Become a Member
Life

Why the chanukiah is the best Jewish symbol of all

Chanukah’s a fun festival, so make our menorahs sweet and stylish says interior designer Francesca Kletz

December 19, 2024 14:11
Francesca_Kletz_0821.jpg
Francesca Kletz with chanukiahs old and new (Photo: Gary Manhine)
3 min read

Every Jewish home needs a chanukiah. Whether it’s a contemporary neon pink menorah or a classic candelabra, they bring that magical Chanukah light into our lives. Spotting a chanukiah in someone’s home is like seeing a welcome mat where the “o” has been replaced with a Magen David. You feel safe knowing that somewhere in this house is a stash of chicken schmaltz and an old copy of Tevye the Milkman.

The chanukiah is a symbol of Jewish strength and resistance, displayed proudly on a windowsill sharing the miracle of Chanukah with the world. The classic chanukiah is representative of the shield of our ancestors, but from a design perspective it isn’t very fun. Now though, that’s changed.

Chanukah is a children’s holiday (or, since the 19th century, has been excellently marketed as such) and I want my Chanukah accessories to reflect that. It would give those Maccabees great naches that we celebrate their triumph with the joy they felt on that eighth night of longlasting oil. What would give me more joy? Kitsch, colourful and playfully designed Judaica.

The first time I ever saw colourful, contemporary chanukiahs was, of course, in Tel Aviv – pomegranates and flowers hand-painted on an elaborately decorative backdrop or painterly images of Jerusalem. I love this typically Israeli style of Judaica. It reminds me of fragrant walks through Shuk HaCarmel, late dinners in Neve Tzedek, sahlab in Jaffa by the sea and bakery windows full of sufganiyot. Seeing these pieces on trips to Israel instigated in me the foundations of my love for design and an understanding that good design can be joyful as well as functional.

Topics:

Chanukah