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Hanukkah lamp inscribed with the passage "We kindle these lights . . ."

Unknown1574

The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Israel

The back panel of this early Hanukkah lamp is inscribed from side to side with the words "We kindle these lights . . ." in elaborate Ashkenazi calligraphy. The inscription ends with "Meir Halpern" – probably the name of the person who commissioned the lamp – and the Hebrew year. The top of the lamp features dragons like those that appear in medieval manuscripts. The side panels are designed to look like Gothic towers.

Credit: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Hen, The Hague, Netherlands

Details

  • Title: Hanukkah lamp inscribed with the passage "We kindle these lights . . ."
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: 1574
  • Location: Germany
  • Type: Hanukkah lamp
  • Rights: The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Photo © Israel Museum, Jerusalem, by David Harris
  • External Link: Israel Museum, Jerusalem
  • Medium: Bronze, cast
  • Inscription: Inscribed in Hebrew: "We kindle these lights to commemorate the miracles and wonders . . ."; "Meir Halpern"; and the Hebrew year 5574
  • Dimensions: H: 22.3; W: 34.4 cm
  • Curator: Benjamin, Chaya

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