Your Hanukkah Essentials Buying Guide
Hanukkah 2024 will begin at sundown on Wednesday, December 25, as Jews around the world will light the first candle on their menorahs to begin the holiday. In addition to lighting a menorah, there are several other items that make Hanukkah celebrations even more festive.
If you want those eight nights to be extra special, purchasing your Hanukkah essentials from the Land of Israel is the way to go. As always we're bringing you the best picks from local Israeli artists who draw their inspiration from Jewish tradition and the Holy Land.
Shopping early ensures you receive everything you need in time for the holiday season. From Judaica to gifts, we've rounded up the essentials you need to celebrate Hanukkah 2024:
Hanukkah Menorahs
Hanukkah menorahs, sometimes also called hanukkiahs or hanukkiot, are special Jewish candelabras with nine candleholders - eight that are of equal height and usually in a single row, and a ninth candleholder for the shamash (helper candle) that is set slightly apart from the others. We start off by lighting one candle in addition to the shamash at the start of Hanukkah, and on each night of the holiday we add another candle until all nine are lit on the last night.
✡ Menorahs for Hanukkah come in many materials, styles, and sizes. Traditional menorahs often have curved branches with the shamash in the middle, like this classic brass replica Hanukkah menorah from Jerusalem’s Israel Museum, or a low base with the shamash raised to the side, like in this stunning klezmer-themed silver filigree menorah from Yemenite-Israeli artist Shoham Simchi.
✡ Another traditional style that's especially popular in Israel features glass cups, which can be used for either oil or candles, set inside a metal base, such as this intricate pomegranate-themed Hanukkah menorah from Israeli designer Dorit Judaica.
✡ If your taste is more modern, this elegant horseshoe menorah and this colorful metal Hanukkah menorah are beautiful options!
Candles or Oil?
Hanukah menorahs were originally lit with oil, and while some people still prefer this traditional option, most menorahs today are lit with candles. It's entirely a matter of personal preference, and whether your menorah uses oil, candles, or can be lit with either, we carry multiple options of both.
✡ Check out these convenient pre-filled gelled olive oil menorah cups and these gorgeous colorful Hanukkah candles handcrafted in the Galilee!
Dreidels
The dreidel is a classic Hanukkah toy and part of a fun game that Jewish children have played for generations, and can also make for a festive centerpiece for your holiday table! The spinning top is often adorned with Hebrew letters to represent the phrase, Nes Gadol Haya Sham, “a great miracle happened there” – referring to the miracle of Hanukkah that took place in the Holy Land. In Israel, many dreidels have a letter Pey instead of a Shin, so that the acronym will more accurately stand for Nes Gadol Haya Po – “a great miracle happened here.”
✡ If you're looking for something traditional and sophisticated, this intricate sterling silver dreidel from Shoham Simchi and this brass dreidel by the Israel Museum are like no other!
✡ For a more modern, artistic take on the dreidel, check out this Star of David dreidel from Israeli design workshop Danon.
Hanukkah Gifts
Another fun and special Hanukkah tradition is the giving of gifts! While it wasn’t always a custom, gift giving became an increasingly popular practice in the 20th century as a substitute for the older tradition of giving money on the holiday. Today it's a key part of the holiday for many Jewish families!
✡ Many people like to give holiday-themed gifts, such as this gorgeous gold and diamond dreidel pendant from Tel Aviv-based Yaniv Fine Jewelry, or this fun latke t-shirt from Israeli designer studio Modern Shtetl.
✡ Other common gift categories include toys, like this cuddly Israeli flag teddy bear, or home décor such as this "Remember Jerusalem" wall hanging from Dorit Judaica or this illustrated Western Wall wooden clock from Ofek Wertman Design Studio.
Hanukkah Gifts for Kids
Of course, the most common recipients of Hanukkah gifts are children! We have lots of Israeli-made Hanukkah gifts especially for kids, and have also put together this handy guide of our top favorites.
✡ Be sure to check out this fun and colorful train menorah by Yair Emanuel and this classic Star of David pendant necklace perfect for all ages!
Get all your Hanukkah 2024 gifts and essentials here!