Le Chant de Jerusalem

Bronze stamp seal with Menorah and shofar, southern Levant or Syria, 4th–7th century CE.

The lamp’s stepped base bears the German inscription “To the children of the Danzig Synagogue Congregation / Simon Anker / Hanukkah 5696 [or, 1935].” Anker was a prominent grain merchant and a synagogue official. The Jewish community of Danzig, however, was only able to enjoy this Hanukkah lamp for four years. In 1939 the Germans overran Danzig, and the community members were coerced to leave; they sent their precious synagogue objects to the Jewish Museum.

Hanukkah lamp by Beverly Pepper (American, active in Italy, 1922-2020). Made in Italy, 1963, steel.

Every boy becomes a Rabbi, 1965. Boys dressed up as rabbis for Purim. By Irving I. Herzberg (1915-1991).