Antique Polish Folk Art Solid Brass Hanukkah Menorah Judaica Baal Shem Tov

Details

Description

The backplate is featuring two birds, menorah, two-headed eagle and a crown. There are also two Lions of Judah in … Read more The backplate is featuring two birds, menorah, two-headed eagle and a crown. There are also two Lions of Judah in the center surrounded by open scrollwork and two columns. The side panels are fitted with two servant lights, fronted by a row of eight candle holders. Scholars theorize that these Polish Chanukah lamps that bear two servant lights (as opposed to the singular servant light normally found on a Chanukah Lamp), served a purpose, having been used on one of the days that Chanukah fell on the Sabbath, as Sabbath candlesticks. For another example, see page 298 of the book “Five Centuries of Hanukkah Lamps from The Jewish Museum: A Catalogue Raisonné”.

Hanukkah lamps of this style were widespread in Eastern Europe, and are known as “Baal Shem Tov” Hanukkah lamps, as it has been an oral tradition amongst Chasidim that the Baal Shem Tov used a Hanukkah Lamp shaped like this. Given that Chasidic dynasties pass down objects and also copy them faithfully from generation to generation, this Menorah was very likely owned by a Chasidic Rebbe and reflected an earlier model. The repeated use of bird motifs on this lamp, though not specific to Chasidim, appears frequently on objects they use and is interpreted mystically as a symbol of the divine presence on earth, the Shechinah.

An attractive highly collectible piece. A superb Jewish, Judaica, Hebrew, Israel item. One-of-a-kind special heirloom.

Approximately 9 3/4” wide, 9” tall and 5 1/2” deep. Weights over 4 pounds unpacked.

Excellent vintage condition. See less