Judaism & Hanukkah

Hanukkah, Chanukah, dedication, festival, light, religion

  • Hanukkah lamp, 1700-1825. Museum no. M.413-1956

    Hanukkah lamp, 1700-1825. Museum no. M.413-1956

    Hanukkah lamp
    Poland
    1700-1825
    Brass
    Museum no. M.413-1956
    Bequeathed by Dr W.L. Hildburgh FSA

    This Polish lamp was designed either to be hung on a wall or to remain free standing. Its back- plate represents a building and it is flanked on either side by lions, symbolising the tribe of Judah. It has two candleholders for Sabbath lamps.

  • Sabbath lamp, 1700-1800. Museum no. 1512A-1903

    Sabbath lamp, 1700-1800. Museum no. 1512A-1903

    Sabbath lamp
    The Netherlands
    1700-1800
    Cast brass
    Museum no. 1512A-1903

    This hanging Sabbath oil lamp with seven wicks is known as a Judensten (Jewish Star). They were used for many centuries all over Europe and are often depicted in engravings. They were lit before the Sabbath on Friday at sundown through to Saturday at sundown.

  • Hanukkah lamp, 1500-1600. Museum no. M.419-1956

    Hanukkah lamp, 1500-1600. Museum no. M.419-1956

    Hanukkah lamp
    Italy
    1500-1600
    Bronze, cast and gilded
    Museum no. M.419-1956
    Bequeathed by Dr W.L. Hildburgh FSA

    The back-plate on this lamp is interesting as it bears the arms of the cardinal of the city, possibly in gratitude for allowing the Jewish inhabitants to live freely. It has the coat of arms of Inigo d'Avalos, who was created cardinal in 1561 and became chancellor of the Kingdom of Naples in 1562.

  • Havdalah candlestick, made by Eli Gera. Museum no. M60&a-1981

    Havdalah candlestick, made by Eli Gera. Museum no. M60&a-1981

    Havdalah candlestick
    Made by Eli Gera
    Israel
    Silver
    Museum no. M60&a-1981
    Gift of the Jewish Museum

    This is a candlestick is part of a Havdalah set comprising of four items: a candlestick, a spice box and a wine cup cover. The last three form a single interlocking piece when not in use.

  • Hanukkah lamp with bucket, made by Jacob Marsh

    Hanukkah lamp with bucket, made by Jacob Marsh, 1747-8. Museum no. M.75&A-1949

    Hanukkah lamp with bucket
    Made by Jacob Marsh
    England (London)
    1747-8 
    Silver
    Museum no. M.75&A-1949

    This English Hanukkah lamp in the collection has a small bucket underneath to catch the drips of oil. It was made by a London silversmith called Jacob Marsh for a family from Gibraltar and donated to the Museum by a descendant of the original owner. The decoration, with its scrolls and shells, is typical of the Rococo style that was fashionable in the mid 18th century.