What ​a 17th century menorah from Italy has to do with the Ministry of Education in Jerusalem? This Hanukkah lamp is made of cast brass and in a similar manner to other lamps of its Era. The back of this Menorah is designed as the facade of an Italian Palazzo with a tower in the middle. This design is reminiscing of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence - the city's town hall. Both have a tall tower and shooting slits. Four holes in the back panel tells as that there used to be two side panels as well. The Palazzo Vecchio is a very impressive building but it isn't isn't very unusual. Sienna and Ferrara also have similar buildings from around the same time. 

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The 19th century experienced a revival of the late Gothic - Early Renaissance style and buildings copping this style were built everywhere and in Israel as well. One of these building is the former Italian Hospital that today serves the Ministry of Education. Like in the Palazzo Vecchio and our menorah, it too has a tall tower and decorations similar in style.