Chanukah 2007

For the past several years Cantor Debra "Deb" Winston has conducted a contest for the most ingenious, innovative and outrageous menorah, handcrafted by young and old alike. Designs may range from the edible to the most durable of materials, the only caveats being that each menorah must be capable of being lit and reasonably safe to use. They would all be displayed and lit during Shabbat Chanukah services.

All the menorahs (yes, yes, we know, they are really chanukiyahs but we don't wish to engage in seasonal pilpulistics here) were prize winners. However, two were so outstanding that they were awarded co-prizes in the adult category:

Ellen Chelmis for her "Torah Menorah" which included hand-crafted yadayim for each torah serving as a backdrop for the candles; and

Ed Fidelman for his "Chaim" menorah. It includes a large sculpture of "Chaim" the elephant surrounded by smaller copies of Chaim as candle holders, all mounted on a rotating platform, in honor of Rabbi Ratner's favorite Chanukah story about Chaim the brave Elephant. The story would be retold by Cantor Winston later during the service.

Other concepts included: a menorah made from nothing but recyclable materials; electric smily-face buttons; and diverse edibles.