Ferrara. The Hanukkah is the evocative Jewish festival of enlightenment, the MEIS extension National Museum of Italian Judaism and of the Shoah of the city celebrates the anniversary with a themed exhibition and putting in place various initiatives dedicated to the public of all ages. An opportunity to visit the Museum and immerse yourself in one of the oldest cultures in the history of humanity.
Hanukkahone of the most joyful and well-known anniversaries of the Jewish calendar, it commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucids and over those who had abandoned tradition to embrace the Greek cult in the 2nd century BCE In addition to the heroic deeds, the miracle of the oil is celebrated. After being deprived of the freedom to practice their religion and to study the Torah, thanks to the courage of a group of fighters led by Yehuda the Maccabee, the Jews managed to defeat their enemies and rededicate the Temple by lighting the menorah, the symbolic seven arms. Although there was not enough oil to keep the lamp burning, the menorah miraculously remained lit for eight days, the time needed to obtain new ones.
Just to share the history of this festival, marked by so many fascinating traditionsthe MEIS hosts from 6 December to 8 January the free exhibition created with the Acribia Association “Hanukkah. A party told through art” curated by Amedeo Spagnoletto and Ermanno Tedeschi who will welcome visitors at the museum entrance.
Among the exhibited works, two specimens of hanukkiot from the Casale Monferrato Museum of Enlightenment, one signed by Emanuele Luzzati, an unmistakable artist who narrated Italian Judaism, and a modern reinterpretation by Marco Lodola. Tobia Ravà presents an interpretation of the party using matt mirrored aluminium, while Francesca Duscià captures her symbols in oil on canvas. The playful side is explored by Daniel Schinasi who depicts “Children and the Hanukkah carousel”. The inauguration is scheduled for Tuesday 6 December at 18.30 and is open to all.
“Jewish art and objects are displayed together – explains the gallery owner Ermanno Tedeschi – affirming universal values shared by people of all faiths and backgrounds. The unique mix of art, hanukkiah and games tells the symbols of Jewish tradition, culture, spirituality and history, expressing the playful and joyful nature of the holiday of Hanukkah, the Festival of Enlightenment.”
“This year – add the President of MEIS Dario Drawings and the Director Amedeo Spagnoletto – we have decided to let the public discover two of the happiest and most significant holidays of the Jewish calendar: Sukkot, narrated by the exhibition ‘Under the same sky’ which can be visited until 5 February 2023, Hanukkah which welcomes all guests to the spaces of the ticket office. A way to convey the vitality of Judaism and share the joy and hope that are renewed”.
The celebration of Hanukkah at MEIS it continues with two initiatives: Sunday December 18th at 15.30 there is a workshop for families and children from 6 to 11 years to discover the games, the flavors and the stories of the party. Children will also be guided in the construction of a sevivon, the traditional spinning top. The workshop costs 8 euros and includes a snack, an accompanying adult enters for free.
On December 21st at 18.00 we continue with a concert hosted at the Museum Bookshop (via Piangipane, 81) and sponsored by the Municipality of Ferrara: the Alma Brothers Band he will bring his energy with a repertoire of international pop music and traditional party songs revisited. This will be an opportunity to light the hanukkiah and taste the tasty fried donuts. The concert ticket costs 4 euros (3 euros, reduced) and also provides entry from 17.00 to the temporary exhibition “Under the same sky” with a guided tour by the Director of the MEIS Amedeo Spagnoletto.
Hanukkah the Jewish festival of enlightenment in an exhibition – Popolis