Objects

Candlestick on a round, elevated foot with a shaft from which four pairs of branches emerge; at their top there are eight sockets, all at the same height. Below the sockets, there are two transversal, horizontal bars: one connects all the branches on one side, the other on the opposite side. The shaft is topped with a star on which an additional, highest socket is mounted. The candlestick has a plywood base with a hole in it. The item is dated at before 1939.

Donated by Marian Czubowicz.

Hanukkah lamps were made of brass, silver, wood, or porcelain, with a backplate in the form of a lattice decorated with plant, biblical or animal motifs.

A Hanukkah candlestick is lit in houses and synagogues during the Hanukkah holiday, every day after sunset, starting from the left side and adding one more light each evening. The song “Ma’oz Tzur” (Hebrew: Rock Fortress) is often sung during the celebration.

The candlestick is placed near a door or window to be visible from the outside, its flame must not burn for less than half an hour.

Due to the joyful nature of the holiday, it is forbidden to fast during this time. Children get the so-called Hanukkah gelt (money) or gifts. The story of the miraculous oil teaches us that God gives illuminating power that is far beyond human possibilities to everything that is clean, small as it may be.

Natalia Różańska