It’s that time of year again — and Jewish Heritage Europe wishes all our readers and friends a very Happy Hanukkah and holiday season — and beyond!
Thank you all for your interest and support — and thanks especially to those of you who have contacted us with questions and comments, with news of publications and events, and with updated or new information on Jewish heritage issues and sites.
Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights. During the 8-day festival Jews light a special nine-branched Hanukkah Menorah, or candelabra (sometimes called a Hanukkiah) or other arrangements of eight candles or oil lamps with a ninth “Shammash”, or flame used to light the others.
This celebrates the Hanukkah miracle — when, in ancient times, the Ner Tamid (Eternal Light) rekindled in the Temple in Jerusalem by the Maccabees burned for eight days, even though there was only oil enough to keep it alight for one.
To mark the holiday this year, we are posting images of light(s) — photos of the Ner Tamid that hangs in front of the Ark in synagogues; photos of candelabra and chandeliers; photos of Hanukkah menorahs.
(Last year, since it’s traditional to give gifts at Hanukkah, we posted images of synagogue wall paintings and other decorations that almost remind us of fancy gift wrapping…. Two years ago, we posted a photo essay of images of Hanukkah menorahs and other candlesticks used as decorative elements of synagogues and Jewish gravestones and other monuments.)
Hanukkah is something of a birthday for JHE… it was on the first night of Hanukkah in 2011 that our web site had its first public presentation, at a holiday reception hosted in Prague by the then- U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Norman Eisen.
For us, it was truly a moment to recite the Shehecheyanu blessing — even though we didn’t go live online until nearly two months later.
Since then, we have continued to grow. And we are still growing and expanding — with news items, resources, links, photos, articles, calendar events and other content being added each week.
Please keep in touch! And please subscribe to our Newsfeed and monthly Newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
2 comments on “Happy Hanukkah – festival of light(s)!”
2011:
Youthful enthusiasm and idealism spread by your writings,outstanding photo galleries,links for deepening understanding and views,all in all : fabulous! and wait for becoming “adult “.
Also a very happy Chanoukah,being aware Light may become each year a bit brighter.
Grateful for your work,
Ben Franken
Thanks, Ben! Always enjoy your comments!