Night 3 - Eight Nights of Lights 2009

Night 3 is about storytelling. Hanukkah is about the Feast of Dedication - the rededication of the Temple. Have you ever built a model temple or tabernacle? Do you know how the tabernacle/temple and the traditions and riturals associated with it illustrate God's plan of salvation? It was in 164 BCE, the Maccabees recaptured the Temple and it was purified....rededicated.

Do you know the meaning behind the lampstand? Ex 25:31-40 actually gives a detailed exlaination of what it should look like. Hammered from 1 piece of gold, 4 1/2 feet high, weighting 100 pounds. It was to burn continually (Lev 24: 1-4). But it didn't! Each sacred vessel and vestment has been recreated by the Temple Institute and is ready for use in the 3rd Temple! WOW!!!

Several years ago, I tooled this lampstand in leather. It took me days to make - but learning what knops and flowers were - studying the design, researching (without the internet) was an education that's lasted me a lifetime!





I don't think any of the detail has worn the least bit and I probably made this at least 25 years ago.




So, tonight, I'm going to show you simple tooling methods - because if you design it in leather, it will last a lifetime.



Many people think of leather and think of flowered purses, gun holsters, etc. I like to think of it simply as another medium that I can play with. I make Jewish Immigrant Peddler dolls




and this is a very detailed box that they were required to wear to carry scripture in, the cord had to be wrapped 7 times around the arm and the box had to be facing the heart.



By simply applying water and stretching leather, you can shape it into almost anything.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." May you study and grow this Hanukkah season and may your lampstand always be lit.