Canada Post’s new Hanukkah stamp highlights a beautifully detailed 19th-century hanukkiyah , featuring an intricate peacock design symbolizing resilience and faith.
This year’s stamp commemorates the “Festival of Lights” with a piece of Jewish heritage rescued from pre-Second World War Europe.
Originally crafted in Poland, the silver-plated hanukkiyah is believed to have been saved from a burning synagogue in Germany during the violent events of November 1938. The artifact now resides at Montréal’s Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom in the Aron Museum. Louis Charbonneau of the museum noted that “In the aftermath of World War II, military authorities recovered a vast amount of Jewish cultural and religious items,” and this menorah was among the pieces later donated to Jewish communities and institutions worldwide.
The hanukkiyah , holding eight candles and a ninth “helper” candle, or shamash, is adorned with a striking peacock, a design that underscores the faith and endurance central to Hanukkah. Canada Post expressed pride in featuring this historic piece, joining a tradition of celebrating significant holidays from various faiths across Canada, including Christmas, Diwali, and Eid.
Designed by Subplot Design Inc. and printed by Colour Innovations, the Hanukkah stamp issue includes a booklet of six Permanent domestic rate stamps and an Official First-Day Cover canceled in Westmount, Que. Stamps and collectibles are available for purchase at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada.