Category Archives: 2019 New Issues

Star Wars: Rise Of Skywalker (U.K. 2019)

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[press release]
Special Star Wars-Themed Stamps From Royal Mail Mark The Final Instalment Of The Skywalker Saga

  • Royal Mail issues the third and final stamp set in their Star Wars-themed collection [November 26th]
  • The new set includes 10 character-themed stamps, featuring three brand new characters from the forthcoming film, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
  • Characters featured on the stamps, from the highly anticipated final instalment in the Skywalker saga, are: Jannah; Zorii Bliss; Lando Calrissian; Poe Dameron; and the all-new Sith Trooper
  • The new set also features other classic characters from the Skywalker saga including Count Dooku; Grand Moff Tarkin; Darth Maul; the Wicket the Ewok; and Queen Amidala
  • Completing the set are six further stamps presented in a miniature sheet, illustrating some of the most iconic starships in the galaxy: Poe’s X-wing fighter; Jedi starfighter; Slave I; TIE silencer; Podracers; and speeder bikes
  • The artwork on the stamps feature original illustrations by British artist Malcolm Tween, who also designed the hugely popular Star Wars stamp sets issued in 2015 and 2017
  • Each stamp features a secondary character or scene illustrated by Tween especially for the stamps
  • The style of the ‘1st’ value on each of the stamps replicates the iconic font used for the films
  • A full set of all 16 stamps, available in a Presentation Pack, retails at £12.00
  • The stamps, and other collectible products, can be pre-ordered now at www.royalmail.com/starwars and by phone on 03457 641 641
  • The stamps will be available on general sale at 7,000 Post Offices across the UK from 26 November 2019

Royal Mail has revealed the images of the final set of stamps in its own Star Wars-themed collection.

The 16-stamp set will mark the upcoming release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – which is in cinemas from the 19th December – and features characters and iconic vehicles from the Skywalker saga.

Ten character stamps feature: Count Dooku; Lando Calrissian; Sith Trooper; Jannah; Grand Moff Tarkin; Darth Maul; Zorii Bliss; Wicket Warrick; Poe Dameron; and Queen Amidala.

Character-themed stamps making their debut in Royal Mail’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker stamp set are Jannah, Zorii Bliss and the red armoured Sith Troopers.

The characters of Count Dooku and Grand Moff Tarkin, are both included in the new set.

Art of the Ewok character, Wicket Warrick, as well as the character Jannah, are also included on the stamps.

Completing the set are six stamps featuring some of the most iconic vehicles in the Star Wars galaxy including a Podracer and Slave I. Poe’s X-wing fighter; Jedi starfighter; TIE silencer; and speeder bikes also make an appearance.

All 10 character stamps are original, exclusive illustrations by digital artist and Star Wars fan Malcolm Tween. Tween blended the main images with background scenes to create striking and hyper-realistic montages. Tween also designed the hugely popular 2015 and 2017 Star Wars stamp issues.

As with the previous two issues, the style of the ‘1st‘ value on each of the stamps will replicate the iconic font used for the films.

Philip Parker, Royal Mail, said: “Once again Malcolm Tween takes us on a journey across the Star Wars galaxy with extraordinary artwork of characters old and new. The stamps are miniature masterpieces and a fitting tribute to mark the end of the Skywalker saga.”

The full set of 16 stamps, available in a Presentation Pack, retails at £12.00.

The stamps and a range of collectible products are available to pre-order now at www.royalmail.com/starwars and by phone on 03457 641 641.

The stamps will be available on general sale at 7,000 Post Offices across the UK from 26 November.

Stamp-by-stamp:

Count Dooku
The sinister and elegant Count Dooku trained as a Jedi Master but joined Darth Sidious as a Sith. Working secretly with Sidious, he leads a droid army against the Republic and initiates the deadly Clone Wars at the Battle of Geonosis, where he engages in a lightsaber battle with Jedi Master Yoda. Sidious betrays Dooku, and the Count is killed by Anakin Skywalker.

