Yearly, the United States Postal Service dedicates a brand new Hanukkah stamp to honor the vacation celebrated by Jewish folks all over the world.
Additionally referred to as the Pageant of Lights, Hanukkah spans eight days and nights, originating from the battle for spiritual liberty and human rights amongst Jewish people in all places.
Immediately, the 2024 stamp design was unveiled at a dedication ceremony on the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
“This stamp, with its festive Hanukkah candles, heat our hearts and their intimate glow rekindles the household bonds that consolation and maintain us all year long. It additionally reminds us — as People — that we’re joined in our range,” mentioned Michael Gordon, the Postal Service’s authorities liaison director.
He added, “Beginning immediately, this stunning picture of remembrance, mild, and love will journey on letters and packages to tens of millions of households and companies all through America and all over the world.”
Gordon additionally served because the dedicating official of the stamp and was joined by the museum’s govt director, Bea Gurwitz; the museum’s incoming board chairman, Chris Wolf; and the stamp’s artwork director, Antonio Alcalá.
“The Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum is honored to be a part of the 2024 Hanukkah stamp unveiling ceremony,” mentioned Gurwitz.
“The museum tells the story of a group that’s decidedly native however has a nationwide influence, in search of to encourage all who go to to take motion on behalf of their group values, and this stamp ceremony matches completely with that mission. Thanks to the U.S. Postal Service for creating this spectacular stamp.”
On the ceremony, the officers shared the origin story of Hanukkah and defined its significance.
Hanukkah is the Hebrew phrase for “dedication,” and refers back to the miracle skilled by the Maccabees, a small military of Jewish warriors, who fought for spiritual freedom in historic occasions.
Although Jews had been persecuted by oppressive legal guidelines, the Maccabees revolted and prevailed in opposition to the emperor Antiochus IV. Custom shares that after they reclaimed their Temple in Jerusalem, Jews found that just one small jar of oil remained — solely sufficient to offer someday of sunshine.
However after they lit the Temple menorah, it miraculously burned for eight days. The miracle of this oil — and the enduring spirit of the Jewish folks — is celebrated throughout Hanukkah, marked by a ceremonial lighting of the menorah.
This custom is depicted on the stamp.
“Designing the 2024 Hanukkah stamp is an honor and privilege,” mentioned Alcalá.
“The imperfect ink-drawn strains of the art work are to lend a human presence to the picture. The flames are proven, however the candles themselves should not current. They’re implied, and to me, that alludes to a facet of religion that’s each tied to this ceremony and to the bigger spiritual expertise.”
The Hanukkah stamps are issued as a pane of 20 Without end stamps and at the moment are obtainable for buy on-line, through mail, or at USPS places nationwide for $14.60.
In 2024, Hanukkah begins at sunset on December 25.
Header picture courtesy of Robert Couse-Baker
