While the Green Hanukkah initiative has been more than a little controversial, it has sparked at least one interesting development. Inspired by the wasted CO2 produced by millions of candles upon millions of menorahs throughout the world, designer Roni Kabessa came up with a great solution that keeps the spirit of the menorah alive. Using some old motherboard silicon and a few LED lights, Kabessa has produced a motherboard menorah.
So, is a cyber-Hanukkah kosher? I’m not sure. More traditional Jews seem to be opposed to it, while other Jews seem to think it’s no big deal and see the benefit of cutting back on pollution (and fire hazard) as greater than the change from the traditional candle model menorah. I can’t speak for the Jewish faith (or any other faith for that matter), but once upon a time all the Christmas trees had candles on them, too.
Yes, I know that’s not the same thing. However, nobody’s stopping the orthodox Jew from using actual candles, while the reformed Jew can use a light-up model. Tradition is a wonderful thing, but you can slightly alter the method of observance without changing the message.
Tags: Hanukkah, menorah, LED motherboard menorah, updated religious icons, Roni Kabessa, green Hanukkah, Chanukah