What was recalled
If you have a golden menorah that features basketball imagery and the name of the Golden State Warriors on it, this recall may apply to your home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued an alert regarding promotional menorahs distributed by BDA. These specific items were not sold in stores for profit; instead, they were given away as complimentary gifts during a special community event. Specifically, these menorahs were handed out to attendees at "Jewish Heritage Night," an NBA game hosted by the Golden State Warriors on December 14, 2017. Understanding this origin is crucial because it means you likely did not purchase the item through a standard retail transaction, but rather received it as a souvenir or promotional token from that specific evening.
The product itself is a polyresin menorah designed with distinct thematic decorations. The body of the menorah displays the words "Golden State Warriors," along with "Jewish Heritage Night" and two Stars of David printed on the front side. Each candleholder atop the unit is made of gold-colored aluminum and is positioned directly above a decorative basketball. Uniquely, the center candleholder includes an additional decorative element: a basketball basket situated underneath the ball. The candles included with or designed for this menorah are also styled to resemble basketballs. These aesthetic choices make the item visually distinctive, but they also point to the construction method that led to the safety concern.
The scope of this recall is limited to these specific promotional units distributed on that single date in December 2017. Because they were giveaways rather than mass-market retail products, identifying whether you have one depends on knowing your attendance history for that particular game. If you attended Jewish Heritage Night at a Golden State Warriors game on December 14, 2017, and received a menorah as a gift, it is highly probable that your item is part of this recall lot. The brand associated with this product is listed under the banner of the Golden State Warriors, though the manufacturer responsible for the distribution and remedy is BDA. It is important to note that while the exact number of units recalled is not explicitly detailed in the summary provided, the hazard involves the structural integrity of the glue holding the candleholders, which affects every unit of this specific promotional design.
To confirm if your item matches the description, look for the combination of polyresin body, gold-colored aluminum candleholders on decorative basketballs, and the specific text on the front. The inclusion of the Stars of David and the "Golden State Warriors" branding serves as a clear identifier. Since these were free promotional items, they may not have come with standard retail packaging or model numbers typical of store-bought goods. Therefore, visual inspection of the design elements is your primary method of identification. If you are unsure whether you received one, checking personal records from that date or contacting the manufacturer directly using the provided consumer contact information can provide clarity.
The hazard, explained
At the core of this recall is a failure in how the menorah was assembled, specifically regarding the adhesive used to secure the candleholders. The product description notes that these polyresin menorahs feature gold-colored aluminum candleholders mounted on top of decorative basketballs. For the central holder, there is an additional decorative basketball basket underneath the ball. While this design may look festive and thematic for a Golden State Warriors fan celebrating Hanukkah, the glue holding these components together is not heat-resistant enough for its intended use.
When you light a candle in one of these holders, the flame generates heat. Under normal circumstances, a well-made menorah would either reflect that heat away or be constructed from materials that can withstand those temperatures without degrading. However, in this specific case, the glue begins to melt when exposed to the warmth of the lit candles. This is not just a minor inconvenience; it is a critical structural failure. As the adhesive softens and loses its grip, the physical connection between the candleholder (and the candle inside it) and the base of the menorah is severed.
The result is that the candleholders and the lit candles can fall off entirely. This creates two immediate dangers. First, there is a direct burn risk. If a lit candle drops onto your hand, arm, or clothing, you could suffer serious burns. Second, and perhaps more dangerously, there is a fire hazard. When a lit candle falls onto a combustible surface—such as a wooden table, a fabric menorah cover, a rug, or even the decorative packaging it might have come in—it can ignite that material. A falling candle acts like a small, uncontrolled fire starter, potentially leading to a house fire if it is not caught and extinguished immediately.
It is important to understand that this hazard is insidious because it does not always happen instantly. The glue may hold for the first night or two of Hanukkah before weakening as the heat builds up over repeated use. This delayed failure can give a false sense of security, leading consumers to believe the product is safe when it is actually deteriorating with every lighting. The fact that BDA has already received one report of the glue melting and causing a candleholder to fall off confirms that this is not just a theoretical risk but an actual defect that occurs in real-world use. Even though no injuries have been reported yet, the potential for harm is significant because fire and burns are unpredictable and can cause severe damage in seconds.
In summary, the mechanism of injury here is straightforward: heat from the candle melts the glue, the glue loses its hold, and the lit candle falls. This transforms a festive item into a potential source of personal injury and property damage. The design flaw lies not in the visual appeal but in the material science of the assembly, making it essential to stop using these items before the adhesive fails completely.
Who is most at risk
While the recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and BDA identifies a specific incident involving one melted candleholder, the nature of this hazard creates a unique set of risks for anyone who owns or handles these promotional items. The primary group at risk includes individuals who received or acquired the Golden State Warriors Menorahs distributed during Jewish Heritage Night on December 14, 2017, as well as those who may have obtained them through secondary markets, gifts, or family inheritance since that date. However, beyond mere ownership, certain demographics face heightened vulnerability due to the specific mechanics of the failure and the context in which these items are used.
