In 2003, M. P. Levene was honoured to be commissioned by The Rt. Hon. Michael Martin MP, Speaker of the British House of Commons, to make a large silver Menorah for use every year in the British Parliament.
A Menorah is the traditional eight-branch candelabrum featured during the Jewish Festival of Chanukah.
The Speaker was surprised to discover that every December, Parliament had to borrow one when the annual service for Jewish legislators was held in his house - it did not possess its own Menorah.
We were delighted to be chosen to make this important and highly symbolic piece of silverware.
The Menorah was consecrated in December 2003 by the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, Dr. Jonathan Sacks. The Speaker then held a short service in his house in front of a distinguished audience of Jewish legislators and their staff.
The Menorah was made, completely by hand, in English sterling silver by M. P. Levene of London. It has an octagonal, plain stepped base and column, and a detachable nineth branch at the front to light the other candles. It is 16 inches high and 17 1/2 inches wide.
The crest of The Speaker (Portcullis and Mace) has been engraved by hand onto a special small silver scroll fitted to the top of the base. The inscription reads: "Commissioned by the Rt. Hon. Michael J. Martin MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, in support of religious tolerance."
Could we make something special in silver for you? Contact us now with your proposal.