Menorah Shel Ma'alah

2020, acrylic on canvas, 120 x 160 cm.

Over centuries the golden menorah, which stood in the holy Temple in Jerusalem, has continued to capture our imaginations with its power and beauty and its fusion of form with light. According to tradition, when Aharon the High Priest first lit the menorah thousands of years ago, G-d promised that its light would shine forever. Even though the Temple was destroyed, we still have a remembrance in the menorahs that we light in our homes during the holiday of Chanukah, as an expression of gratitude for the victory of light over darkness.

The earthly Temple has its counterpart in a heavenly Temple. The Ramchal (18 th century Italian kabbalist), states that even though the Temple below was destroyed, the Temple above never ceased to exist. The Torah tells us that in the Temple the seven flames of the lampstand cast light on the “face of the menorah”. Mystical tradition suggests that the “face of the menorah” alludes to the seven branches of the earthly menorah which gave light facing a heavenly one.

This painting unfolds a vision of a celestial menorah illuminating a heavenly sanctuary. In its first stages, the canvas showed two cherub-like angels with outstretched wings in shades of cerulean blue greens, aquamarine and dark blues. Then, searching for a less defined image, Raanan added layers of coagulated gels and golden highlights. Branches of light spread across the canvas, and the image of the menorah came to life.

There is a strength and power in deep dark blues that enhances the more ethereal elements and frames the light. Brushstrokes of bright white and globules of iridescent pearl add texture, and warm Naples yellow embellishes the glow. Shimmering with swirling color, the suggestion of menorah branches creates an illusion of depth, expanding outward and at the same time inward and upward. The shadows of angels remain, like an ever-praising presence, as the white flames ascend upward with outstretched wings. We sense the presence of figures dancing with joy and appreciation for the everlasting light of the menorah.