Children are among the most vulnerable users of this product. Menorahs are frequently placed on low tables, coffee tables, or counters that are within reach of young children. The recalled polyresin menorahs feature decorative basketballs and candleholders designed to resemble basketballs, which can be visually appealing to kids. Because the glue holding the candleholders is prone to melting under the heat of lit candles, a child who touches or bumps the unit could trigger a cascade of falling hot wax and burning wicks. Unlike adult users who might move quickly away from an unexpected heat source, young children may not react with sufficient speed to avoid burns, or they may be more likely to grab at the falling objects out of curiosity, leading to severe contact burns on hands, arms, or face.
Elderly individuals and those with limited mobility also face disproportionate risk. The remedy for this recall is immediate disposal, but many consumers may hesitate to discard a decorative item they value as a sports souvenir or a cultural keepsake. For seniors who might rely on these menorahs during Hanukkah, the act of disposing of them requires physical effort and careful handling to avoid breaking the polyresin base or spilling hot wax if any candles remain lit. Furthermore, if an adult user is less able to react quickly to a sudden drop of burning material due to slower reflexes or sensory impairments, the likelihood of sustaining a burn injury increases significantly. The heat generated by the candles can also cause the glue to fail unpredictably, meaning the item could become hazardous at any moment during use, not just when first lit.
Additionally, anyone using these menorahs in high-traffic areas of the home is at greater risk. If the menorah is placed on a table where people frequently walk by or where pets roam, the potential for accidental contact rises. The combination of a unstable top (due to melting glue) and an external trigger (like a brush against the table) creates a scenario where fire and burn injuries can occur without any direct interaction with the flame itself. Therefore, the risk is not limited to the person lighting the candles but extends to all household members who share the space where the recalled item is displayed.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you attended the Golden State Warriors game on December 14, 2017, specifically during Jewish Heritage Night, there is a strong possibility that you received one of these recalled menorahs as a promotional gift. These items were not sold in stores but were distributed directly to fans at the arena. If you have a decorative menorah that looks like it was given away for free or as part of a special event promotion around that date, it is crucial to verify its details before using it during Hanukkah.
To confirm whether your item is part of this recall, start by looking at the front face of the menorah. The official description notes that the words "Golden State Warriors," along with "Jewish Heritage Night" and two Stars of David, are printed clearly on the front. This branding is the primary identifier. If you see these specific phrases and symbols, it is a strong indicator that you possess the recalled product. However, visual confirmation is not enough; you must also examine the physical construction of the item to ensure it matches the hazardous design described in the recall.
The recalled menorahs are made of polyresin, a type of durable plastic, and feature a distinctive gold-colored finish. The most unique identifying feature is how the candleholders are attached. Each candleholder sits atop a small, decorative basketball shape. If you look closely at the base of each candleholder, you will see it is mounted on a miniature basketball design. This is not just a stylistic choice; it is part of the construction that relies on glue to hold the metal components in place. The center candleholder, which holds the shamash (the helper candle), has an additional decorative basketball basket underneath its ball, making it slightly different from the others but still part of the same flawed assembly.
The candles themselves are also a key identifier. They are designed to resemble small basketballs, complete with the characteristic lines and texture of a real basketball. This thematic consistency—polyresin body, gold aluminum candleholders on basketball bases, and basketball-shaped candles—is specific to this promotional run. If your menorah lacks these specific decorative elements or does not bear the "Golden State Warriors" and "Jewish Heritage Night" branding, it is likely from a different manufacturer or event and may not be subject to this specific recall. However, when in doubt, especially if you have no memory of where the item came from, it is safer to treat any similar-looking promotional menorah with caution.
If your menorah matches all these descriptions—polyresin construction, gold aluminum candleholders on basketball bases, basketball-shaped candles, and the specific printed branding—you should stop using it immediately. Do not attempt to glue the pieces back together or modify the item. The hazard lies in the adhesive itself, which can melt under heat, causing the entire assembly to fail. Please dispose of the item carefully to prevent anyone else from accidentally using it.
