Washington, D.C., museum focused on Jewish life to host Sept. 19 first day for new U.S. Hanukkah stamp

By Charles Snee

The United States Postal Service continues its celebration of Hanukkah with the Sept. 19 issue of its 16th stamp commemorating the Jewish holiday also known as the Festival of Lights.

An official first-day ceremony for the new nondenominated (73¢) Hanukkah forever stamp will take place at 11 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time at the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, 575 Third St. NW, in Washington, D.C.

Those desiring to attend the ceremony are encouraged to register with the U.S. Postal Service online. Each attendee may invite up to nine additional guests to the ceremony, which is free and open to the public, the USPS said.

“In the beautiful atrium of DC’s Jewish community museum, history will be made at the first day of issue celebration,” the Postal Service said. “Music, activities, and an opportunity to view the museum’s exhibitions make the event perfect for families and stamp enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be present for the unveiling of America’s new holiday-themed stamp.”

According to its website, the Capital Jewish Museum is centered on “exploring the Jewish experience in the national capital region and inspiring visitors to connect personally and collectively, reflect on the relevance of the past to today, and act on behalf of their communities and values.”

“Almost 150 years after the region’s first purpose-built synagogue was dedicated, the Capital Jewish Museum figuratively and literally connects the story of Jewish Washington’s past, present, and future,” said Esther Safran Foer, president of the museum.

The new Hanukkah stamp features USPS art director Antonio Alcala’s stylized illustration of a white nine-candle menorah set against a solid bright blue background. “HANUKKAH FOREVER / USA” is printed in two lines below the menorah.

In the Hebrew calendar, Hanukkah begins on the 25th day in the month of Kislev, a date that falls in late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar, and is observed for eight nights and days.

This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Dec. 25 (thus coinciding with Christmas) and lasts until sundown on Jan. 2, 2025.

Traditions associated with the Jewish holiday include lighting the hanukkiah (a menorah with nine candles), praying, singing songs, giving gifts to children and playing games with the dreidel (a four-sided spinning toy).

The central candle on the hanukkiah is called the shammash, or helper candle, and is used to light the other eight candles during the eight-day celebration.

The celebration commemorates the 164 B.C. victory of the Jewish Maccabees over Syrian occupiers in the land of Israel and the subsequent rededication of the Jerusalem temple.

Alcala shared with Linn’s Stamp News some of his feelings about working on the new Hanukkah stamp.

“The most rewarding moment was being able to work on a subject that is part of my heritage,” Alcala said. “My mother escaped Nazi Germany on the Kindertransport. Although she is no longer alive, I like to think she and my ancestors would be pleased to know I designed this stamp.”

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