Lando Calrissian
The one-time owner of the “fastest ship in the galaxy”, the Millennium Falcon, Lando Calrissian was a gambler and a smuggler who lost the Falcon in a game of sabacc to Han Solo. Later the administrator of a sophisticated resort on Bespin, Cloud City, he allies himself with the Empire before joining the Rebel Alliance and helping to destroy the second Death Star.

Sith Trooper
Inspired by the power of a dark and dangerous legacy, the Sith troopers are Kylo Ren’s new breed of highly skilled soldiers. Trained to elite level, these fearsome warriors can handle close-combat blades and blaster rifles as well as long-range heavy artillery. The Sith troopers are to be employed in the First Order’s final push for ultimate galactic domination.

Jannah
Armed with weapons such as an energy bow and a grapple hook, Jannah is the honourable leader of a fierce band of warriors from an oceanic moon. Jannah is athletic and superbly skilled at archery and riding. She joins legendary heroes such as Lando Calrissian and Chewbacca in the fight against the evils of the First Order.

 

Grand Moff Tarkin
Wilhuff Tarkin became the Emperor’s first Grand Moff, a title given to a governor who rules over star systems that show signs of rebelliousness. Tarkin commanded the Death Star, a superweapon employed against whole planets to demonstrate his maxim of “ruling through fear of force”. Tarkin dies on the Death Star when it is obliterated by the Rebel Alliance.

Darth Maul
A Zabrak with head horns and face tattoos, Maul is trained in the dark arts as a Sith warrior by Darth Sidious. He emerges from his training on Tatooine and confronts Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. In this battle, Jinn is killed, while Maul is sliced in two at the waist. However, he manages to survive and fights in the Clone Wars on robotic legs.

 

Zorii Bliss
Zorii Bliss is a tough spice runner from the snowy planet Kijimi. Armed with twin blaster pistols and wearing a visored helmet to hide her face, Zorii just wants to keep her business to herself. But even streetwise scoundrels such as Zorii are forced to take sides in the increasingly high-stakes war between the First Order and the Resistance.

 

Wicket Warrick
An Ewok scout and warrior, Wicket W. Warrick befriends Leia Organa on his homeworld, the forest moon of Endor. The peaceful planet has become the site of an Imperial generator that powers the energy shield protecting the second Death Star. Using only simple weapons and traps, Wicket and his fellow Ewoks help Leia and the Rebel Alliance defeat the Empire during the battle of Endor.

Poe Dameron
Ace pilot Poe Dameron is a highly skilled member of the Resistance. Assisted in his customised T-70 X-wing fighter by his trusty droid, BB-8, he leads a daring raid to find a weak spot in Starkiller Base. Preferring action to passivity, he clashes with the leadership of the Resistance over his desire to strike at the First Order but remains at the heart of any battle.

Queen Amidala
At the age of 14, Padmé Amidala becomes the monarch on her planet Naboo. A skilled diplomat and fighter, she goes on to represent Naboo as its senator on Coruscant, where she falls in love with a dashing young Jedi, Anakin Skywalker. Witnessing Anakin’s fall to the dark side, Amidala is forced to flee after she becomes pregnant with their twins, Luke and Leia.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is released in cinemas on 20 December.

Holidays (Netherlands 2019)

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[press release]
PostNL December stamps 2019: colourful parade of people and animals

The Hague, 4 November 2019 – This year’s PostNL December stamps were illustrated by Lieke van der Vorst. The internationally sought-after illustrator from Eindhoven was inspired by her personal memories of the month of December.

All about family
The stamp sheet of twenty December stamps contains a drawing of a colourful parade of ten characters, both human and animal, in a winter landscape. The stamps exude a warm atmosphere due to the contrasting colours with a sky of snowflakes and stars in the background. “At my parents’ home, the Christmas holidays are all about family,” says Lieke van der Vorst. “They’re about being together, about sharing. On Christmas Day, we stay at home. On Boxing Day, we visit family and friends and everyone brings a dish with them.”

