The Art of Hanukkah

Description

The Art of Hanukkah (1996) was the ideal presentation as a hostess gift at any Hanukkah celebration. Now published at a lower price, but with the original edition's beautiful quality, this new edition is a value for the giver and a treasure for the recipient. The Art of Hanukkah tells the story of this holiday through its selection of 48 masterpieces of holiday ceremonial and fine art, including the most festive menorahs and other ceremonial objects celebrating the joyous Festival of Lights. Full of ritual riches, The Art of Hanukkah is an exquisite compilation of a cherished celebration to be passed down from generation to generation. Hanukkah starts December 24, 2016.

Nancy M. Berman was the curator of the Hebrew Union College Skirball Museum from 1972 to 1977. She subsequently became director of the museum in 1977. Her career in Jewish art and culture began at the Jewish Museum in New York, where she was assistant curator of the Judaica Department.

"A breathtaking collection of Hanukkah art - a coffee-table volume - but one to return to again and again, before, during and after Hanukkah. To read, study, and appreciate. A rich celebration of Hanukkah, featuring centuries of extraordinary art and artifacts. One of the most joyous weeks in the Jewish year is when families gather for eight evenings to celebrate the festival of Hanukkah. Jews the world over mark this holiday of freedom with the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah, while children spin a dreidel and eat sufganiyot and potato latkes. Presents are exchanged, and the story of Hanukkah is retold through songs and prayers. The Art of Hanukkah, through its selection of forty-eight masterpieces of holiday ceremonial and fine art, tells the story of the desecration of the holy Temple, its subsequent reclaiming and rededication, and the miracle of the single, tiny cruse of oil that continued to provide light for eight days. From individual oil lamps to medieval creations, through the sumptuous flourishes of Baroque decorations to contemporary times, these Hanukkah menorahs reflect the adaptability of Jewish culture throughout the Diaspora. Menorahs, paintings, dreidels-all the wonderful elements of the celebration of Hanukkah from around the world and throughout the centuries have been brought together in this one marvelous book. Clear, insightful, and thought-provoking commentaries make this book a perfect complement to the holiday." -Jewish Media Review Newsletter