A Modern Menorah Will Make Your Hanukkah Tablescape

Whether your Hanukkah plans are steeped in tradition or simplified to latke-making and candle-lighting, chances are you’ll want a modern menorah. Sure, the heirloom your grandparents thoughtfully handed down to you is special, but it’s probably not your aesthetic. And there are so many cool, contemporary versions available now that allow you to light eight nights of candles in your own style.

From Susan Alexandra’s fused glass watermelon menorah to Hannah Polskin’s squiggly menorah sculpture to L’Objet’s geometric brass menorah, these new menorahs won’t only punch up the festival of lights—they’ll also double as home decor year-round. This year, Hanukkah starts on Sunday December 18, so make sure to invest in a fashion-forward menorah before the fun begins.

Originally designed for Areaware, Josh Owen’s solid cast-iron menorah became an instant classic for those in search of a modern menorah. Since its release, it’s been added to the permanent collections of the Memorial Art Gallery, the National Museum of American Jewish History, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

A distinct departure from the classic gold-plated or brass menorah, the Via Maris Trace menorah is made with powder-coated steel. The brand aims to redesign Judaica for the 21st century using a pared-down approach and largely industrial materials. Though it launched just two years ago, its pieces can already be found at the Jewish Museum Shop, Food52, West Elm, and Modern Tribe.

This modern acrylic menorah by Apeloig replaces traditional beeswax candles with oil cup candles for an unexpected twist. The modular construction allows you to place the shamash in the center or on the left—whichever you prefer. And the entire piece can be used year-round as a vase for fresh florals.

This hand-cut, semicircular marble menorah shines brightly with brass accents and carved candle holders. Without candles, it looks like a sculpture that would fit right into a neutral, minimalist home.

Justina Blakeney brings her signature boho touch to the Hanukkah tablescape with this beautiful and affordable bird-shaped centerpiece. When you’re not using it for the holiday, try putting the gilded dove to work as a paperweight or sculptural centerpiece.

Inspired by the most famous Jewish food—the bagel—Modern Mensch’s Nosh menorah is made of highly polished plated metal and comes in three festive metallic finishes. Whether you opt for rose gold, brass, or chrome, it’ll serve as a striking decor piece throughout the holiday and beyond.

Designed by Brad Ascalon, this sleek menorah is made of solid Carrara marble. Its diagonal plane isn’t just chic—it’s also symbolic, intentionally angled at 18 degrees, a holy number in Judaism that represents chai, which means “life” in Hebrew.

For an industrial menorah, look to this utilitarian white oak wood and steel number. Crafted by Alabama Sawyer, a Birmingham-based furniture maker, it brings materials not often associated with menorahs to the Hanukkah table.

Another wood menorah with a very different vibe, this stately acacia piece is produced in a Fair Trade Certified facility in India and finished with brass. The slightly deco, architectural shape will make it a distinguished addition to the Hanukkah table. 

With a traditional silhouette but a decidedly avant-garde anodized metal finish, this menorah will add a sense of whimsy to all eight nights. For cool tones, go for the blue and purple colorway. Or make a statement with the full rainbow.

Via Maris collaborated with French American glassware designer Sophie Lou Jacobsen on this playful borosilicate glass number that comes aglow when oil candles are lit within it. The smoke version offers a minimalist vibe, while the amber and rose variety will bring warm, inviting hues to any table.

In recent years, Brooklyn-based jewelry and handbag designer Susan Alexandra has expanded into home-wares and pet accessories. Now, she’s entered the Judaica space, and her bright, fruit-forward creations are more than welcome here—especially this fused glass watermelon menorah that helps us forget winter is coming.

An abstract, geometric take on the classic brass iteration, L’Objet’s Rova menorah is inspired by the maze of streets in the Old City of Jerusalem. With a sturdy gris-marble base, this menorah is bound to become a family heirloom.

Judaica Standard Time partnered with Ariela Nomi Kuh, the Camden, Maine–based artist behind ANK Ceramics, to create this short-scale menorah made of mid-fire stoneware and special glazes. It’s far too beautiful and artlike to be tucked away in a cupboard all year—it deserves full-time display.

Justina Blakeney is at it again with another boho hit, but this time, it’s a carved clay terra-cotta menorah that will provide all the organic texture you’re looking for on the Hanukkah table. The best part? It’s available at an extremely budget-friendly price point.

If you’re willing to splurge on a menorah, consider this marble and resin composite sculpture by Los Angeles–based multidisciplinary artist Hannah Polskin. It features brass candle cups for use during the holiday, but its squiggly shape is begging to be exhibited 365 days a year.