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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Silver Menorah
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.

Silver Menorah

Artifact ID1984.02624.01a-b
Object Type Menorah
Gifter
Date 20th Century
Medium Metal
Dimensions21 × 15 in. (53.3 × 38.1 cm)
Physical DescriptionA silver Hanukkah menorah, hanukiah, (.a) with a ball design in the center of the candelabrum, a beaded design around the base, and candle holders with small geometric etchings on their bases perched on four small balls. The shamash holder (.b) is detachable. Each set of candle holders spreads out from a ball on the center stem. After the final pair of candle holders rests a set of four, progressively smaller, balls. The shamash is held in the center, slightly above the rest. It is an oil and wick menorah, however it is missing the shamash which would have attached to the right lion’s tail.
Historical NoteThis silver menorah was the first of many given by the American Friends of Lubavitch in their annual meeting with President Reagan in the Oval Office on December 20, 1984. President Reagan’s message on the observance of Hanukkah that year on December 21, 1984, included the words “The candles of the Menorah attest to the victory of freedom and righteousness. May their light be a source of strength and inspiration to all of you and to all mankind.”
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Exhibition HistoryChristmas Around the World (2009), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Related LinksMonday Minute: Menorahs (Season 1)
Monday Minute: Menorahs (Season 6)
Monday Minute: Hanukkah 

Photograph: Presentation of Menorah with Rabbi Abraham Shemtov 12/20/1984 Oval Office c26457-02

Video:President Ronald Reagan's Photo Opportunities in the Oval Office, Cabinet Room and Roosevelt Room on December 17-20, 1984