Winter holidays likeHanukkahare all about tradition. Some families play dreidel, others enjoy a handful of chocolate gelt, and most light the Hanukkah candles, which burn throughout the night in a menorah. This year, we’re making a case for modern menorahs that take the traditional design—often a metalcandelabrawith curved arms atop a skinny base—to the next level. After all, the only requirement when it comes to menorah design is that it features nine slots—eight for the eight nights ofHanukkahand one for the shamash, the "helper" candle used to light the rest—so why not get a little carried away this year?
From a solid Carrera marble menorah that’s featured in Philadelphia’sWeitzman National Museum of American Jewish History’s permanent collection to a blackened cast iron alternative, there are a lot of funky options on the market. In fact, some are so cool, you may be tempted to leave them out all year long.
Cleanupis perhaps the only thing to consider when picking out a new menorah because there is no task more tedious than scraping melted candle wax off in the morning just to do it all again for a full week. Luckily, we’ve rounded up our favorite modernmenorahsthat are extra stylish and even easier to clean. Plus, our well-researched list includes beautiful options at every price point. That said, menorahs are designed to last (and be passed down), so if you’re going toinvest in somethingspecial, a modern menorah should be at the top of your list.
Any menorah—modern or not—has nine candles, eight of which represent the eight nights of Hanukkah and one with which to light them. A "modern" menorah refers to the design rather than the function.
When is Hanukkah this year?
This year, Hanukkah starts on December 19, 2022. Hanukkah falls on a different day each year because it follows the lunar calendar rather than the solar.
Why trust us?
Jessica ChernerisHouse Beautiful's Associate Shopping Editor and she has collected quite a few menorahs over the years. Some have been passed down and others have been splurge-worthy purchases. In any case, she knows a thing or two about stylish menorahs that make for a festive holiday.
JESSICA CHERNERJessica Cherner is House Beautiful’s associate shopping editor and knows where to find the best high-low pieces for any room.