Christmas is a holiday giant, but over the years Hanukkah, the eight day Jewish festival of lights, has been steadily catching up. Artists and designers are churning out more and more inventive expressions of the holiday, major retailers are setting up Hanukkah decor sections and bloggers -- the most authoritative of cultural meter sticks -- are blogging the carp (as in the fish) out of Hanukkah gift guides. All this to say that there is gifting beyond the blue and white table cloth -- hallelujah!
On the note of gift guides, I have to say that most, if not virtually all of the beautiful, novelty, and contemporary Hanukkah style is thanks to the extensive offerings of ModernTribe.com. This online store delivers worldwide and has one of the best selections of Judaica I've ever seen.
The Most Creative Menorah Ever!
ModernTibe.com
Designed and made in Israel by Shahar Peleg, this Menorah or Hanukkiyah (the proper name for the Hanukkah candelabra) really is a kind of miracle... A chrome disk reflects a cut steel band of nine oil wick holders, which in the reflection form the traditional shape of a Hanukkiyah. SO cool! I love how it requires oil (you can use olive oil), as it is oil the ancient Hebrews burnt in temple ceremonies, and not candles.
Aleph-Taf Bookends - The Hebrew A to Z, and Pomegranate Vases/Candle Holders
Aleph-Taf Bookends, ModernTribe.com; Pomegranate vases, Spertusshop.org, also at ModernTribe.com
Not restricted to holiday gifting, the Aleph-Taf steel painted bookends (left) can be a refreshing change from their English counterparts. Hebrew characters are beautifully graphic and are wrought with ancient symbolism perfect for the mystically inclined. As for the vase/candle holders -- one word: GORGEOUS! I love these. I'm ordering some. Christmahanukwanzakah not withstanding. I will say however that the pomegranate is a much favored symbol throughout Ancient Jewish history, so these are definitely Hanukkah appropriate.
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