Merging effect
The drawings on the stamps merge into each another. This has created a kind of story on the stamp sheet. “It has turned into a parade going from left to right,” says Van der Vorst. “A parade on a snowy road that ends with the polar bear at the mailbox who is sending cards to those who can’t be at the party. That completes the story.”

Special December rates
PostNL issues new December stamps each year. With the stamps, consumers and businesses can send Christmas and New Year cards weighing up to 50g at a cheaper rate. The special December price of €0.82 per stamp applies from 4 November 2019 until 3 January 2020. This year, a sheet of 20 December stamps costs €16.40. Upon purchase of two sheets of December stamps, the buyer receives a special bag made from 100% recycled PET plastic.

Love for the world around her
Illustrator Lieke van der Vorst (1989) grew up in Kaatsheuvel, just north of Tilburg. Her upbringing was dominated by nature, and her love for the animal world and her immediate surroundings is reflected in her work. Her work is in great international demand, and there is a huge amount of interest in Australia and South Korea. Van der Vorst previously worked on the 2017 December stamps as one of the ten young talented individuals linked to ten famous Dutch people.

Precise style of working
All of the illustrations for the December stamps were drawn by Van der Vorst separately by hand on A4 paper, including the background and typography. Later she combined them on the computer with the space at the top of the sheet. In her work, she almost exclusively uses watercolour pencils and ballpoint pen to create harder lines. “Over the years, I have tried out all of the techniques,” says Van der Vorst. “But pencil and ballpoint suit me best. The advantage is that it allows you to be very precise in your work. You can control the intensity of each line by applying varying amounts of pressure.”

Availability
The December stamps are available from 4 November from 7,200 sales points in the Netherlands (including Jumbo, Albert Heijn, Bruna, Primera, Kruidvat and The Read Shop), through our website and from the Collect Club customer service on telephone number +31 (0)88 – 868 99 00. December stamps can also be used outside of the Christmas period, as long as they are accompanied by an extra stamp for the price that is valid at the time of sending.

Monsters (Israel 2019)

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Monsters
Issue Date: November 26th

Monsters have been part of human lure throughout history. They arouse our fears as well as our curiosity. Monsters are found in Greek and Indian mythology, in China and Japan, among the Vikings and African tribes, as well as the Biblical Nephili and Og king of Bashan and the Golem from Prague in Jewish folklore.

These monsters symbolize the fear of the unknown, which is especially prevalent in young children. At this age anxiety and thoughts turn into terrible creatures hiding in the room, under the bed or in the closet which may come out of hiding at night and cause harm. Every parent experiences his/her child’s fear of these “monsters” and their real fear of them, most commonly at bedtime. This fear can persist for many months.

The monsters featured in this stamp series, created by illustrator Yossi Abulafia and author Ephraim Sidon, are an attempt to deal with these fears by presenting the monsters as funny clumsy characters that, despite their frightening and threatening appearance, are actually good creatures that just want to be loved, encouraged and have friends like everyone else. Thus, this stamp series joins the current trend in children’s literature to “humanize” monsters in order to neutralize the fear they instill in the young.

Like the monsters in Where the Wild Things Are, There’s a Nightmare in my Closet and the Shrek movies, the inhabitants of the Monsters Garden are seemingly frightening and intimidating. But outward appearances can be deceiving. These creatures believe they are beautiful, clever and talented, and they especially crave children’s love. And in fact, the enthusiastic response from tens of thousands of children upon meeting these monsters proves that fear can indeed be conquered through humor.

