Hanukkah Lamp from 1761 Highlights Jewish Smugglers' Role in American Revolution at Weitzman Museum

The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia has kicked off an exhibition called 'The First Salute.' This showcase focuses on the vital role the Jewish community played on St. Eustatius, a Dutch Caribbean island, by supplying gunpowder and munitions to George Washington’s troops during the American Revolution. One standout piece is a 1761 Hanukkah lamp, believed to be the last Jewish ritual item from the island, borrowed from the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas. The exhibit, named after Barbara Tuchman's book from 1988, also marks the cannon salute on November 17, 1776, recognizing the first foreign acknowledgment of American independence. It runs until April 2027 and features various artifacts and an immersive video experience.