Menorahs for every taste and budget

If the whole bobbing-head dog menorah leaves you scratching your head, you'll probably be delighted to know that many of the faithful will be lighting a more refined candelabrum this holiday season. Walk into almost any Judaica store these days and expect to see menorahs made of glass, metal and other materials that are intended to be a keepsake passed down from parent to child.

"Everyone is getting away from the traditional Israeli patina - those with the turquoise-y color and the brass that your parents and grandparents had . . . you can't give those away, " says Gloria Yellin, owner of Zion Lion in Huntington and New Hyde Park. "This is a whole new generation who want a more sophisticated, more artistic look."

Michael Freiser, owner of Yussel's Place in Merrick, also is seeing a turn to artisan menorahs. Among the designers he carries are Hudson Valley-based Beames Designs.

"The Beames Designs menorahs have a clean look," says Freiser of Syosset-born Sara Beames and her husband Michael. "It is fused glass, so you have a lot of vibrant color. Their menorahs also have a more contemporary look."

Freiser says many of the Beames menorahs, which range in price from $160 to $180, are being purchased as gifts. "People are buying them for weddings, engagements and even for themselves as a gift for the family," says Freiser.

In addition to unusual designs, expect to see other than the traditional silver or brass.

"The economy and other things have caused people to trend away from sterling silver, and artists have taken over the void," says Toby Wolfson, buyer-manager of Judaica Plus in Cedarhurst. "People's views of what Hanukkah means are changing. Artist are comfortable creating something different, knowing that people will see and go for that something different. There are all these different fabrications. They're all still kosher, but look very different.