It is a time to celebrate…family, friends.  And as you know, quilters are givers.  A few special quilts will probably be given starting tonight at the start Hanukkah.

Tonight, at sundown, marks the beginning of Hanukkah. Hanukkah is based on the Jewish lunar calendar and therefore moves around. It can start as early as November and as late as after Christmas.

Hanukkah means dedication or re-dedication in Hebrew. The holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by lighting a candle in Hanukkah menorah for each of eight nights. The lighting of the Menorah commemorates the Maccabees' victory over a larger Syrian army in 165 B.C. and the re-occupation and rededication of the temple in Jerusalem by the Jews.

As is often the case, a quilt serves as a comforting commemoration and reminder of things dear to us.

 So it is no surprise that I could find several inspiring “Hanukkah Quilts.” Each exemplifies the “dedication” and commitment to the craft of quilting in addition to the traditional Jewish holiday.  

See, Rachel's Star and Hanukkah Lights quilt as shown in photo above

I also noticed that Alex Anderson is having a special segment on HGTV celebrating this holiday and some of the quilted gifts that go along with it later this month.

For more information about Hanukkah quilts, look for  Simply Quilts on December 21^st at 8:00 am EST. Alex will learn about celebrating the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah with quilted objects from quilt artist Pamela Rishfeld, who will demonstrate how to make a "Happy Hanukkah" quilt from her own design.

Enjoy the Season!

(Quilts and photos thanks to Quilters Newsletter "Rachel's Star" by Mary Leman Austin and "Hanukkah Lights" from Quiltmaker Nov/Dec 2006 issue.)

Rachel's Star, by Mary Leman Austin, machine quilted by Shirley Wegert.