Muglevi (Cowardly Heart)
Muglevi is a lonely monster with no family or home. He develops many fears, such as a fear of heights, lows, closed spaces, open spaces, public singing, root vegetables, stage fright and fear fright. And he is especially afraid of the monsters Akavishamish (Spider) and Mar-bitz (Hitter) that appear alongside him on each stamp. But beware! If frightened, Muglevi grows to be 4.68 meters tall, weighing 4.72 tons, he bears his teeth and claws and… and… faints.

Kishta (Go Away)
This is Kishta… and if you ask her this question: Why do you have such fingernails and why are you so scary?” she will give you an angry look and reply: Why do you care – it’s none of your business. Go away, just go away from here! I don’t want to see you.

And she mostly wants Kadmoni, the monster that follows her everywhere, to go away…

Sanani (Hater)
Sanani mostly hates everything! But you can’t blame him, after his difficult childhood. He was the fifth child in a family that only had two children. His mother died three years before he was born and when he was just two days old, he was sent off to hunt turnips.

Thus, he hates heartily and there are things he doesn’t like. He even hates the other monsters that are constantly by his side.
—Ephraim Sidon

The stamp series was inspired by the Monsters exhibit at the Eretz Israel Museum (Initiative and artistic management: Zachi Becker) which was designed and written by Yossi Abulafia and Ephraim Sidon. Also inspired by the book “The Monsters Garden” by Ephraim Sidon and Yossi Abulafia.

This stamp sheet was produced using hexachrome (6-color) printing.

Technical Specifications:

  • Moglevi
  • Kishta
  • Sanani

Denominations:NIS 4.10
Size of Booklet: W: 30 mm H: 40
Plate nos.: 1139
Designers: Yossi Abulafia & Miri Nistor
Printers: Enschede, Netherland
Printing method: Offset
Sheet type: Special & small decorated sheet
No. of stamps in sheet: 6 (6 tabs)
Place of cancellation: Tel Aviv – Yafo
No. of FDCs: 1
Price of FDCs: NIS 13.50
Place of cancellation: Tel Aviv – Yafo
Special comments: This stamp sheet was produced using hexachrome (6-color) printing.

Sigd Festival (Israel 2019)

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Ethnic Festivals in Israel: The Sigd Festival
Issue Date: November 26

When the State of Israel was founded and its gates were opened to Jews from around the world, the wave of Olim (new immigrants) which had been rising since the end of the 19th century became a virtual flood. Entire communities from around the globe gathered their belongings and made their way to the Land of their ancestors. Each community brought its customary garb, special language, traditions and all of the other cultural components it had developed over centuries in the Diaspora.

In the early years of the State, Israel’s leaders had to cope with the huge challenge of formulating a new society, one that would incorporate people from Jewish communities around the globe. As part of the “melting pot” concept the new immigrants were expected to abandon the traditions they brought from their native lands and embrace the image and traditions of the new Israeli. This attitude changed over the years and was replaced by one that honored and cherished the immense cultural wealth brought by the Olim. Israeli cuisine adopted diverse flavors and foods originating around the world, Israeli music enriched its work with a broad range of tones and the Israeli calendar integrated holidays and festivals celebrated by the different ethnic groups. Some of these festivals have spread beyond their original ethnicity and are celebrated by Israeli society as a whole.

The Sigd Festival
The Sigd Festival is unique to Ethiopian Jewry and is celebrated each year on the Hebrew date of 29th Heshvan, 50 days after Yom Kippur. In addition to the name Sigd (which stems from the Hebrew word Sgida, meaning worship) it is also called the “festival of supplication” and the “annual gathering”. It is a day of fasting and purification, including a ceremony to renew the covenant between the people and God and a prayer to return to Jerusalem.

