11 Modern Menorahs That Will Help Your Family Start a New Hanukkah Tradition

The holiday season is fast approaching—and for some of us, that means it's time to begin thinking about how to celebrate the eight-day Festival of Lights. But before you dust off your inherited family menorah, you might want to consider sourcing a more modern model to start a new Hanukkah tradition among family and friends. "There are so few traditions that families do the exact same way, year after year," says interior designer Sam Allen. "Lighting a menorah is something we did every year growing up—our family still uses the one my mother grew up with."

Of course, whether it's new or old, a menorah is essential to any Hanukkah festivities. "The menorah is a candelabra that is used to celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah," says Allen. "It has holders for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah celebrated as well as a separate one used to light the other candles—called the shamash—that usually sits a little higher than the others."

So, what should you look for in a contemporary menorah? "I think, in general, there aren't as many symbolic decorations available for Jewish holiday than others," Allen explains. "Lots of people have to buy menorahs in the gift shops of temples or museums, but more recently, designers and retailers have created more modern, clean-lined menorahs." Many innovative designs even come from around the world, such as Tel Aviv's Studio Armadillo, who designed the white ceramic menorah and colorful dreidels you see right here here.

Hand-selected by our editors, browse these sleek and design-savvy styles all of which are available for purchase before the Festival of Lights.

Not many menorahs can claim they hold a spot in the permanent collection at the National Museum of American Jewish History, but such is the case for the Ascalon Menorah. Created by industrial designer Brad Ascalon, this elegant menorah is crafted of solid white Carrara marble and features facets for eight candles on one level that correspond to the eight days of Hanukkah, plus a ninth facet on another level for the shamash candle, which is used to light the rest.

Shop Now: Brad Ascalon's Ascalon Menorah, $275, dwr.com.

Nothing looks more stately at the table than this menorah made from a slab of veined Vermont green marble and silky walnut. JK Adams is well known for their charming home goods, and this handcrafted piece from the family-owned business in Vermont is designed with a sliding wood base to secure nine standard menorah candles.

Shop Now: JK Adams Vermont Green Marble and Walnut Menorah, $100, food52.com.

You can always count on a gorgeous glass menorah to brighten your holiday season. This menorah from Simon Pearce, one of our favorite American makers, is handblown by glassblowers using centuries-old techniques and features a polished metal candleholder for added sophistication.

Shop Now: Simon Pearce Woodbury Menorah, $295, simonpearce.com.

Give your holiday table a Midas touch. This geometric menorah from Kate Spade New York boasts clean lines and a gold-plated finish that will shine as brightly as the candles it holds.

Shop Now: Kate Spade Oak Street Menorah, $200, katespade.com.

Searching for a family menorah with a sense of humor? This elephant-shaped ceramic menorah from Jonathan Adler is handmade in Peru from high-fired stoneware and is guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone's face—especially the little ones at the table.

Shop Now: Jonathan Adler Ceramic Elephant Menorah, $132, jonathanadler.com.

Whoever said a menorah can't make a statement has obviously never seen the Menorah Bold at Moooi. Composed of steel with a powder-coated black finish, this menorah designed by Roderick Vos will instantly liven up any Hanukkah table.

Shop Now: Moooi Menorah Bold, $249.22, shop-us.moooi.com.

Female design duo Anat Stein and Hadas Kruk offer a collection of religious artifacts and home décor that celebrates Jewish tradition through modern design. This white ceramic menorah in a fanned shape is one of the many handmade artifacts from their workshop in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Shop Now: Studio Armadillo White Ceramic Origami-Style Menorah, $189, etsy.com.

Count the days of Hanukkah in style with this set of nine individual candle holders—each one is scored to signify the passing nights and feature a reclaimed leather base for traction and tapered top to collect dripping wax. Due to their modular shapes, they can be configured to fit almost any tabletop space. Over the years, the brass will take on a beautiful patina.

Shop Now: Avandi Counting Menorah, $416.92, avandistudio.com.

A little gold goes a long way at the table. The Brilliante Menorah at Anna New York is handmade from alabaster and boasts gold-plated accents for a glamorous touch. Two similar models come in a jade-hued grigio venato and darker grigio oscuro.

Shop Now: ANNA by RabLabs Brillante Menorah, $295, bloomingdales.com.

For a family heirloom that's ensured to be cherished by generations to come, look no further than this silver-plated solid brass piece—the set includes nine individual candle holders on a single tray. This design also comes in brass and dark patented steel, but with silver being iconic to Hanukkah, the menorah takes on a timeless quality.

Shop Now: MARCH Silver Menorah, $3,600, marchsf.com.