Page 20 - HANUKIYA
P. 20
Snake on
Board
Who would want a couple of snakes A guess — and it’s really just a guess — can be
slithering their way around the found in the story of Yosef, who was protected
Chanukah lights? Obviously, someone from the snakes and scorpions usually found
did, because this menorah has been in a pit because of his righteousness.
around since 1810. (Can you spot
them? Look at the base of the seven- According to some, we can learn a lesson
branched menorah in the design on about where to place the Chanukah menorah
the backplate.) from this incident. Because the pit was very
deep, the brothers couldn’t see the snakes
Actually, snake imagery is more common in and scorpions, so they couldn’t see the miracle
Jewish art than one might think. When the that saved Yosef’s life. Therefore, to publicize
subject is Gan Eden, it makes sense. But this the miracle, the menorah has to be placed in a
isn’t the only menorah with a snake motif, so spot where people can see it. If it’s placed too
what’s the connection between snakes and high, according to Rabbi Nathan ben Minyomi
Chanukah? in the name of Rabbi Tanhum, it’s unfit. So
perhaps the designer of this menorah had this
20 gemara in mind when he created the design,
but we’ll probably never know for sure.
