Hanukkah is around the corner

Non-profit shop in Woodbridge has selection of menorahs for year-round and holiday use

WOODBRIDGE- With the revival of handcrafted ritual art, many people of the Jewish faith choose to display the menorah all year long and The Judaica Shop at Congregation B’nai Jacob has a selection of menorahs that bring elegance into any room and are meant to be displayed year-round, officials said in a statement.

"Jews seek out creative and beautiful menorahs because they derive satisfaction from the fulfillment of hiddur mitzvah — the idea of making a mitzvah even more beautiful and special. By taking ritual objects and artistically embellishing them, as Bezalel did in building the Tabernacle in the Bible, we not only fulfill the mitzvah, but also grace the entire act of the mitzvah with beauty," the statement said.

"Because of the quality, creativity, and originality now being incorporated in Jewish ritual objects such as the menorah, Jews are buying them to decorate their homes and teach their children about their heritage."

Michael Aram’s uniquely designed menorah, shown, features two side-by-side branches holding all nine pomegranate-shaped candleholders, the statement said.

"According to Jewish tradition, the pomegranate has 613 seeds, equal to the number of commandments in the Torah and is symbolic of prosperity and fruitfulness," the statement said.

Aram is an internationally renowned metalware designer who lovingly makes Judaica using age-old traditional techniques and imbues them with the soul and energy of the hand of the maker, the statement said.

His work is sold in galleries and specialty stores worldwide.

The Dove Menorah by Lunares, also shown, "exudes a regal elegance. Its luster of gold or silver against the glowing candles is beautiful and inspiring.

The dove rises from the center of the menorah symbolizing a wish for peace," the statement said.

The Oceana Menorah by Quest, also shown, is "reminiscent of a flowing coral reef covered with glistening bubbles. Cast in fine brass, each piece is plated in sterling silver or gold. With care and skill, this exquisite menorah is then hand painted using rich colored enamel, giving an individual depth of color and unmatched luster."

Available in several different colorways (blue, brown, or

purple), the menorah is sure to be cherished for years to come, the statement said.

The Judaica Shop, located at Congregation B’nai Jacob, 75 Rimmon Road, is a non-profit service of the synagogue.

The shop is open to the community either by appointment (call 203-389-2111) or during its regular hours: Sun. 9:30 a.m.-12:30p.m.; Tues. 10a.m.-2p.m.; Wed. 3:30-5 p.m.; Thurs. noon-2 p.m.; Fri. 10 a.m.-noon.

Also, The Judaica Shop offers modern versions of menorahs that are eco-friendly, as shown.

"In lighting the eight-branched menorah used to symbolize the miracle of one day’s worth of oil lasting for eight days in Jerusalem’s Holy Temple, Hanukkah also provides an opportunity to reflect on environmental concerns and energy conservation through one’s choice of menorah," a statement said.

Hanukkah is early this year. First candlelighting is Wednesday night, Dec. 1.

Editor's note: The information in this post was provided.