Meis celebrates Hanukkah, the festival of enlightenment

The National Museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah in Ferrara is preparing to celebrate Hanukkah, the suggestive Jewish festival of enlightenment, by hosting a themed exhibition and putting in place various initiatives dedicated to the public of all ages.

To share the history of this festival, marked by so many fascinating traditions, the Meis hosts from Tuesday 6 December to Thursday 8 January 2023 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.

Hanukkahis one of the most joyful and well-known celebrations of the Jewish calendar, which commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucids and those who had abandoned tradition to embrace Greek worship 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.

Among the exhibited works, two specimens of hanukkiot coming from Casale Monferrato Museum of Enlightenmentone signed by Emanuele Luzzatian unmistakable artist who narrated Italian Judaism, and a modern reinterpretation of Marco Lodola. Tobia Rava presents an interpretation of the party using opaque mirrored aluminium, while Francesca Duscià captures its symbols in an oil on canvas. The playful side is explored by Daniel Schinasi which depicts “The Children and the Carousel of Hanukkah”. The inauguration is scheduled for Tuesday 6 December at 18.30 and is open to all.

“Jewish art and objects are exhibited 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 captures 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 – adds 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 Sunday 5 February 2023, and Hanukkah which welcomes all guests in ticket office spaces. A way to transmit the vitality of Judaism and share the joy and hope that are renewed”.

The celebration of Hanukkah al Meis 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.

Wednesday 21st December at 18 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.

Meis celebrates Hanukkah, the festival of enlightenment