Its origin is in the Holy Temple, as commanded in the Torah (Exodus ch.25).
Probably the Star of David and the menorah.
Jews practice the beautification of the menorah during Hanukkah.
The only thing that needs preparation is the menorah (Hanukkiyah; candelabrum). To purchase candles and set up the candelabrum. Many Orthodox Jews light the menorah with olive oil and wicks, so that needs the relevant preparation.
The religious symbol of Judaism is the 'menorah'. The 7 branch candelabra that stood in the Temple.
lighting the menorah
lighting the menorah
The Hanukkah-menorah (candelabra).
The main religious symbol for Jews is the 'menorah' - the 7 branch candelabra that stood in the Temple. The main national, non-religious symbol is the Mogen David (David's Shield) which is often called the Star of David in English.
The Hanukkah-menorah, also called a Hanukkiyyah, is used on Hanukkah.(Jewish people also have a different candle holder, called a menorah, that some venues use for decoration or as a religious symbol, all year round).
It depends on how the word "figure" is read.If it is referring to which human being is the most important historical personage in Judaism, that would be the Prophet Moses, who received the Torah and helped the Jews escape bondage in Egypt.If it is referring to which symbols represent Judaism, those would be the Star of David and the Menorah (or candelabra).
That candle holder is referred to as a "Hanukkah-menorah", or Hannukiyah. The original Menorah was the holder of the oil lights in the Tabernacle in the Wilderness, and had seven branches. The holder for the Chanukah lights ... whether candles or oil ... has places for eight lights, plus an elevated holder for one more that's used to light the other eight.
Some Jews decorate for Hanukkah. There is a reason of Pirsumei Nissah, publicizing the miracle; but for that, the menorah itself is enough. Not all Jews put up decorations, and by no means does it have to be done. But it is a nice thing to do, and therefore many Jews do it.