On November 13, Canada Post released a permanent-rate stamp ($1.24) honoring the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. The stamp design features a brass hanukkiah with lions, crafted in the early 1900s and now part of the Aron Museum's collection at Montreal's Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom. This marks the second consecutive year that Canada Post has showcased a hanukkiah from this museum, following the 2024 design, which commemorated a hanukkiah rescued from a Nazi-affected synagogue in 1938.
The stamp's design holds significant symbolism, particularly the central lions that represent the Tribe of Judah, echoing the heritage of strength and courage in Jewish culture. Alongside the lions, a crown symbolizes the Torah and restoration of Jewish kingship, while the menorah below indicates the eight nights of Hanukkah, with the shamash (the helper candle) represented by the Star of David. The hanukkiah, distinctive with its nine candles, differs from a traditional seven-branched menorah.
This year's Hanukkah celebration occurs from nightfall on December 14 to nightfall on December 22, commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The newly issued stamp and associated first-day covers (FDCs) represent a limited production run, totaling 330,000 stamps in booklets and 4,500 FDCs, which feature a Montreal postmark. However, collectors in the United States may face challenges purchasing these stamps due to recent U.S. customs changes. Visit the source for more information.