My Hanukkiah

Note: The Fine Art America watermark in the lower right corner will be removed from all artwork and products you purchase.

A hanukkiah or... more

by Cheryl Rose

Title

My Hanukkiah

Artist

Cheryl Rose

Medium

Painting - Acrylic Painting On Canvas

Description

Note: The Fine Art America watermark in the lower right corner will be removed from all artwork and products you purchase.

A "hanukkiah" or "chanukiah" is a menorah with nine branches used only during Hanukkah (or Chanukah). "My Hanukkiah" is a festive, colorful acrylic original painting on canvas that is now available as fine art prints in square format, matted and framed if desired. And it is available on holiday throw pillows, tote bags and mugs.

This year Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev, and lasts for eight days to 2 Tevet. (2016: December 24-January 1). It is also called the Festival of Lights. The first night of Hanukkah starts with special blessings at sunset the day before the 25th Kislev. The Hanukkah menorah (or Hanukkiah) has eight candles plus the center candle (called the shamash or servant candle, which is used to light the other candles.) Each night families gather to light one candle on night one, two candles on night two ... and by the eighth night all eight candles are lit. Traditional Hanukkah dishes include sufganiot (Hanukkah donuts), potato latkes (pancakes), mandelbrot (this can be sliced like a hard bread), and rugelach (pastry with different fillings). Children play a fun game using a four-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters called a dreidel. Gift-giving is also popular at this time of the year.

Judah Maccabee was a Jewish priest and a son of the priest Mattathias. He led the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire (167160 BCE). The Jewish feast of Hanukkah ("Dedication") commemorates the restoration of Jewish worship at the temple in Jerusalem in 164 BCE, after Judah Maccabee removed the Hellenistic statuary. A ritual cleansing and re-dedication of the Temple occurred after the Jewish peoples victory. It is believed that there was only enough consecrated oil to keep the lamp burning for one day but the small bottle of oil miraculously burned for eight days. This is the reason Hanukkah is also called the Feast of Dedication and The Festival of Lights. Chag Hanukkah Sameach!

Uploaded

December 18th, 2016