Rare earthenware Chanuka menorah. Created by Holocaust survivors in Munich, Germany, 1947

Rare earthenware Chanuka menorah. Created by Holocaust survivors in Munich, Germany, 1947

Rare pottery Chanuka menorah made by Holocaust survivors. Munich, [1947].

Description: Height: 11.5 cm.; Length: 25 cm.; Width: 16 cm.

Pottery, with green paint and glaze. The "shamash" is shaped like a branch with three leaves jutting out of a tree stump - symbolizing the renewed growth and eternity of the Jewish Nation. Candles can be lit at its base, alongside the text הועד המרכזי במינכן התש"ח [The Central Committee in Munich, 1948]. The bottom section of the menorah bears the blurred stamp: תוצרת שארית [הפליטה] בגלות גרמניה [created by Shearit [HaPleitah] in the German exile].

Background: Holocaust survivors in Europe were called "Shearit HaPleitah." They lived under harsh conditions in refugee camps operated by the Allies. Jewish organizations helped rehabilitate the refugees and arranged educational, cultural and vocational programs. With the help of American soldiers, the "Central Committeee in Munich" was established (also known as the "Central Committee for Liberated Jews"), to represent the refugees in the American Zone. This Chanuka menorah serves as historic testimony to the assistance that the refugees received in the areas of culture and vocation. 

Conditions: Tiny cracks in the glaze. This type of menorah is very rare, particularly in the condition of the one before us - very fine .