Obj. ID: 39149
Sacred and Ritual Objects  Hanukkah lamp, Jerusalem, 1980

The following description was prepared by William Gross:

The festival of Chanukah is celebrated in the winter period around December and commemorates a Biblical story in which the Jews of the Land of Israel rebel against the Greek occupiers. They reclaim the desecrated Holy Temple in Jerusalem and, miraculously, the small amount of pure oil remaining is enough to keep the Temple light going for eight days. Lamps with eight burners are lit during this holiday, both in the synagogue and at home. Through the centuries, such lamps have taken a wide variety of forms.

 This elegant object is a contemporary design for a Chanukah menorah by Ya’akov Greenvourcel.  This artist is a graduate of Bezalel School in Jerusalem and this design was his award-winning creation while still a student in 1980.  His clean, contemporary style combined with his attention to the utility of the objects in accordance with Jewish Law sets him at the forefront of modern Judaica. The modular design of this menorah allows it to be arranged in many different forms and combinations. It was produced in both brass and in limited edition silver.