Brass Memorial Candlestick

The Memorial Candlestick was originally on the eastern balustrade of the Bimah. It was formerly used for lighting memorial candles for deceased members of the congregation on the anniversary of their death [yartzeit]. Missing until the 1960s renovation of the Synagogue, the candlestick was found and restored to its original place. [Rabbi Lewis, pg. 292-293]

Before restoration in 2005-2006, a section of the stem was severely distorted.The candle cup had been replaced in the past with a makeshift copper cylinder. Small flames atop the crenellations were missing. A corner of the stone base was chipped off. Due to the stick’s heavy use and lack of bobeche, heavy deposits of wax had accumulated in the bowl. The interior was gouged and distorted from repeated attempts to dislodge the wax. The exterior was covered with oxide.