As you can see, our collections hold Menorahs that were made of pre - existing objects, or that were modified to better fit it's new owners. but some menorahs were made for this purposes and their decoration has a meaning. this Menorah is different both in its technique and its iconography. 

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The menorah is made in a technique known as Filigree - bending thin silver wires into different shapes. together they are made into a delicate lattice work that resembles lace. This lace like work was place against a gilded silver plaque that further enhances it. 

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In the middle of this Menorah, we have two doors representing the doors of a Torah arc. Behind the doors are the first ten letters in the Hebrew Alphabet - representing the Ten Commandments. Above the doors we have a flying dove- representing the Shechina and salvation. 

 

Although most of this Menorah was made in filigree, some parts were made by casting, such as the urns decorated with flowers, or the oil cans in the front. in Israel Filigree  is mostly associated with the art of Yemenite jewellers and the workshop of Bezalel school in the early 20th century. But this menorah is from Eastern Europe and many similar menorahs exists. 

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