Car Menorah: A Modern Twist on a Time-Honored Tradition
The Festival of Lights, also known as Hanukkah, is a significant Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem over two millennia ago. This joyous celebration involves the lighting of a menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum that symbolizes the eight nights of Hanukkah. Traditionally, lighting a menorah in the windows of one’s home signifies public pride in this holiday. However, a growing trend among proud Jews takes this tradition to new heights – by attaching a large, electric menorah to their cars.
Car Menorah Goes Global
Nochum Goldshmidt, the founder and CEO of carmenorah.com, has been spearheading this unique tradition. From his New York headquarters, Goldshmidt shares the story behind the car menorah phenomenon. The demand for car menorahs has skyrocketed over the years, with customers across the globe. The carmenorah.com website map proudly displays the worldwide reach of this tradition, spanning from Hong Kong to France, Mexico to Australia. It’s truly an international celebration!
The Birth of a Bright Idea
But how did this innovative concept come to be? Goldshmidt explains that the idea originated in the 1980s but initially faced some challenges. People found the old car menorahs bulky, difficult to store, and prone to scratching their vehicles. Determined to overcome these obstacles, Goldshmidt and his team set out to design a better car menorah. By addressing these concerns head-on, they created a sleek, user-friendly version that solved all three problems.
A Modern Touch to an Ancient Tradition
The car menorah has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Initially, it was mainly Lubavitch rabbis who embraced the idea. The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s affinity for employing modern technology to spread the message of Hanukkah acted as a catalyst for this tradition. Nowadays, car menorah installations are not limited to religious leaders; individuals of all backgrounds can display their joy and pride during the holiday season. To accommodate this broader audience, carmenorah.com introduced a Happy Hanukkah sign alongside the traditional menorah, allowing everyone to participate and celebrate the holiday.
Spreading Joy and Religious Freedom
In a world dominated by the overwhelming presence of Christmas, Hanukkah often takes a back seat. However, the car menorah serves as a powerful way for individuals to make their own statement during this festive season. Goldshmidt emphasizes that Hanukkah is about religious freedom and spreading joy. He shares countless stories of people from all walks of life expressing their admiration for the car menorah. The sight of a car proudly adorned with a menorah brings smiles to faces and fosters a sense of connection and understanding.
Constant Innovation and Improvement
The car menorah is not merely a static tradition; it continues to evolve. Goldshmidt and his team are always seeking ways to enhance this beautiful symbol of Hanukkah. For example, they introduced LED lights to conserve energy and prevent car battery drain when the engine is not running. This commitment to sustainable practices ensures that the car menorah remains an environmentally friendly option.
Celebrate Hanukkah with Ratingperson
Ratingperson is dedicated to celebrating diverse cultures and traditions. Join us in embracing the joy and spirit of the holiday season by exploring the vibrant world of the car menorah. Discover the perfect car menorah for you and make a statement of pride and unity. Visit Ratingperson’s website to learn more about this exciting tradition and how you can participate.
Note: This article is a rephrased version of the original NPR article and does not contain external details, contact information, or external links.