Candelabras
Lighting Shabbat candles is a mitzvah. The lighting of the candles ushers in the Sabbath and creates a spirit of peace and harmony in the house, or Shalom Bayit. Traditionally two Shabbat candles are lit representing the two commandments to remember (zakhor) and to observe (shamor.) It has become a tradition in many communities to add an additional candle for every child that is born into the family. Thus many families opt for silver candelabra over candlesticks. To accommodate this tradition, Jewish candelabra can be found with up to 11 or 12 branches.
The original Jewish candelabra was the solid gold seven branched menorah house in the temple in Jerusalem. Many of the candelabra used for Shabbat are silver candelabra and are typically circular in shape. The typical candelabra have five or more branches. Jewish candelabra have become the focal point of many silversmiths. By creating intricate patterns and designs, and by angling branches they are able to optimise the light produced by these silver candelabra. The craftsmen strive and compete to create the most beautiful silver candelabra possible.
Jewish candelabra make great heirlooms and are often passed down from generation to generation. Silver candelabra convey a certain level of sophistication and class and can make any room look like a masterpiece. At World of Judaica we offer a wide variety of traditional, modern, contemporary and elegant designs. Each of our silver candelabra range from 5 to 11 branches to meet the needs of your family. We offer silver, nickel, pewter and sterling candelabra to better fit your personal style and budget. Our expert artisan crafted silver candelabra make wonderful wedding and house warming gifts.
Many of our Shabbat candelabra are customizable and can be created with as many branches as needed by your family. Pleases contact our Customer Support Team for pricing on these items as well as with any other questions you may have.
Candelabras Guide
Candelabras is the traditional term for a set of multiple candlesticks, typically decorative in nature, each of which holds a candle on each of multiple branches or arms connected to a column or pedestal. Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest which takes place on the seventh day, it is tradition to light candles on Shabbat, and many Jewish families do so using a Candelabras.
History of Jewish Candelabras
The original Jewish candelabras was the solid gold, seven branched menorah housed in the temple in Jerusalem. There has been a recreation made of the menorah, and it is on display in the Jewish quarter of the old city of Jerusalem. Today the most easily recognisable Jewish candelabras is the Hanukkah Menorah. Round Candelabra are widely used throughout Jewish communities for use on Shabbat as well as other Jewish holidays.
Number of Branches
Shabbat Candelabras vary in number of branches from family to family. Traditionally two candles are lit on Shabbat, representing the two commandments to remember (zakhor) and to observe (shamor.) It has become a tradition in many Jewish communities to add an additional candle for every child that is born into the family. Though a typical Candelabras will have 5 arms, or branches, you can often find Jewish Candelabras with as many as 12 branches to facilitate this custom.
The Hanukkah Candelabra, or Menorah, is typically flat and has 9 branches, 8 for each day of the festival and a 9th branch called the Shamash, which is used to light each candle.
Decoration
Jewish candelabra have become the focal point of many silversmiths. Typically circular in design, these candelabras range from the very simple to extremely ornate. Master Silversmiths use the combination of details within designs with the angling of braches to optimise the light produced by these silver candelabra. Candelabras go through an extensive process of design, prototype creation and real life application in the silversmith workshop. Many feature floral patterns and diamond shapes created through the silversmithing processes of repousse and chasing. Repousse is a technique in which malleable metal is ornamented or shaped by hammering from the reverse side to create a design in low relief. Chasing is the opposite technique to repoussé, and the two are used in conjunction to create a finished piece. It is also known as embossing. Other Techniques use to decorate Candelabras include square diamond polishing. In this technique, precious metals are moulded to create pieces with diamond like qualities.
For More Information
For more information on Candelabras, Candlesticks, and Menorahs, contact our Judaica Experts.
