Objects

The Hanukkah lamp (hannukiyah) is an attribute of Hanukkah, a holiday commemorating the recapture of the Jerusalem Temple from the hands of the pagans in the 2nd century BC. According to tradition, during the purification of the desecrated temple, a miracle occurred. A jug of oil was found with the original seal of the high priest, and its contents were sufficient to fuel the lamp for one day. This time, however, the lit lamp burned for eight days. That is why during the month of Kislev (November-December), an additional candle is lit in the hannukiyah for eight consecutive days and placed in the window of the house. The inventor of the presented lamp, Jan Pogorzelski, was a well-known goldsmith from Warsaw, active before 1851. His workshop and warehouse of goldsmith products were located at 17 Bielańska Street (ul. Bielańska 17). Władysław Strengiel was a co-owner of the business. Pogorzelski's workshop produced vessels and tableware, sugar bowls, coffee pots, salt cellars, candelabras and Jewish ritual objects. The presented lamp is distinguished by its rich ornamentation. It features, among other things, depictions of lions symbolising the Davidic lineage from which the Messiah will come.