Celebrate Hannukah with this Official First Day Cover (OFDC) from the 2022 Hanukkah stamp issue.

This is Canada Post’s fifth Hanukkah stamp and one of several annual issues that mark events of importance to Canada’s culturally diverse population.

The 2022 Hannukah stamp features a vibrant, contemporary interpretation of the flames on a hanukkiyah (eight-branched menorah).

The front of the OFDC features an enlargement of part of the stamp illustration by designer Andrew Lewis.

The stamp is cancelled on November 7 in Montréal, Quebec. The cancel is a silver version of three of the flame illustrations on the stamp.

The Festival of Lights, as Hanukkah is also known, is both an opportunity for reflection and a celebration of triumph and tenacity. This year, it takes place from nightfall December 18 to nightfall December 26.

Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem (Judaism's holiest site) after the Jewish people reclaimed it from their oppressors around 165 BCE. According to Jewish tradition, the Temple’s menorah was to burn continuously, but there was only enough oil to last a day. Miraculously, the small supply of oil lasted eight days – the same time it took to harvest, press and transport fresh oil. Each year, Jews celebrate the miracle by kindling a hanukkiyah, or Hanukkah menorah – a candelabrum bearing a row of eight candle or oil holders. Each evening an additional light is kindled using the shamash (helper candle).

Friends and family gather in homes and at community events to kindle their menorah, recite prayers and blessings, sing and share other traditions.

Foods cooked in oil, such as savoury potato pancakes (latkes) and jam-filled doughnuts (sufganiyot) are enjoyed, as they symbolize the miracle of light at the heart of the holiday.

Hanukkah is a special time for children, who play with spinning tops called dreidels and often receive gelt – foil-covered chocolate coins or small amounts of money. The giving of other gifts, such as books, games and puzzles, has become increasingly popular, adding to the celebratory spirit of the festival.

Product # 414214131

Hanukkah (2022): Official First Day Cover