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

Nine arms, and one of them stands higher than the others. Anyone who sees this has not a Menorah in front of them, but a Hanukkiah — and the raised arm is the reason why one should not confuse the two.

At a glance

• Hanukkiah made of 925 sterling silver, nine sockets
• 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, topped with a flame
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — manufacture since 1948

Why nine and not seven

The Menorah has seven arms. It stood in the Temple, it is featured in the state emblem of Israel, and since the destruction of the Temple, its reproduction is considered impermissible.

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

The ninth is the Shamash, literally the "servant." It is used to light the others, because the eight lights themselves are meant to be looked at and not used. Because it does not count among them, it is positioned separately — on this piece, raised on the central shaft and topped with a silver flame.

You can see it in a second just by looking at the picture: eight sockets in a line, one above them. Anyone familiar with this arrangement will never again confuse a Menorah with a Hanukkiah.

The design

The eight arms extend from the shaft in concentric arches — each arch slightly wider than the one below, so that all sockets end at exactly the same height. This is not for decoration, but a requirement: the eight lights must stand side by side as equals, none higher than the other.

The arms are structured with small leaf collars that rhythmically accentuate the arch. The shaft features a chased baluster vase, and the round base is adorned with dense scrolling foliage and four flared volute feet. With approximately 3.25 kg of silver, the piece stands securely even when all nine candles are burning.

Where to place it

Hanukkah is associated with a custom that dictates its placement: Pirsumei Nisa, the publicizing of the miracle. The lights are intended to be visible from the outside — traditionally in the window or near the door. Thus, a Hanukkiah is not a piece for the middle of a table, but for a windowsill or a console table by a window.

With a width of approx. 50 cm, it requires real space. Those with a narrower windowsill should take a look at 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, sturdy shaft with acanthus
• Small, approx. 65 × 43 cm — the same design one size smaller
• Mini Signature, approx. 68 × 42 cm — slimmer shaft, arms attached lower
• Square, approx. 69 cm — square instead of round base

The choice is rarely about height, but rather about width and the base: a round base looks calmer on a windowsill, while a square one echoes the lines of the window frame.

The other eleven months

Hanukkah lasts eight evenings. What happens afterward? A piece of this size is not put away — it does not fit into a standard cupboard shelf and would be wasted there. Most people leave it out: on a console table, a sideboard, or in a display cabinet with a high shelf.

It is certainly worthy of it. A chased silver work measuring 76 cm is an object, not just a tool — the concentric arches create an image that stands on its own, regardless of whether or not there are candles in it.

Candles and use

The sockets accommodate standard-sized taper candles. Anyone wishing to use oil instead can obtain glass inserts from specialized retailers that fit into the sockets — the most common solution if you prefer to use oil.

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

Engraving

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

Care

By hand with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. No dishwasher. The arches are best reached with a narrow cloth, the chasing on the base with a soft brush. The darker depth should be left in the recesses — it gives the ornament its three-dimensional quality. More information can be found in our guide on the care of silver cutlery and silver 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 is the Shamash, the "servant." It is used to light the eight candles, and because it does not count among them, it is positioned separately.

Which candles fit?

Standard-sized taper candles. For oil, there are glass inserts available from specialist retailers that fit into the sockets.

Is it available in a smaller size?

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

Is it kosher?

We sell silver items and describe their use — we cannot provide rulings on religious law. Please contact your community regarding questions about ritual suitability.

Does it come in a gift box?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacturer.

You might also be interested in

Further ritual objects in the Judaica in 925 silver category, and the entire line under Signature by Zaramella. What connects Hanukkah to the other festivals of the year can be found in the article Silver at the Jewish Table.