One tradition of Judaism gets a fanciful update every year by the Chabad Jewish Center in Needham, with its annual Hanukkah menorah-lighting ceremony on the downtown common. Each time, the menorah changes: Last year, it glowed a luminous blue-green, and past versions have been made from Legos, ice, and balloons (pictured).

This year, the ancient Menorah was crowdsourced and constructed digitally using virtual product design software

The winning design (pictured) was inspired by an 800-year-old drawing by Jewish sage and physician Maimonedes.

Kids lined up for a picture in front of 2011's glowing menorah at the annual lighting ceremony.

"On one hand, we're very traditional; on the other hand, we’re very cutting edge," said Rabbi Mendy Krinsky, the director of the Chabad Jewish Center.

Pictured: In 2008, the menorah doubled as a memorial, built from toys donated for the children of victims of the Mumbai terror attacks.

The entry deemed to be the most creative and original menorah in the contest will be brought to life by a team of builders, and the winning designer will receive an iPad or $500 cash as a prize.

Pictured: In 2006, the Chabad Center presented a menorah carefully carved out of ice.

Pictured: 2009 saw the return of the impressive ice menorah. Why change what works?

The menorah-lighting ceremony, said Krinsky, is open to everyone, Jewish or not. The story of Hanukkah, he said, resonates beyond the Jewish religion, and so its celebration can be shared with everyone.

Pictured: Last year's theme was glow-in-the-dark.