What to do — step by step
If you possess a Golden State Warriors promotional menorah from Jewish Heritage Night, the first and most critical action is to stop using it immediately. This is not a situation where you can simply put the item aside for later or try to light just one candle as a test. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) clearly states that consumers should dispose of the recalled menorahs right away. This urgency stems from the specific nature of the hazard: the glue holding the candleholders can melt under the heat of lit candles. When this happens, the candleholders and the lit candles can detach and fall, creating an immediate fire risk and a danger of burns. By discontinuing use instantly, you eliminate the possibility of the component failing while in operation. Do not attempt to repair the glue yourself, as this may interfere with the manufacturer’s safety protocol or potentially worsen the instability of the item. Once you have ensured the menorah is no longer being used, you need to confirm exactly what you have and understand your options for proper disposal. The recalled items are polyresin menorahs given away as promotional gifts on December 14, 2017. They feature "Golden State Warriors," "Jewish Heritage Night," and two Stars of David printed on the front. Visually, they are distinct because they have gold-colored aluminum candleholders mounted on top of decorative basketballs, with an additional decorative basketball basket underneath the center candleholder. The candles themselves are designed to resemble basketballs. If your item matches this description, it is part of the recall. Because the remedy specified by BDA is disposal rather than a refund, repair, or replacement, your primary task is to safely discard the product. Ensure that any remaining wax is cooled and removed if possible, and place the unit in a trash bin where it cannot be retrieved for use by others. For those who need further confirmation or have questions about the process, you can contact BDA directly. They are managing this recall and can provide additional guidance if needed. You can reach them toll-free at 888-860-6693 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you may visit their website at www.bdainc.com. On the homepage, scroll to the very bottom of the page to find the specific recall information. This is the official channel for verification. While there is no financial compensation offered in this instance, getting confirmation from BDA can provide peace of mind that you have handled the situation correctly and safely. Remember, the goal here is safety first; by following these steps, you ensure that a well-intentioned gift does not become a household hazard.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
When you receive a recall notice for a product like the Golden State Warriors Menorahs, it is completely natural to feel a mix of disappointment and confusion. You likely received this item as a special keepsake from Jewish Heritage Night at an NBA game on December 14, 2017, and now you are being asked to take action. It is important to understand exactly how the remedy works in this specific case. Unlike some recalls where the manufacturer offers a free repair kit or sends you a replacement part, the official remedy for these recalled polyresin menorahs is straightforward: immediate disposal. The recall does not offer a refund, a repair, or a replacement unit. Instead, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the firm responsible, BDA, have determined that the only safe course of action is to stop using the item right away and get rid of it entirely.
This might feel frustrating if you are attached to the memorabilia, especially since the menorahs were given away for free as promotional items. However, this decision is rooted in safety, not convenience. The hazard involves the glue holding the candleholders melting when exposed to heat from lit candles. Because the structural integrity of the item is compromised by a chemical failure that cannot be easily or reliably fixed by a consumer at home, attempting to repair it with store-bought adhesives could introduce new risks or fail to prevent the candleholders from falling off again. Therefore, the "option" provided by the recall is not about restoring the product to its original state, but about removing the hazard from your home permanently.
To ensure you are following the official guidance correctly, you should contact BDA directly for confirmation and any additional instructions they may have on proper disposal methods. You can reach their consumer support team by calling their toll-free number at 888-860-6693. This line is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer to handle this digitally, you can visit their website at www.bdainc.com. Once there, scroll to the very bottom of the page to find the dedicated section with more information about this recall.
Please do not attempt to sell, donate, or give away these menorahs to friends or family members who might also receive them as promotional items. The risk remains regardless of who holds the object. By disposing of the item and contacting BDA through the channels listed above, you are taking the correct steps to protect yourself and your household from potential fire and burn hazards. Remember, no injuries have been reported yet in connection with this recall, but prevention is always better than reaction. Your safety is far more valuable than a promotional souvenir.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might want to keep the Golden State Warriors menorah. It was a special promotional item given away during Jewish Heritage Night at an NBA game, and for many fans, it holds sentimental value beyond its physical form. The gold-colored aluminum candleholders atop decorative basketballs and the unique design featuring two Stars of David make it a distinctive piece of memorabilia. However, ignoring the recall notice is not just about missing out on a simple disposal instruction; it is about maintaining a genuine risk to your home’s safety. The core issue with this polyresin menorah is not the materials themselves, but the adhesive used to secure the candleholders. Over time, or even during initial use, the glue that holds these components together can melt. This is not a minor inconvenience; it is a structural failure that transforms a decorative object into a potential hazard.
When the adhesive fails, the consequences are immediate and physical. The candleholder detaches from the base, taking the lit candle with it. If you continue to use the item after ignoring the recall, you are essentially playing Russian roulette with fire. A falling lit candle can land on a tablecloth, a wooden surface, a pet, or even a person’s hand or clothing. While the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the firm have only received one report of the glue melting causing a candleholder to fall off, that single incident highlights the mechanism of danger. The fact that no injuries have been reported so far is fortunate, but it does not mean the risk is absent. It only means that bad luck has not yet struck again. Relying on luck is never a safe strategy when dealing with open flames.
Beyond the immediate threat of burns, there is the secondary danger of fire. A lit candle falling onto flammable materials can ignite them quickly. Menorahs are often placed on dining tables or sideboards in living rooms, areas where other decorative items, papers, or fabrics may be nearby. The heat from a fallen candle can start a blaze that spreads faster than you might expect, especially if the menorah is sitting near curtains or upholstery. Furthermore, the polyresin material itself may soften or deform under high heat, potentially contributing to the instability of the remaining structure. By ignoring the recall, you are allowing a known defect to remain in your home, unchecked and unmitigated.
There is also an emotional toll to consider. Living with a defective fire hazard creates a low-level stress that you do not need. Every time you light a candle in that menorah, there is a nagging fear that it might fall. This undermines the peace and joy that lighting candles is supposed to bring. Instead of focusing on the tradition or the game day memories, your attention is divided by worry. Disposing of the item removes this anxiety entirely. The remedy provided—immediate disposal—is designed to eliminate this risk completely. Choosing not to act keeps that risk alive in your home, turning a cherished memory into a source of potential danger rather than comfort.