The Denver Jewish news., 1922-12-13

/ would no dOuDt
= relieve her mind
from melancholia from which she ha0
a sufferer for the last several years.
This Chanuka lamp is the last remem-
berance from her anchestors. but even
she herself is not aware of this. This
lamp was made by Chain the copper
smith in many years ago and given to
her great grandfather as a gift, on
the occasion OF his accepting the po-
sition of Rabbi in little town In
Poland. The kind hearted coppersmith
had put forth his best efforts to pro-
duce beautiful product. the finest
example of his art. and was success
full.
BY Yosil Daien. the Chanu&a lamp
was his most treasured ornament and
occupied the choicest position in the
Rabbits room Mt all times. But at
Chanuka time the lamp was taken
down by Shprinxa his wife. cleaned
md polished thoroughly and put by
the window, In accordance with the
time honored Jewish custom. SO the
lighted lamp would be visible to all.
The lamp was the envy of all the
townspeople none owned one of such
beauty. Chain, the coppersmith was
also an artist. and could not be pre-
vailed upon to duplicate his master
piece.
AS time went on. the Daien realiz-
ed that his time was drawing near,
and he willed all of his belonging TO
his children. He was not possessed
of worldly wealth. but priced his holy
possessions such as Talmud. wine
beakers to make Kiddush and the IA
nous Chanuka lamp all which he
priced more highly than wealth. IIc
divided this wealth amongst his chill
tiren and the lamp fell to the lot of
one Jacob who was a successful ner-
chant
Jacobs interests were varied. his
bnsiness was conducted In Germany
ard Russia. He had very little time
t, devote to his father ald his home.
After the Rabbis death the lamp wns
rcm"-cd ,,cm its honorel place ani
put in the kitchen amongst the rest
Of the brass utensils which were sell
dom used. Jacob had no time for SEN
timent.
Unable to give his children the prop
er education In Poland, and also he
cauSe of his extensive business inter-
ests in Germany he was compelled to
make his home in Berlin. The lamp
was pinced with all his other treas
ures. but not having any use for the
lamp. It was placed in the attic IN
packed along with other articles that
accumulate in his household.
Jacobs daughter Matilda, possessing
some talent had great desire t. go
TN the stage. This was impossible in
Poland, but now in Berlin the oppor-
tunity presented itself for her to take
part In play representing Jewish
lift in the middle ages. In the play
n lamp was needed to symbolic Chan
uka, and Matilde thought of the
handsome lamp. and once more the
lamp found OF the stage of a magnif-
icent theatre, new. but temporary
home. The play was Il tremendous
success, becoming international, and
eventually was played in America. AS
time passed, nothing being permanent
OH the stage, all the properties OF the
play. including the lamp was sold TO
an Italian junk dealer. The junk
man recognizing the beauty of the
limp Immediately picked it out and
sold it to m antique dealer in ALLEN
street. Here the lamp remained for
years.
Mrs. Gluck, grand child of Yosil
the Daien, was n woman of great
wealth. and loved beautiful things.
She was attracted by the lamp. and
purchased it. in ignorance of its his
tory and sentimental value.
And so once more the lamp is re-
moved from oblivion and once more it
graces the place of honor in n fine
home.
If the Chanuka lamp which is owned
by Mrs. Gluck on Forty Second street
and Park avenue could talk, it could
tell her many wonderful tales which
xv,uId Jn vitality Interesting