In recent years, the menorah has become a universal symbol of religious freedom and the power of even a small light to illuminate the darkest of nights. But what does it take for a series of candles to actually be considered a menorah? It turns out that after meeting a few basic requirements, not very much. The flames (no lightbulbs, please!) must be arranged in a straight line and at the same height (save for the “shamash” used to light the eight candles), the flames must burn for at least half an hour after nightfall, and the menorah itself must be no taller than 32 or so feet. Beyond that, though, menorahs can be as beautiful and diverse as the communities that make them. We’ve looked around the world and gathered fifteen of the wildest menorahs we could find!
1. The Surfboard Menorah That Caught Some Epic Waves at Bondi
This menorah made out of surfboards was kindled on Sydney's Bondi Beach.
2. The Menorah That Turned the Ice of Winter into a Source of Warmth
This ice menorah was carved on the Cornell campus in Ithaca, NY.
3. The Menorah That Kept the Light of Day Shining, Deep into the Night
Each bulb is solar-powered in this unique menorah erected in Woodstock, NY. Though the electric menorah wasn’t kosher for the mitzvah, it shed a little light in the hamlet that brought us “Days of Peace and Music.”
4. The Menorah Made of Oily Treats to Remind Us of the Oil that Burned for Eight Days in the Holy Temple . . .
Or at least made us seriously question our diets.
5. The Menorah that Just Makes Us Hungry
It’s made of chocolate!
6. The Menorah that Reminds Us that Chanukah Gelt Doesn’t Just Mean Chocolate Coins
Chanukah gelt gives children the chance to learn how to best use their money . . . including sharing with others the good things that come to us.
7. The Ultimate Frat Menorah
Made at the University of Minnesota.
8. One Of The World’s First Giant Menorahs
This giant menorah was erected by Rolling Stones promoter Bill Graham in S. Francisco’s Union Square. Among those pictured are Rabbi Chaim Drizin (second from the left) and beatnik author Herbert Gold (center).
9. The Menorah That Stands for Religious Freedom for All
During the Chanukah story, the Maccabees stood up against tyranny to defend their right to worship in the tradition of their fathers. Today the National Menorah in Washington, D.C., stands as a majestic reminder of the freedom that America fosters.
10. The World’s Largest Menorah
Jewish law sets a limit for the maximum height of the menorah at 32 feet—any higher, and people are likely not to look up and see it. This giant menorah lit every year in Manhattan was designed by famed Israeli artist Yaakov Agam.
11. The Tiki Torch Menorah in Hawaii
Who said that it has to snow on Chanukah?
12. The Oh-So-French Menorah
Kindled each year in front of the Eiffel Tower, this special menorah has been a Parisian tradition since 1989.
13. The Menorah That Never Forgets
The Syrian-Greeks famously used elephants in battle against the Maccabees. This pachyderm tromps around Thailand bearing testimony to the victory of light over might.
14. The Great Wall of China Menorah
Jews first came to China sometime during the Tang Dynasty, in the 7th century. This menorah, however, is probably a first.
15. The Menorah That Defied the Nazis
This menorah, photographed the winter of 1931 in Kiel, Germany, survived the war and reminds us of our continued resilience despite all oppression.
16. The Menorah That Brought Light in a Community’s Darkest Hour
Just weeks after terror attacks in Mumbai, India, killed more than 170 people, among them Chabad representatives Rabbi Gabi and Rivka Holtzberg and four of their guests, Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg, father of Rivka, lit the menorah at Mumbai’s Gateway to India.
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