Knesset to Spend $73,000 on New Hanukkah Menorah for its Roof

The Knesset, Israel's parliament, is set to acquire a large Hanukkah menorah for a cost of NIS 288,000 (approximately $73,000 before VAT) to be displayed annually on its roof. The artist selected for this project is Adam Brown, an industrial design graduate of the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design. The Knesset's curator, Sharon Sofer, noted that Brown is known for designing the menorah displayed yearly at the Western Wall Plaza for the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, and she believes a similar menorah is suitable for the Knesset.

According to the tender committee's minutes, the significant cost is partly due to the unique modifications required to ensure the menorah's durability against wind and weather conditions on the building's roof. The agreement will also stipulate that Brown must provide specialized packaging for storing the menorah when disassembled during the months it is not in use.

The Knesset itself will be responsible for the necessary infrastructure work, including arranging the gas supply for the menorah's installation and operation. These tasks will be coordinated with the artist and must adhere to required execution plans and safety standards.

The new menorah is scheduled to be installed on the Knesset roof in time for the upcoming Hanukkah holiday, which begins on December 14, 2026. Knesset officials stated that this menorah is intended to replace a previous one that was destroyed due to weather conditions. It is important to distinguish this new menorah from the "Knesset Menorah," a 5-meter bronze monument gifted to Israel in 1956 by British parliamentarians and citizens, which overlooks the Knesset from the Rose Garden and is not slated for replacement.