Handmade Hanukkah Menorah constructed from rolled slabs of clay
Clay body can be white or dark stoneware
Size approximately 12" long x 2.5" wide x 2" high
Glazed with varying colors and surface shine
Fired at cone 6 or cone 10 temperatures

Both modernity an antiquity come live in this simple menorah design. The materials and techniques are as ancient as human clay work, dating back to the late Paleolithic period. Yet the design is clean and voided of ornament, one slab of stoneware, rolled into variety of shapes where a straight line of holes for candles are drilled to create a beautiful, steady and contemporary menorah. Finished with high or low fire glazes in combinations of unexpected results, I created an object of ceremony that can change with use. Using standard Hanukkah candles work, but its best to use white handmade candles, they are a little thicker and softer at the bottom so that a simple twist and push of the candle keeps it in place. Once the candles burn out, the remaining wax falls to the bottom of the menorah and can be washed off with hot water from the tap.

Hanukkah is a holiday commemorating the re-dedication of the Holy Temple following the Maccabean Revolt around 165 BC. It is also known as the Festival of Lights or the Feast of Dedication ordered by Judas Maccabeus to celebrate the defeat of Antiochus Epiphanes and the liberation of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah begins on the evening of the 25th of Kislev and continues for eight days. For observant Jews it is obligatory to light candles in Hanukkah, it counts as a mitzvah. The custom is to light one candle on the first night and an additional candle every night for eight nights.

Menorahs comes in many shapes and types. Made of precious to simple metals, to glass and clay and many materials in between. In the Holy Temple olive oil was used to light the menorah, and thus while any type of oil is acceptable for use in the menorah, it is best to use olive oil. Wax candles are also acceptable, providing they have a single wick. The Menorah should have all the candles on the same level, none higher or lower than the others, with the exception of the shamash which is used to light the other candles. Otherwise, there are no real restrictions on the design of the menorah.