The Sigd ceremony is based on the detailed description of the renewal of the covenant conducted in Jerusalem by Ezra and Nehemiah upon the return to Zion (Nehemiah chapters 8-10). It was customary in Ethiopia to hold the ceremony atop a high mountain, symbolizing Mount Sinai. On the eve of the festival, participants would gather at the foot of the mountain selected for the ceremony and purify themselves. Early in the morning they prepared food that would be served at the end of the fast day. On the morning of the Sigd, participants gathered dressed in their best clothes and ascended the mountain together, carrying the Ethiopian Torah (Orit). At the summit of the mountain, the Kess (priests) led prayers praising God, expressing repentance, requesting forgiveness and longing for Jerusalem. They read the Ten Commandments, chapter 9 from the Book of Nehemiah, blessings and curses to the gathered worshippers. At the end of the ceremony, the participants confessed their sins and expressed their desire to celebrate the following year in Jerusalem. The journey back down the mountain was joyous, filled with singing and dancing, and the day concluded with a banquet to break the fast.

When the Jews of Ethiopia made Aliyah to Israel, it was decided that the Sigd would continue to be celebrated annually in Jerusalem. The Sherover Promenade in Jerusalem, which overlooks the Temple Mount, was chosen as the site for the event and it is there that the members of the Ethiopian community gather. In addition to the prayer ceremony conducted by the Kess priests, the festive gathering itself is considered to be significant.

Description of the Stamp
• Background photo of Jerusalem, photo of the Kess priests and photo of the participants celebrating: Gidon Agaza.
• Photo of the Star of David on the stamp tab – courtesy of Elmaz Art in Israel.
• With thanks to the Association of Ethiopian Jews for their help in preparing the stamp and the text. This is the third in a series of three stamps, including those featuring the Sehrane and Mimouna festivals, which were issued earlier this year.

Technical Specifications:

Size of stamps: W: 40 mm, H: 30 mm
Face Value: NIS 7.40
Plate Block No.: 1140
Designer: Mario Sermoneta & Meir Eshel
Printing Method: Offset
Printer: Enschede, Netherland
Sheet Type: Regular
Stamps per sheet: 15
Tabs: 5
No. of FDC’s: 1
Price of FDC’s: NIS 8.60
Place of cancellation: Jerusalem

Israeli Board Games (Israel 2019)

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Israeli Board Games (Israel 2019)
Issue Date: November 26th

TAKI
Since it was first introduced in 1983, TAKI has become one of the most popular board games in Israel and one of the greatest symbols of the “togetherness” culture.

The game, whose name means “waterfall” in Japanese and is illustrated by designer Ari Ron, incorporates luck and strategy in just the right amounts for the whole family.

What makes a game so much fun? There are a number of essential components, and they can even be listed in order of significance, but as with any creation, from a stunning cake to a fascinating story or moving piece of music, there is always an elusive component that is hard to define and without which, perfection would not be attained – without it there is no magic.

Haim Shafir, who invented TAKI, says that the secret to the game’s success lies in the slogan that expresses his creative vision – Simply be Happy Together, “because that is the true purpose of board games, and essentially – of life itself”.

—Haim Shafir

Rummikub®
Rummikub, an original Israeli produced game, is one of the top three family games in the world. It is currently Israel’s number one export, sold to 59 countries and translated into 26 languages! A new Rummikub game is manufactured every six seconds.

According to estimates, there is not a single home in Israel that does not have a Rummikub game, whether it is the prestigious version with marblelike tiles in a wooden box, the lightweight travel version, in the metal gift box and more…

How is the game played? Each player takes 14 tiles and tries to be the first to use all the tiles from his/her rack by creating groups or series and by maneuvering.

If you are lucky enough to draw the joker tile – use it wisely, because it can replace any number!

The game was developed in the 1950’s by the late Ephraim Hertzano and manufactured by Kodkod. Ephraim couldn’t have imagined that his social invention would one day change free time for families and children around the world.

Rummikub was declared to be one of the best games of the 20th century.

The World Rummikub Championships have been held since 1991, with participants from approximately 36 different countries.

The popular online Rummikub app has been downloaded by millions worldwide, allowing users to play with others online.

—Mariana and Micha Hertzano, CEO

The items on the stamps courtesy of Shafir Games and Kodkod company ©.

