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Garden of Delights
It’s a long way from the simple clay oil lions rampant (see glossary sidebar). The A common explanation is that a double-
lamps of Talmudic times to this ultra- lion, of course, is the symbol of Shevet headed eagle, symbol of both the
ornate silver menorah crafted in Russia Yehudah, the tribe of Dovid Hamelech. Austro-Hungarian and Russian Empires,
in 1810. It’s thought that the form we That brings us to a connection to the Beis means the chanukiah was crafted there
are all familiar with — a “bench” for the Hamikdash — and Chanukah. and its use demonstrated the loyalty of
row of oil receptacles that is attached the empire’s Jewish subjects. A single-
to a backplate — only came into use For wealthier patrons, craftsmen might headed eagle, symbol of both Poland and
during the Middle Ages. While some were add architectural and floral elements, Germany, had a similar connotation.
meant to be attached to an outside wall as well as birds and other animals, such
to publicize the miracle, others were as are found in this menorah’s design. But that’s only a partial explanation,
designed to sit in the window, for those According to Mr. Hoffman, it has 26 because single- and double-headed
who lived on an upper floor. The latter animals and birds — corresponding to eagles appear much earlier in Jewish art,
design included a new addition: feet for the gematria of the Sheim Havayah — perhaps inspired by the saying attributed
the menorah to stand on. gathered around and above the aron to Rav Yehuda ben Teima in Pirkei Avos:
kodesh sitting in the center. There are also “Be bold as a leopard, light as an eagle,
Chanukah menorahs shaped liked a a few creatures you won’t find in a zoo — swift as a gazelle, and mighty as a lion to
candelabrum also appeared during the at least not one in this world. Perched do the will of your Father in Heaven.”
Middle Ages, but it’s thought this style upon the two columns are griffins, winged
was reserved for synagogue use. It was creatures that are part eagle and part According to Jerusalem’s U. Nahon
also during this time that Ashkenazim lion. It’s unclear why griffins became so Museum of Italian Jewish Art, which has
began to incorporate the shamash into popular in Eastern European Jewish art, a similar menorah in its collection, the
the design, while Sephardim retained the but they can be found decorating Jewish two lampposts and trees recall elements
custom of keeping the shamash separate. manuscripts, synagogue walls, and paper- found in a formal European garden. That’s
cuts, as well as menorahs, until their certainly the case with Mr. Hoffman’s
The concept of beautifying the popularity waned in the 19th century. menorah, where the lampposts suggest
mitzvah was enthusiastically applied Some scholars believe griffins were meant an entry point to a “garden” filled with
to the Chanukah menorah, with the to represent the cheruvim, but it’s far from birds and trees and vines. Vines were
seven-branched menorah found in the a unanimous opinion. often used in Jewish art to represent the
Beis Hamikdash being one of the most Tree of Life, Jerusalem, and Torah, giving
popular decorative motifs. The seven- The double-headed eagle sitting at the this menorah yet another layer of rich
branched menorah is often flanked by very top is also open to interpretation. symbolism.
160 MISHPACHA 22 Cheshvan 5781039 | Novembe
