THE STUDIOLO: Happy Chanukah 2010

Letterpressed envelope printed with antique wood type by YeeHaw in Tennessee

Yesterday at sundown kicked off the first night of Chanukah, the eight-day Jewish "festival of lights" commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, following the Macabees' successful rebellion against the Seleucid Empire, when the wicks of the menorah are said to have miraculously burned for eight days, even though there was only enough oil for one. That is miraculous! (Note: there are lots of spelling variations of the word Chanukah.)

In the past, the holiday was downplayed by classical rabbis, as some felt the emphasis on the miracle oil was a diversion from the various struggles that lead to the downfall of Jerusalem. But, Zionism and the issues surrounding the state of Israel brought the holiday back into the limelight, especially among North American Jews in the late twentieth century (secular Jews included), who wanted an alternative to Christmas, which often coincides with Chanukah. Askenazi Jews traditionally gave "gelt" (Yiddidh for money) to children during Chanukah, but most families now give gifts, much like Christmas gift-giving.

Chanukah starts on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev, which can fall anywhere between late November and late December. This year, Chanukah really snuck up on me by starting on Dec. 1! If it snuck up on you, too, never fear: there are seven more days for holiday gift giving or card exchanging!

Most Jewish people (whether they are observant or not) have a menorah or two lying around the house, but now they come in varying shapes and sizes, many of them sculptural and unique–who couldn't use a few more?

Peacoack Menorah from decorating's Jewish darling, Jonathan Adler

Manzanita menorah from West Elm

I can't get enough of this carved walnut menorah by Niles Snyder

Via Remodelista

Years ago, when we lived in San Francisco, my mom gave me this modern and highly versatile menorah from MoMA, by father and daughter team Herbert and Jeanne Atkin

Walteria Menorah from Modern Tribe

While store-bought and/or traditional menorahs are beautiful, there's no reason you can't make your own! Check out these great handmade options:

Oh milk glass, why do I never tire of thee? Via Re-Nest

Via Martha Stewart

For all those plumbing/piping/construction enthusiasts, via Re_nest

You can never go wrong with some stylish dreidels

Another Jonathan Adler gem

Or less traditional ones that are covered in glitter! Who doesn't love a dose of glitter for the holidays?

Via Martha Stewart

These porcelain menorah earrings are perfect for a festive lady of the house, who's no doubt been slaving away to make you a meal, but won't admit it:

By Holiday Designs, in South Florida

Letterpress card by Letterpress Light, of Washington, DC

Cute letterpressed card by Fourteen Sisters, of Beverly Hills, CA

Tomorrow night, we'll head over to my parents' house for a casual celebration, where we'll likely consume copious amounts of latkes. We're all pretty busy right now, so they'll be store-bought, but Debra, over at Smitten Kitchen recently shared her delicious-looking apple latkes:

She's also whipped up more traditional potato latkes, as well as zucchini.

I think my contribution will be Sufganiyot, a jelly doughnut-like dessert.