TAKI & Rummikub
Date of Issue: 26 November, 2019
Size of stamps: W: 30 mm, H: 40 mm
Face Value: NIS 2.50, 2.50, 2.50
Plate Block No.: 1137
Designer: Hadar Bar
Printing Method: Offset
Printer: Enschede, Netherland
Sheet Type: Regular
Stamps per sheet: 15
Tabs: 5
No. of FDCís: 1
Price of FDC’s: NIS 6.20
Place of cancellation: Tel Aviv – Yafo

Christmas 2019 (UK 2019)

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[press release]
Royal Mail Reveals 2019 Christmas Special Stamps

  • The six 2019 Christmas stamps depict scenes from the Biblical story of the Nativity from the Annunciation, the journey of the Magi and the birth of Jesus Christ
  • Royal Mail’s 2019 Christmas stamps have been created by the talented duo and paper-cut artists Hari & Deepti. Based on a fusion of intricate paper-art and lighting, their work brings to life the magical story of Christmas with imaginative story-telling
  • The tradition of sending Christmas cards was established in the UK in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole, when just 1,000 of them were produced
  • Help Royal Mail’s postmen and women deliver this year’s festive mail by posting early this Christmas and using the postcode
  • The stamps are on sale from 5 November 2019. They will be available at www.royalmail.com/christmas2019, by phone on 03457 641 641 and in 7,000 Post Offices across the UK

The six stamp designs depict scenes from the Biblical story of the Nativity, from the Annunciation, the journey of the Magi and the birth of Jesus Christ.

The stamps were created by the talented duo and paper-cut artists, Hari & Deepti.

Using layers of intricate paper and light-boxes, they create three-dimensional scenes and creations that bring magical stories to life. Their atmospheric work has been exhibited internationally.

Available in 1st Class, 2nd Class, Large letter rates and overseas values, the stamps are available from today at www.royalmail.com/christmas2019, by calling 03457 641641 and from 7,000 Post Office branches across the UK.

The History of Christmas Cards
The tradition of sending Christmas cards was established in 1843, with the introduction of the world’s first commercially produced Christmas cards. The cards were commissioned by Sir Henry Cole, who just three years earlier had played a key role in helping to introduce Royal Mail’s Penny Post service. Only 1,000 of these cards were printed and sold for a shilling each. This meant that they were a luxury item and were not affordable for most people.

One of the original 1,000 cards sent is also the most valuable in the world, according to Guinness World Records. The card, which was originally sent by Sir Henry Cole to his grandmother in 1843, was sold at an auction in Devizes, Wiltshire for £20,000 on 24 November 2001.

Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel 2019)

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[press release]
Weizmann Institute of Science 70th Anniversary
Issue Date: November 26, 2019

The Weizmann Institute of Science has been guiding the spirit and substance of the State of Israel for 70 years. Dr. Chaim Weizmann, the first president of Israel and founder of the Weizmann Institute of Science is quoted in the campus square: “I trust and feel sure in my heart that science will bring to this land both peace and a renewal of its youth, creating here the springs of a new spiritual and material life. […] I speak of both science for its own sake, and science as a means to an end.” And in fact, 70 years after its founding ceremony, attended by the leaders of the young nation on November 2, 1949, the Weizmann Institute of Science is today ranked third in the world for research quality (Nature Index 2019 ranking) and is among the world’s 25 most influential institutions for technological and medical application. This is an especially significant achievement, as the Institute’s scientists focus on basic research, motivated solely by curiosity that has a single goal: to expand the boundaries of human knowledge and better understand the world and our place in it.

Weizmann scientists were the first to study cancer in Israel, the first to build an electronic computer (in 1954), the first to develop amniocentesis and the first original Israeli drug (Copaxone, for the treatment of multiple sclerosis). The first three particle accelerators in Israel were operated at the Institute and advanced ways to utilize solar energy were studied and developed in its solar dele tower. Prof. Ada Yonath, who deciphered the structure and workings of the ribosome, the cell’s protein factory, was the first female Israeli scientist to be awarded the Nobel Prize (2009). Today the Institute is a leader in developing personalized medical treatment, aerospace research and quantum physics.

