U.S. Postal Service Commemorates Hanukkah with New Forever Stamp Release

Honoring Tradition with a New Hanukkah Stamp

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is continuing its legacy of honoring significant cultural and religious observances by unveiling a new commemorative stamp dedicated to Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish holiday celebrated by millions both in the United States and globally. This marked the Postal Service's ninth release in this series, underscoring the importance of recognizing diverse traditions in American society.

Event Details

A special first-day-of-issue ceremony is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 29, at 11 a.m. Central time, at the historic Touro Synagogue located in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event is free for the public and aims to foster community participation and appreciation for Hanukkah. David Steiner, the postmaster general of USPS, will officiate the dedication of the new stamp.

Attendees are encouraged to register for the event through the USPS website, which is part of the organization’s initiative to promote community engagement and awareness about the holiday. The Postal Service has also launched the hashtag #HanukkahStamp across social media platforms to spread the word about this exciting unveiling.

Background of Hanukkah

Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C. The holiday begins at sundown on Friday, December 4, and traditionally involves various joyful activities such as lighting the menorah, singing songs, and enjoying festive foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts). Each night, a new candle is lit on the menorah, symbolizing the miracle of the oil, which lasted eight days despite there only being enough for one day.

The Design of the Stamp

The newly designed stamp, created by art director Antonio Alcala and illustrated by Lisa Perrin, features a striking dark blue dreidel emblazoned with rust-colored Hebrew letters all set against a bright turquoise backdrop. Surrounding the dreidel are decorative floral elements and foliage, incorporating shades of orange, cream, and blue, which add a rich texture to the stamp's visual aesthetics.

This stamp will be issued as a Forever stamp, meaning it will always be worth the current First-Class Mail rate, making it an attractive option for both collectors and those looking to send holiday greetings.

Availability of the Stamp

Customers interested in purchasing this special Hanukkah stamp can find it available in panes of 20. The stamps, alongside other philatelic products, can be bought through The Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling (844-737-7824), through USA Philatelic via mail, or at any Post Office locations nationwide. For fans looking for USP's exclusive stamp products, they can also shop from the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon.

In conclusion, the release of the new Hanukkah stamp not only serves as a means of celebrating a culturally significant holiday but also exemplifies the USPS's commitment to acknowledging the diverse fabric of American life. As this stamp takes its place in USPS’s esteemed collection, it reminds us of the stories and traditions that bind communities together, regardless of background or belief.