, each opening fits a candle perfectly. And the removable cups make cleaning out wax a dream.
Walnut and Brass | MARMOL RADZINER
This minimal beauty designed by Marmol Radziner proves that a menorah does not need any fancy details to be gorgeous when it’s made of quality materials. The warmth of walnut and the glow of brass make it an ideal low-profile statement piece.