The Weizmann Institute of Science also contributes in the social and educational realms. The “Perach” tutorial project was started at the Institute in the 1970’s. The national Science Oriented Youth program also began here. The expanded program is now managed by the Davidson Institute of Science Education, the educational branch of Weizmann Institute of Science. Thus the Institute’s scientists continue to lay the foundation of Israel’s status as the “startup nation”, as well as narrowing social gaps and working to improve the overall welfare of humankind.
—Yivsam Azgad

Description of the Stamp
The symbols rising from Dr. Chaim Weizmann’s hand represent the various fields of research at the Weizmann Institute of Science:

  • Chemistry – an acetone molecule. The molecule is floating above Weizmann’s hand because he himself was a chemist. The process of using bacteria to produce acetone for the British military in WWI garnered him political and scientific prestige.
  • Physics – an atom.
  • Mathematics & Computer Science – the Greek letter phi.
  • Life Sciences – a strand of DNA.
  • Education – a graduation mortarboard.

The symbols’ upward movement symbolizes the future.

Images of Dr. Chaim Weizmann on the stamp and FDC: courtesy of the National Photo Collection.

The FDC features a photo of the Weizmann Institute of Science Jacob Ziskind Building, the Institute’s first building. The inaugural ceremony was held here on November 2, 1949, attended by Dr. Chaim Weizmann and Prime Minister David Ben Gurion. The WEIZAC, Israel’s first computer, was constructed in this building. Today, the Jacob Ziskind Building houses the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science. Photo courtesy of Weizmann Institute of Science.

The cancellation [right] features an acetone molecule.

Name of stamp/set: Weizmann Institute of Science 70th Anniversary
Date of Issue: 26 November, 2019
Size of stamps\ souvenir sheet: W: 30 mm, H: 40 mm
Face Value: NIS 8.30
Plate Block No.: 1136
Designer: Ronen Goldberg
Printing Method: Offset
Printer: Enschede, Netherland
Sheet Type: Regular
Stamps per sheet: 15
Tabs: 5
No. of FDC’s: 1
Price of FDC’s: NIS 9.50
Place of cancellation: Rehovot

Hanukkah (Canada 2019)

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[press release]
Canada Post wishes Canadians “Hanukkah Same’ah” with new stamp
Colourful issue honours the Jewish Festival of Lights
[large version of stamp appears after the press releases]

MONTRÉAL – Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev, the third month of the Jewish calendar year, and lasts for eight days. In 2019, the festival occurs from nightfall on December 22 until nightfall on December 30. Canada Post is issuing this stamp today, well in advance of the celebration, so that Canadians can make their Hanukkah cards and other mail more festive.

Designed by Lionel Gadoury of Context Creative, this stamp – honouring the Jewish Festival of Lights – explores the relationship between light and dark. Combining a stylized menorah with layered patterns and nuanced hues that range from bright yellow to deep purple, the intent is to evoke a sense of reflection and contemplation.

One of the most widely observed Jewish holidays, Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of Judaism’s holiest site, the Temple in Jerusalem, in the second century BCE, after the Jewish people fought and regained their religious freedom. The seven-branched Temple menorah was required to stay lit at all times; however, after the battle, there was enough sanctified oil to last only one day. Miraculously, that small amount burned for the eight days it took to harvest, press and transport a new supply – which is why the kindling of a menorah, adding another light each day, is central to Hanukkah celebrations.

The Hanukkah stamp issue is available in booklets of 10 stamps at Canada Post retail outlets and online at canadapost.ca/shop.

