[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
New stamp celebrates the Jewish Festival of Lights
The contemporary illustration reflects the joyful spirit of Hanukkah

OTTAWA – Today Canada Post launched the fifth stamp in its ongoing series celebrating Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. The new stamp reflects the joyful spirit of the festival through a vibrant, contemporary interpretation of the flames on an eight-branched menorah.

Hanukkah is one of the more widely embraced celebrations in the Jewish calendar. An opportunity for reflection and a celebration of triumph and tenacity, it commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Jewish people reclaimed it from their oppressors around 165 BCE.

According to Jewish tradition, the Temple’s menorah was to burn continuously, but there was enough oil to last only one day. Miraculously, it lasted the eight days needed to harvest, press and transport a fresh supply of oil.

This miracle is commemorated through the kindling of a special Hanukkah menorah known as a hanukkiyah – a candelabrum bearing a row of eight candle or oil holders. Each evening an additional light is kindled using the shamash (helper candle).

Designed by Andrew Lewis, the stamp was cancelled in Montréal on November 7, in advance of Hanukkah, which this year takes place from nightfall December 18 to nightfall December 26.

The 2022 Hanukkah stamp is available at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada.

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
Un nouveau timbre en l’honneur de la fête juive des Lumières
L’interprétation contemporaine reflète l’esprit joyeux de Hanoukka.

OTTAWA – Postes Canada lance aujourd’hui le cinquième timbre de sa série célébrant Hanoukka. Interprétation contemporaine et vivante des flammes d’une menorah à huit branches, ce nouveau timbre reflète l’esprit joyeux de la fête juive des Lumières.

Hanoukka est l’une des plus grandes fêtes du calendrier juif. Se voulant une occasion de réfléchir et de célébrer le triomphe et la ténacité, elle commémore la réinauguration du Temple de Jérusalem, repris de ses oppresseurs par le peuple juif environ 165 ans avant l’ère commune.

Selon la tradition juive, la menorah du Temple devait brûler sans arrêt, mais il ne restait de l’huile que pour une journée. Par miracle, cette petite quantité l’a alimentée pendant huit jours, jusqu’à l’arrivée de nouvelles réserves.

Ce miracle est célébré en allumant une menorah spéciale appelée hanoukkia, un chandelier à huit branches, à raison d’une nouvelle flamme par soir à l’aide du shamash (serviteur).

Conçu par Andrew Lewis, le timbre a été oblitéré à Montréal le 7 novembre, plusieurs semaines avant la fête, qui se tient cette année du coucher du soleil le 18 décembre jusqu’à la tombée de la nuit le 26 décembre.

Le timbre de Hanoukka de cette année est en vente sur postescanada.ca et dans les comptoirs postaux partout au pays.

[from Details magazine]
A fresh take on an age old tradition, this new Hanukkah stamp conveys the joyful spirit of the Jewish Festival of Lights through a fun, flamboyant interpretation of the flames on a hanukkiyah (a special eight branched menorah). This year, the celebration takes place from nightfall December 18 to nightfall December 26.

The kindling of a hanukkiyah is central to the observation of Hanukkah, paying homage to a miracle that took place more than 2,000 years ago. After the Maccabees led the Jews to victory over their oppressors, it is said that the menorah in the rededicated Temple in Jerusalem burned for eight days on a single day’s worth of oil.

Designer Andrew Lewis says his goal in creating the design was to put a new spin on a classical image. The stylized flames, he explains, create a graphic and emotional energy that reflects the joy and excitement of the holiday. “The different colours of the flames represent the various ways people celebrate Hanukkah today – through prayer, singing, feasting, playing with dreidels, sharing gifts,” he says. “The blue background and the white flame of the central shamash (helper candle) ground the design, as those colours hold special importance in Judaism.”

A more-detailed press release will be distributed on the day of issue, 7 November.