Celebrating Chanukah With A Traditional Menorah: Check Out Antique Malls

Celebrating Chanukah With A Traditional Menorah

With Chanukah approaching it's time to start thinking about the holiday decorations. Antique stores are a great place to find vintage holiday decorations and Jewish ceremonial objects such as the traditional Menorah used to commemorate the eight days of Chanukah. Many older Menorahs you will find are imported from Israel.

Chanukah Menorahs have nine candle holders. The tallest candle branch is called the "shamash" "helper" or "servant" and is the candle used to light the other candles. The Menorah, like the Star of David is a traditional symbol of Judaism. In older Menorahs, the "shamash" holder is generally in the center of the Menorah. More contemporary Menorahs distinguish the "shamash" in a variety of ways, not always in the center.

You will find Menorahs made of metals, silver, ceramic and glass. Inexpensive common Menorahs are generally made of brass. While many of the newer Menorahs are modern in design and costly, browsing an Antique Mall will offer you the opportunity to bring home an older classic style affordable Menorah. Browse through your local Antique group shop to find a nice Menorah. YOu can also search online at sites such as Etys.com or eBay.com.

Sources:

Older black and white photos of Chanukah are from Frugal Cafe Blog Zone
Bottom Menorah courtesy of http://curiousnewyork.blogspot.com/2010/11/origins-of-hanukkahhannukahchannukahcha.html
Menorahs shown are courtesy of eBay.com and Etsy.com.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists