Sammi Farber’s Hanukkah celebration took an unexpected turn when she discovered her parents had crafted a colossal 8-foot, sparkling blue menorah in their Long Island home. A video of the impressive creation quickly went viral on TikTok, garnering nearly 200,000 views and sparking a conversation about creative holiday decorations.
Farber’s family Hanukkah traditions had always centered around her grandmother’s home in upstate New York. Her grandmother, a clothing designer with a flair for the dramatic, orchestrated themed celebrations each year. While a Christmas tree was always desired, it wasn’t embraced by her grandfather, leading to alternative festive decorations. After her grandmother’s passing two years prior, the elaborate celebrations ceased.
This year, Farber’s mother, Michelle, aimed to reignite the festive spirit. Rather than opting for traditional blue and white “Hanukkah trees,” she envisioned a unique centerpiece that honored their heritage. The result was the awe-inspiring 8-foot menorah, a complete surprise to the family.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749×0:751×2)/Mom-makes-8ft-Hanukkah-menorah-122624-b6aa08d2bdce41fb9866388b8864fa86.jpg)
Michelle and her husband Scott, both event planners, collaborated on the ambitious project. Michelle conceived the idea, and Scott brought it to life using his construction skills. Three 10-foot PVC pipes were cut and assembled into a menorah structure, complete with a detachable base and top for easy handling. Remarkably, the menorah was designed to hold real candles, a crucial element of Hanukkah symbolism.
Farber was immediately struck by the creativity and uniqueness of the menorah, feeling it deserved wider recognition. Her TikTok video resonated with viewers, many of whom expressed admiration and a desire for their own oversized menorahs. However, some comments suggested simply getting a Christmas tree, highlighting the sometimes-overlooked beauty of unique cultural and religious celebrations.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(756×343:758×345)/Mom-makes-8ft-Hanukkah-menorah-Tout-122624-b4609a553a0148159acd96ba25719da2.jpg)
Farber emphasized that the menorah wasn’t about replacing a Christmas tree but about celebrating their own traditions in a joyful and innovative way. The menorah became a symbol of creativity, heritage, and a commitment to keeping their cultural traditions alive.
The family plans to display the menorah annually, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, mirroring the timeline of Christmas decorations. During Hanukkah, it will be lit each night alongside traditional menorahs. For the Farber family, this grand menorah represents a fresh and exciting approach to Hanukkah decor, proving that holiday celebrations can be both meaningful and visually stunning.
