Hot Topics     Home and Family    

U.S. Postal Service Issues New Hanukkah Forever Stamp



Continuing the tradition of issuing stamps for the Hanukkah celebrations

New Hanukkah Forever Stamp

With the release of this vibrant new stamp, the U.S. Postal Service continues its tradition of issuing stamps for the Hanukkah celebrations.

This joyous Jewish holiday commemorates the liberation and reconsecration of the Temple in Jerusalem in the second century B.C. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is a time for family and friends to come together to rejoice.

A dedication ceremony for the stamp was held at Temple Emanu El.

“I remember looking forward to Hanukkah as a child, especially the traditional foods, gifts, and games,” said Lori Dym, U.S. Postal Service managing counsel for procurement and property law, who served as the dedicating official. “And now, on behalf of the 655,000 men and women of the United States Postal Service, I am honored to participate in the unveiling of our new stamp celebrating this joyous Jewish holiday.”

Dym was joined by Susan Krantz, president of Temple Emanu El; Rabbi Matt Cohen; Jeanette Kuvin Oren, the stamp’s designer and artist; Kathy Mulcahy, mayor of Orange Village, OH; and Darcy Hershey, congregant and administrative assistant at Temple Emanu El.

“Temple Emanu El is honored that the United States Postal Service approached our congregation to host the first-day-of-issue ceremony for the launch of the 2022 Chanukah Stamp,” said Krantz. “We are proud that in selecting Temple Emanu El, the USPS recognized our long-standing passion for social justice which is deeply embedded in our traditions. Our congregants care about the world around us and engage in the ongoing work of helping to improve the world in which we live. Our temple is a Jewish institution of connection, gathering, learning and practicing spiritual life. Working together we bring meaning to our lives and to the lives of others.”

“The miracle of Hanukkah came early this year (kind of)!” said Cohen. “While our Hanukkah menorahs are not yet kindled, this communal celebration reminds us that despite all odds, throughout time and history, the lights of the Jewish people have miraculously continued to grow brightly and illuminate the world with wholeness, blessing, and peace. Our Temple Emanu El family is honored to host this event and to welcome our friends from the Greater Cleveland Community into our sacred home.”

News of the stamps is being shared on social media using the hashtag #HanukkahStamp. Followers of the Postal Service’s Facebook page can view the stamp story at facebook.com/usps.

Background

Hanukkah means “dedication” in Hebrew. The story of Hanukkah begins with the victory of the Maccabees, an army of Jewish fighters, over the forces of Hellenic emperor Antiochus IV, whose supporters had desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem by building an altar to the Greek god Zeus.

After reclaiming the Temple and preparing to rededicate the holy space, the worshippers discovered that only one small jar of consecrated oil remained — enough to last one day. Rather than wait for more oil to arrive, they lit the Temple menorah, which miraculously burned for eight days.

The miracle of the oil is celebrated with the ceremonial lighting of the hanukkiah, the nine-branch candelabra used only at Hanukkah. The hanukkiah, also called menorah, holds eight candles, one for each night of Hanukkah, plus one known as the “shamash,” which means the servant or helper candle used to light the others.

The candle for the first night is put on the far-right side of the menorah. On each subsequent night, an additional candle is placed to the immediate left of the previous night’s candle. The candles are lit from left to right, so that the lighting begins with the newest candle.

A family-centered holiday, Hanukkah celebrations usually take place in people’s homes, with games, songs, gifts and feasting. Traditional fried foods include latkes — potato pancakes — and doughnuts called sufganiyot.

Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, a date that falls in late November or December. In 2022, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Dec. 18.

Stamp Artwork

The stamp art features the design from an original wall-hanging. The fiber art was hand-dyed, appliquéd and quilted to form an abstract image of a hanukkiah.

The blue and purple colors are used to represent the sky, the greens and browns represent the earth. The bright yellows and oranges represent the Festival of Lights, as Hanukkah is also known. Along the bottom of the stamp, the words Hanukkah, Forever and USA appear in white capital letters.

Jeanette Kuvin Oren was the stamp designer and artist. Ethel Kessler was the art director.

Postal Products

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide.

The Hanukkah Forever stamp is sold in panes of 20. Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.


Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Celebrate cozy season with a creamy, comforting meal

    Super soup that is easy to make

    A snug sweater, a crackling fire and a meal that warms you from the inside out are perfect ways to spend a cool autumn evening with the people you love. read more »
  • Simple, flavorful fall dessert

    A yummy recipe your family will love

    If your family’s taste buds have grown tired of apple-inspired fall desserts, simply look toward another quintessential autumn flavor: pumpkin. Quick and easy to prepare using a spice cake mix that provides all the flavor without the stress, this cake can be dressed to impress at a fall gathering or served after weeknight dinner. read more »
  • A go-to sweet potato side

    Treat yourself and your family to this simple dish

    Sweet potatoes seem to scream “fall,” especially this roasted version that pairs well with a wide variety of family favorites like fried chicken. It can be your go-to recipe when comfort cravings call for a savory (not sweet) side. read more »
  • Keep cold and flu season at bay

    4 top tips from experts

    It doesn’t take much for cold and flu symptoms to take over. Even a mild case of the sniffles can make navigating everyday life's demands difficult. It’s virtually impossible to avoid germs altogether, but you can ensure you’re ready to fight off an infection, whether a minor cold or a full-blown case of the flu. read more »
  • What you don't know can hurt

    3 facts about updated COVID-19 vaccines

    Four and a half years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are once again enjoying time with friends and family and doing their favorite things. However, the virus that causes COVID-19 keeps changing, so it’s still important to stay up to date on your vaccinations. read more »
  • Fall Respiratory Virus Vaccines

    What pregnant people need to know

    Fall brings cooler days and more time indoors. This makes it easier for viruses like influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to spread. These illnesses can be especially risky for pregnant people and newborns. read more »
  • DEC’s 3rd annual Fall Foliage Photo Contests

    Show off your photography skills

    DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced the return of DEC’s 3rd annual Fall Foliage Photo Contests. The two photo contests are a popular way for New Yorkers and visitors to show off the incredible array of fall foliage throughout New York State during October. read more »
  • The truth about women and heart disease

    7 steps you can take

    Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Although it is largely preventable, each year more than 300,000 women, or 1 in every 5, die from heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. read more »
  • Tips to be prepared for cooler weather

    The cold makes it easier for viruses to spread

    Although cold weather isn’t directly to blame when you get sick, it creates an environment that makes it easier for germs and illnesses to thrive. Understanding how cooler temperatures affect your chances of getting sick may be your best approach for preventive care. read more »
  • Get Outside, Get Offline

    Participate in Fish and Wildlife Day events September 28

    The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (State Parks) encourage New Yorkers to give back to the State lands and sites they treasure and get outdoors by participating in stewardship events for Fish and Wildlife Day on Saturday, Sept. 28. read more »