God commanded the creation of the seven-branched candelabra to Moses during the Israelites sojourn in the desert. The menorah was made of pure gold to be used in the tabernacle in the wilderness and later in the Temple in Jerusalem.
The priests used consecrated olive oil to light the menorah every evening. Today the menorah remains an enduring symbol of the Jewish people. The emblem of the menorah is on the coat of arms of the modern state of Israel.
The seat of the Israeli government, the Knesset, has a beautiful bronze menorah over four meters high and 3 meters wide opposite its front doors. The Menorah was presented to the Jewish people as a gift from the Parliament of the United Kingdom in 1965 in honor of Israel’s eighth anniversary of independence.
Karshi has recreated (on a much smaller scale) this meaningful menorah, including the imagery on the branches that depict events from Jewish history from Biblical times until the establishment of the modern State of Israel.
This fully functional menorah is perfect for anyone who loves Israel and shares the joy of the restoration of the land of Israel.
- Copper
- 22 x 17 cm / 8.66 x 6.69 inches
Copper Knesset Menorah
Naftali Karshi established Karshi Judaica after he arrived in the fledgling State of Israel in 1955. When Naftali arrived, he settled in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Mamilla in front of the Old City walls. Mamilla was a dangerous neighborhood at that time as it was right next to the border controlled by Jordan!
Naftali began studying goldsmithing in Jerusalem and the exceptional craftsmanship needed to make his beautiful Judaica. His small business developed a reputation for the highest quality handmade items. Naftali drew his inspiration from the Land of Israel and his family’s strong ties to their Jewish faith.
Today the business is under the leadership of his son Uziel. After school, Uziel would spend his afternoons with his father watching and learning Naftali’s metalworking secrets and artistic style.
Uziel and his team continue to make unique Judaica in the tradition of Naftali; each piece from concept to creation is made with love, care, and concern.