Brooklyn Museum hosts World’s Oldest Recorded Hanukkah Menorah
Who would imagine that in a small neighborhood in the suberbs of Brooklyn lies the World’s oldest recorded Hanukkah Menorah also known as the special holiday candelabra. Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem in 165 BC after the victory of the Maccabees, a Jewish national liberation movement that arose in response to attempts be the Seleucid empire, which stretched from modern day turkey all the way to Pakistan to ban the practice of Judaism. According to the story, the ancient temple’s menorah was supposed to be lit perpetually, but only enough olive oil was found to light it for one night. The oil instead lasted for eight nights which was enough time to prepare a new supply of oil. The event was declared a miracle, and the holiday of Hanukkah was established to celebrate it each year. http://www.David-
During a recent excavation in Jerusalem, one of the workers uncovered an unusual artifact that was brought to the attention of the office of Antiquities. Designed from hand pottery and small enough to be held in the palm of an adults hand, this discovery has revealed to be what is known to be the world’s oldest recorded Hanukkah Menorah known to mankind since the establishment of the Hanukkah holiday. Accompanied by a certified letter of authenticity, issued by the Head of Antiquities, this Menorah has found it’s way through a private donor to a museum based in the Orthodox Jewish community of Boro Park located in Brooklyn, New York. Named “The Living Torah Museum” this museum is privately owned and operated with the help of generous donations from saviors from all over such as David H. Brooks. According to Hershel Shanks, editor of Biblical Archaeology Review, this is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated solely to biblical archeology. http://www.DavidHBrooks.com
The museum's curator is run by an Orthodox religious Rabbi named Rabbi Shimon Deutsch. Rabbi Deutsch has managed to put together over 900 artifacts worth over Fourteen Million dollars. The goal of the museum is to allow the younger generation to reconnect with their roots by reaffirming their learning experiences by visualizing and allowing them to see and feel these ancient artifacts to reestablish their heritage by bringing them to life. The visitors will learn about significance of the originality of the items on display and how they played a possible role in forming our rich culture and world history.
One of the museum founders is the well known Humanitarian and Philanthropists David H. Brooks. Mr. Brooks whom is known for his passion for supporting causes for furthering Jewish education and community initiatives saw the vital need to preserve and support this valuable institution. The museum continues to thrive from his generous contributions and ongoing support.
The museum is open to the public and welcomes and encourages schools and groups to schedule a tour. http://www.David-
Located: 1601 41st Street in Brooklyn, NY
Hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. daily. Closed Friday afternoon
Saturday until 1 hour after sundown Incl. Jewish holidays.
Telephone: 718–686-8174.
Website: www.torahmuseum.com.
