Chabad Artist Yitzchak Moully Unveils Striking 15-Foot Illuminated Menorah at Emory
by CrownHeights.info
A new artistic menorah is bringing a powerful interpretation of the Chanukah message to Atlanta, with Chabad artist Rabbi Yitzchak Moully unveiling a striking 15-foot illuminated menorah at Chabad at Emory.
Unlike traditional public menorahs, which are illuminated by lights positioned at the tops of their branches, Moully’s newest creation takes the concept a step further: the menorah itself becomes the source of light.
The impressive installation features ascending Hebrew letters cut directly into its metal structure and illuminated from within, transforming the entire sculpture into a glowing display. The result is a contemporary interpretation of one of Judaism’s most recognizable symbols, combining Jewish tradition, modern design and public art.
For Moully, the concept represents an idea that has been developing for a long time. In announcing the installation, he explained that the menorah has always symbolized light, but he wanted to take that symbolism literally.
“The menorah itself – is light,” he wrote.
Standing 15 feet tall, the sculpture gives physical expression to a spiritual idea central to Chassidus: that every mitzvah brings light into the world, even when that light cannot be seen.
“Every mitzvah brings light into the world, even if we can’t see it,” Moully explained. “Like many of my works, this piece gives that light a physical form – this one on a whole new level!”
The new installation also represents the latest chapter in Moully’s ongoing effort to rethink how Jewish symbols can be presented in public spaces.
A Chassidic rabbi and artist, Moully has spent years combining contemporary art with Jewish themes. His work includes colorful paintings, large-scale murals, interactive installations and sculptures, all designed to make Jewish ideas accessible through visual art.
His public menorah project has evolved considerably over the years. Beginning with large canvas paintings in 2017, the initiative progressed to murals, interactive experiences and his innovative Living Lights installation, where participants physically activated the lights of an enormous menorah through touch.
In 2022, Moully also unveiled a nautical-themed, 15-foot menorah at New York City’s South Street Seaport, designed to resemble a sail in tribute to the area’s maritime history. The installation demonstrated how a traditional Jewish symbol could be incorporated into the character and identity of a public space.
Other works by Moully have also been featured on CrownHeights.info. In March 2022, the website reported on his eight-foot Cup Overflowing With Blessings sculpture, which was installed at the Coral Springs Art Walk in Florida. The interactive artwork invited community members to express gratitude, adding color to the sculpture as they participated.
For Moully, public art provides another opportunity to bring the Rebbe’s message into the wider world. As he explained in a 2024 interview with Chabad.org, his goal is to create beautiful, accessible works of art that also serve as expressions of Jewish identity and the message of Chanukah.
The installation at Chabad at Emory is the latest expression of that vision. And according to Moully, it may be far from the last. In announcing the project, he hinted that additional menorah designs are in the works.
More information about Moully’s artwork and public menorah projects can be found at MoullyArt.com