Postes Canada souhaite une joyeuse Hanoukka aux Canadiens avec un nouveau timbre
La vignette colorée souligne la fête juive des Lumières

MONTRÉAL – D’une durée de huit jours, Hanoukka est célébrée à partir du 25e jour de Kislev, troisième mois du calendrier hébraïque. En 2019, le festival commence au coucher du soleil le 22 décembre et prend fin au coucher du soleil le 30 décembre. Postes Canada émet le timbre aujourd’hui, bien avant la célébration, pour que les Canadiens puissent égayer leurs cartes et leurs autres envois.

Conçu par Lionel Gadoury de Context Creative, le timbre, qui célèbre la fête juive des Lumières, explore la relation entre la lumière et l’obscurité. Mêlant une menorah stylisée avec des cercles superposés de teintes allant du jaune vif au violet foncé, la vignette invite à la réflexion et à la contemplation.

L’une des fêtes juives les plus observées, Hanoukka commémore la réinauguration du site le plus saint du judaïsme, le Temple de Jérusalem, au deuxième siècle avant notre ère, après que le peuple juif eut combattu pour regagner sa liberté religieuse. La menorah à sept branches du Temple devait rester allumée en tout temps; toutefois, après la bataille, il ne restait qu’une fiole contenant assez d’huile consacrée pour brûler une journée. Par miracle, la petite quantité d’huile a duré huit jours, le temps nécessaire pour réapprovisionner les stocks – c’est pourquoi l’allumage d’une nouvelle branche d’une menorah chaque jour est au cœur des célébrations de Hanoukka.

Le timbre sur Hanoukka est offert en carnets de 10 dans les points de vente au détail de Postes Canada et en ligne à postescanada.ca/magasiner.

The full booklet pane: The Official First Day Covers: Technical Specifications:

Christmas: The Magi (Canada 2019)

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This stamp was issued November 4th: [press release]
Continuing the tradition of making mail merrier
Mailers can choose from a number of designs to dress up their holiday cards and letters.

OTTAWA – For more than five decades, Canadians have enjoyed the opportunity to dress up their December holiday mail with festive stamps. This year, Canada Post continues the tradition – and mailers can choose stamps depicting a variety of seasonal imagery.

One Christmas issue, designed by Vancouver’s Subplot Design Inc., focuses on the story of the Magi, the wise men from the East who are said to have followed a brilliant star to Bethlehem, bearing gifts for a newborn king.

The second holiday issue, Shiny and Bright, was designed and illustrated by Andrew Lewis. Influenced by festive cards of years gone by, the stamps depict classic holiday images of a reindeer (Permanent™ domestic rate), dancers (U.S. rate) and a partridge in a pear tree (international rate), and are sure to bring a touch of nostalgia to your holiday mail.

La tradition d’égayer le courrier des Fêtes se poursuit
Plusieurs motifs de timbres s’offrent aux expéditeurs pour orner leurs cartes et leurs lettres des Fêtes.

OTTAWA – Depuis plus de cinq décennies, les Canadiens ont la possibilité d’enjoliver leurs envois de décembre de timbres festifs. Cette année, Postes Canada continue la tradition, et les expéditeurs peuvent choisir des timbres ornés de diverses images de la saison des Fêtes.

Un des timbres de Noël de cette année, conçu par l’entreprise Subplot Design Inc. de Vancouver, raconte l’histoire des Mages, ces sages de l’Orient qui auraient suivi une étoile brillante jusqu’à Bethléem pour apporter des présents au roi nouveau-né.

Un deuxième jeu de timbres, Éclat et lumières, a été conçu et illustré par Andrew Lewis. Inspirés par les cartes de Noël d’antan, ces timbres illustrent des images classiques des Fêtes : un renne (timbre Permanent au tarif du régime intérieur), des ballerines (envois à destination des États-Unis) et une perdrix dans un poirier (tarif du régime international). Ils ne manqueront pas d’apporter une touche de nostalgie à vos envois des Fêtes. The official first day cover: