🌟✨ Today, I’m thrilled to share something truly special with you — a “First Day of Issue” postcard featuring my painting Hanukkah – The Festival of Lights! 🌟✨ This unique collectible marks the official release of the new Hanukkah stamp, an item that blends Jewish tradition, art, and culture in a single, memorable piece.
As a Jewish artist, it’s an incredible honor to see my work represented on a U.S. postal issue that celebrates Hanukkah, one of the most cherished holidays in Jewish life. In creating this artwork, I wanted to capture the warmth, joy, and spirituality of the Festival of Lights. On the postcard, my painting highlights the iconic menorah, radiating its beautiful light, with traditional sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) and the symbolic oil. These elements are more than just symbols of celebration; they represent the resilience, faith, and miracles that the story of Hanukkah brings to the Jewish people.
The concept of a First Day of Issue holds a unique significance in the world of Judaica and philately. This designation refers to the exact day and location that a new stamp is officially released by the U.S. Postal Service. Stamps issued on their “first day” come with a special postmark that includes the date and location, which in this case is Washington, D.C., on September 19, 2024. For collectors and enthusiasts, especially those who collect Judaica items, a First Day of Issue piece represents a moment frozen in time, a piece of history that commemorates the cultural and religious legacy of the Jewish people. To have my painting included in this celebration feels like a bridge between art, tradition, and heritage.
For many people, stamps are small works of art themselves, and First Day of Issue postcards elevate these stamps into something extraordinary. Collectors around the world treasure these limited-edition items, seeing them as valuable links to different cultures and historic moments. With the stamp and postmark, this postcard becomes more than just a piece of mail—it’s a preserved artifact that honors Jewish heritage and tradition.
Knowing that my painting is part of this First Day of Issue means it will be preserved and cherished by collectors and enthusiasts who share a love for Jewish art and culture. My hope is that this piece resonates with everyone who sees it, whether they’re familiar with the story of Hanukkah or are discovering it for the first time. Art has the power to connect us, and being part of this project gives me an opportunity to share the beauty and meaning of Hanukkah on a larger stage.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this milestone possible. For everyone celebrating Hanukkah this year, may the Festival of Lights bring you warmth, joy, and inspiration. May it remind us all of the miracles in our lives and the light that shines even in the darkest times. 🕎💙
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