We can see two griffins at the top of the Hanukah Lamp. At the bottom we can also see a figure lighting a Hanukah lamp at the top of the stairs.

Look closely, what can you see?

This is a Hanukah lamp made from silver and partially covered with gold leaf. It was made around the 1770s in Germany made by a silversmith named Moses Haso.

It is very beautifully decorated and has some important Jewish symbols. The middle of the lamp has two hinged doors which open. These are a symbol of the Holy Ark (Aron Kodesh) where the Torah scroll is kept in synagogue. The doors open to reveal a Hebrew text giving the blessing for lighting the Hanukah lights.

Look closely at the lions on top of the two columns next to the hinged doors. The lion is a common symbol in Jewish art and is symbolic of the tribe of Judah and the House of David.

We might wonder what some of the other symbols mean? We might wonder if this Hanukah Lamp was ever used?

What do you wonder?

Object name: Hanukah Lamp

Date: c. 1770

Catalogue number: JM 242

Material(s): Silver parcel-gilt

Artist: Moses Haso

Size: 59 x 32 cm

On display in the Jewish Museum? Yes

Hanukah is the Festival of Lights which is celebrated in the Hebrew month of Kislev, usually in December. Hanukah remembers the story of the Maccabees. Over 2,000 years ago an evil King took over the temple in Jerusalem. The Maccabees fought against the king to reclaim the temple. When the Maccabees had won, they tried to relight the temple’s sacred Menorah. The Menorah was a seven branched candelabra which was meant to be kept alight at all times. When they tried to light the Menorah there was only enough oil to last for 1 day. However, a miracle happened and the small jar of oil lasted for 8 days and 8 nights.

Hanukah is celebrated each night for eight nights in a row. The Hanukah lamp is lit in a special way. First the shamash, or helper candle is lit. This is the candle used to light all the other candles. On the first night one candle is lit, on the second night two candles are lit, and so on, until the last night when all eight candles are lit (nine including the shamash). Additional candles are added each night from right to left, but they are lit starting with the newest candle, from left to right. It is traditional to play the game of dreidel, give out chocolate gold coins called gelt, and eat foods fried in oil to commemorate the Hanukah miracle.