Happy last day of Chanuka.
This unusual chanukiya in Hechal Shlomo museum shouted to me: "Take my picture for RuneE's 'Bench on Friday' meme!"
Apparently BENCH form Chanuka lamps have been made since the Middle Ages, in Europe and other places. .
Not on the one shown above, but on some, the bench form provided a place for the Chanuka lights on the “seat” level, while the “arms” supported two candle-holders. One could be used as the shamash (servant), while both together functioned as candle-holders for the one or sometimes two Sabbaths of Chanuka week.
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Sorry, but I don't have the provenance of this particular chanukiya.
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Shabbat shalom & chag sameach.
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Before reading your commentary, I thought it was a uniquely carved bench for people; was surprised to learn that it was actually a bench for the Chanukah lamps. How does it work, Dina? Do you have a picture of it with the lamps sitting on it?
ReplyDeleteIf I have understood this right; The lamps are to sit on/in this bench? I feel it wouldn't fit any of us, exquisite though it is.
ReplyDeleteThis is certainly a cute idea for your bench photo and appropriate for Chanuka, too.
ReplyDeleteGreat capture/concept Dina.
ReplyDeleteShabbat Shalom, Happy Channukah &
Aloha, Friend!
Comfort Spiral
Eki and RuneE, I'm afraid I don't understand this one myself. Maybe they mean that candles were stuck in those little cups on the seat of the "bench." Maybe they put oil and wicks in the cups.
ReplyDeleteCan't find any photos of these old chanukiot in use and the info on the Web is sparse.
My photo is not great, shot through glass with reflecting going on. And you can't tell the scale. The chanukiya was about 30 cm long.
Thanks Kay and Cloudia, you two Hawaiians!
Excellent choice, Dina. We've been enjoying the different chanuka lamps you've been showing us.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat find! I like benches of all kinds.Yours is definitely unique! Happy Hanuka a little late. . .
ReplyDelete