In 2022, the U.S. Postal Service celebrates Hanukkah with a new stamp featuring an original wall-hanging. The fiber art, crafted through hand-dyeing, appliqué, and quilting, depicts a hanukiah—the nine-branch candelabra used during Hanukkah. Blue and purple fabrics symbolize the sky, greens and browns represent the earth, and bright yellows and oranges evoke the Festival of Lights.
Hanukkah, meaning “dedication” in Hebrew, commemorates the Maccabees’ victory over Antiochus IV and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. The miracle of Hanukkah is remembered with the lighting of the hanukiah. Despite having only a small jar of consecrated oil—enough for one day—the Temple menorah burned for eight days.
The hanukiah holds eight candles for each night of Hanukkah, plus a shamash, or helper candle. The candles are placed from right to left but are lit from left to right. Families recite blessings and may explain the heritage and symbolism of Hanukkah during the lighting ceremony.
Traditional Hanukkah foods, such as latkes (fried potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (doughnuts), honor the miracle of the oil. The preparation of these foods often involves family traditions and recipes passed down through generations.
In 2022, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 18. The stamp was designed by Jeanette Kuvin Oren and directed by Ethel Kessler. Hanukkah stamps are available in panes of 20 Forever stamps.
