Page 26 - HANUKIYA
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The Menorah
Goes Modern
What menorah does Mr. Hoffman use Candelabra-style menorahs, which were once
to kindle his Chanukah lights? primarily found in synagogues, were especially
suited to the Art Deco treatment, and during
“This one,”hesays,pointingtoaphoto the 1900s the style became popular for home
of a standing menorah with squared use too.
branches. Made in Germany during
the 1920s or 1930s, the menorah is Another menorah in Mr. Hoffman’s collection
crafted in the Art Deco style. from this era is one crafted by artist Zeev
Raban for the Bezalel Workshop in Eretz
According to Britannica.com, the intention Yisrael. According to Mr. Hoffman, only three
of Art Deco was to create “a sleek and anti- other copies of this menorah exist, and he
traditional elegance that symbolized wealth knows the whereabouts of two of them. One
and sophistication.” The streamlined look is owned by the president of the
was used to create designs for everything
from clothing to home furnishings to office State of Israel. Another one is part of the
buildings. (The Empire State Building is a collection of the North Carolina Museum of
prime example.) And, of course, Chanukah Art (NCMA); in 2015 it was selected to be lit
menorahs. by then-president Barack Obama during
the White House’s annual Chanukah candle-
26 lighting ceremony.
