From highly artistic to elegantly simple to downright practical, here is a selection of menorahs for the Festival of Lights. Whether given as gifts or for personal use, these can be found in local galleries, museums and synagogues.
Shapiro’s Gallery
While the gallery of fine American craft has a robust selection of Judaica, including the stunning blue wave menorah (pictured above), it’s also heavy on blown glass, ceramics, yard sculpture and incredible art jewelry, making it a great place to shop for gifts. And they offer gift-wrapping.
300 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 894-2111. shapirosgallery.com.
Syd Entel Galleries
Amid the gallery’s paintings and glass art, you’ll find Fay Miller’s sculptural menorah that doubles as fine art.
247 Main St., Safety Harbor. (727) 725-1808. sydentelgalleries.com.
Temple Beth-El
While the gift shop doesn’t keep regular hours, if you call in advance they’re happy to open for you. They stock an entire wall of Hanukkah merchandise, including colorful candles for the menorahs. Their selection ranges from highly artistic to inexpensive ones suitable for travel. They also have electric menorahs for those concerned about fire safety.
400 Pasadena Ave. S, St. Petersburg. (727) 347-6136. templebeth-el.com.
Florida CraftArt
Find menorahs made by Florida artists, like Mary Ann Ziegler’s elegant glass one or Terry Andrews’ clever flameless glass menorah that features removable flames.
501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. (727) 821-7391. floridacraftart.org.
Florida Holocaust Museum
Among the selection in the museum’s gift shop is an elegant tulip menorah, a bejeweled Hamsa menorah and a handy LED travel menorah.
55 Fifth St. S, St. Petersburg. (727) 820-0100. flholocaustmuseum.org.
Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue of Tampa
The synagogue’s Jaffa Gate Judaica store stocks LED menorahs, as well as more traditional ones and a floral Tree of Life menorah. Visit their website for store hours.
4320 W Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa. (813) 831-5673. shoreshdavid.org.