This silver hanukiah, which measures 25 centimeters in length, is made up of three layers. The front layer is made up of eight vase-like candleholders. The middle layer appears to resemble an ark, the place in the synagogue where the Torahs are kept. Two human-like lions, symbolising the cherubim which guarded the ark of the Lord, are visible on either side of this layer. A curtain-like image, resembling the curtain which is used in synagogues to cover the ark, appears on either side of the lions. The shamash or caretaker is located towards the top of the middle layer. At the top of this layer, a decorated crown is seen.
Since this section resembles a Torah ark, the crown is most-likely being used here to symbolize the "kingly" nature of the Torah. Since, however, the Chanukah festival commemorates the recapturing of the Temple from the Greeks, the crown probably also recalls that which was worn by the High Priest of the Temple. The third layer, which is visible from the "open-curtain" area of the middle section, consists of a peacock-like object. The peacock is probably used here to symbolize pride. Specifically, it recalls the pride which the Jewish people felt after defeating Antiochus, the Greek-Syrian king which controlled Judah. This nineteenth century menorah was salvaged from a burning synagogue in Germany during the Holocaust.
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