Chanukiah 925 Sterling Silver Signature — approx. 76 cm, nine lights

Nine arms, and one of them stands higher than the others. If you see that, you're not looking at a menorah, but a Hanukkiah — and the raised arm is why you shouldn't confuse the two.

At a Glance

• Hanukkiah made of 925 sterling silver, nine candle holders
• Height approx. 76 cm, width approx. 50 cm — the largest piece in this selection
• Silver weight approx. 3.25 kg
• Round, chased base on four volute feet
• Shamash raised on the central shaft, crowned with a flame
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — manufacturer since 1948

Why nine and not seven

The menorah has seven arms. It stood in the Temple, it stands in the state emblem of Israel, and since the destruction of the Temple, its reproduction is considered inappropriate.

This one has nine, and there's a simple reason for that: Hanukkah lasts eight nights. Each night, one more light is lit — one on the first evening, all eight on the eighth. That makes eight lights.

The ninth is the shamash, literally the "attendant." It is used to light the others, because the eight lights themselves are meant only to be observed and not used. Because it doesn't count, it is set apart — in this piece, raised on the central shaft, crowned with a silver flame.

This can be seen in a second in the picture: eight candle holders in a line, one above. Anyone who knows this arrangement will never again confuse a menorah and a Hanukkiah.

The Design

The eight arms extend from the shaft in concentric arches — each arch slightly wider than the one below it, so that all the candle holders end at exactly the same height. This is not ornamentation, but a condition: the eight lights should stand side by side as equals, none higher than the other.

The arms are articulated with small leaf cuffs that rhythmize the arch. The shaft supports a chased baluster vase, and the round base features dense scrollwork and four flared volute feet. At approx. 3.25 kg of silver, the piece stands securely even when all nine candles are burning.

Where it stands

Hanukkah includes a custom that dictates its placement: Pirsumei Nisa, the publicizing of the miracle. The lights should be visible from outside — traditionally in the window or near the door. A Hanukkiah is therefore not a piece for the center of the table, but one for the windowsill or a console by the window.

At approx. 50 cm wide, it needs real space there. If you have a narrower windowsill, consider the smaller version at approx. 43 cm or the Mini-Signature at approx. 42 cm.

The four versions compared

• this one, approx. 76 × 50 cm — the largest, round base, strong shaft with acanthus
• Small, approx. 65 × 43 cm — the same design one size smaller
• Mini Signature, approx. 68 × 42 cm — slender shaft, arms set lower
• Square, approx. 69 cm — square instead of round base

The choice rarely depends on the height, but on the width and the base: a round base looks calmer on a windowsill, a square one picks up the line of the window frame.

The remaining eleven months

Hanukkah lasts eight evenings. What then? A piece of this size is not put away — it doesn't fit into a standard cabinet compartment and would be wasted there anyway. Most people leave it out: on a console, a sideboard, in a display cabinet with a tall shelf.

It also bears that out. A chased silver piece of 76 cm is an object, not just a utensil — the concentric arches create an image that stands on its own, regardless of whether candles are in it.

Candles and Use

The candle holders accommodate standard-sized taper candles. If you prefer to use oil, you can purchase glass inserts from specialized retailers that fit into the holders — the most common solution if you want to stick with oil.

Wax on silver can be removed by briefly chilling the piece; then it can be lifted off. Never use a knife — silver is softer than steel, and every scratch will remain.

Engraving

The wide base rim can accommodate a dedication. For pieces donated to a community, it usually states the occasion with the year; in families, often just a name. We provide advance consultation on placement and size and, upon request, include a SilberVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, currently free of charge.

Care

Wash by hand with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. Do not use a dishwasher. The arches are best reached with a narrow cloth, and the chasing on the base with a soft brush. The darker depth in the recesses can be left as is — it gives the ornament a three-dimensional effect. More in the guide on the care of silver cutlery and tableware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a menorah?

No. A menorah has seven arms and is the Temple candelabrum. This piece has nine — eight lights for the eight nights and the shamash for lighting. The manufacturer's catalog calls it a "Menorah"; this is technically incorrect, which is why we call it a Hanukkiah.

Why is one arm higher?

That's the shamash, the "attendant." It is used to light the eight lights, and because it is not counted among them, it is set apart.

Which candles fit?

Standard-sized taper candles. For oil, there are glass inserts from specialized retailers that fit into the holders.

Is it available in a smaller size?

Yes — as Small at approx. 65 × 43 cm, as Mini Signature at approx. 68 × 42 cm, and as Square with a square base.

Is it kosher?

We stock silver items and describe their use — we cannot provide religious legal advice. Your community can answer questions about ritual suitability.

Is it delivered in gift packaging?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacturer.

You might also be interested in

Other ritual items in the category Judaica made of 925 silver, the entire line under Signature by Zaramella. What connects Hanukkah with the other holidays of the year is explained in the article Silver at the Jewish Table.