Oil lamp
Object numberM2006/033
TitleOil lamp
DescriptionChannukah oil lamp, rendered in a Sephardic style. The word ‘Sephardim’ (Sepharad means ‘Spain’ in Hebrew) describes Jews whose traditions originated in the Iberian Peninsula before their expulsion in the late 1400s. Sephardic culture was predominantly Mediterranean or Near Eastern. This contemporary piece from Morocco is rich with elaborate, embossed designs featuring motifs of the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Magen David, menorah and rampant lions.
The Channukiah is the menorah used to hold the eight candles of Channukah. This Jewish holiday commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the successful Maccabean Revolt in the 2nd century BCE. During the Temple’s purification, the menorah’s candles burned for eight days even though there was only enough oil for one. There are nine branches on the Channukiah; one for each day of the celebration and a ninth to light the candles—one on the first day, two the next, and so on.
The Channukiah is the menorah used to hold the eight candles of Channukah. This Jewish holiday commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the successful Maccabean Revolt in the 2nd century BCE. During the Temple’s purification, the menorah’s candles burned for eight days even though there was only enough oil for one. There are nine branches on the Channukiah; one for each day of the celebration and a ninth to light the candles—one on the first day, two the next, and so on.
Object namechanukiah
Dimensions
- width: 220.00 mm
height: 260.00 mm
depth: 50.00 mm
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection