The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) recently released a statement on its Facebook announcing the discovery of an “extremely rare” oil lamp found near the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. “A rare ceramic oil lamp from the Late Roman period, decorated with depictions of the Temple menorah, incense shovel and lulav (date palm branch used in Jewish ritual), was recently uncovered during an Israel Antiquities Authority archaeological dig near the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. This unique find, which, judging by the soot marks on its nozzle, was used for lighting about 1,700 years ago, provides a fascinating glimpse into Jewish cultural and religious life during this period,” the IAA announced.

Michael Chernin, excavation director on behalf of the IAA, noted the lamp’s “exquisite workmanship” and stated that finding the lamp in such a complete condition made it “extremely rare.” “The menorah, incense shovel and lulav are symbols associated with the Jewish connection to the Temple. This finding is particularly surprising, since, we have very little evidence of the existence of a Jewish settlement in and around Jerusalem from this period.” Christianity became the favored religion during the late Roman period, with Jews facing persecution, leaving little evidence to what their lives were like during the 4^th century. “After the Roman emperor Hadrian suppressed the Bar Kochba rebellion in 135 CE, Jews were expelled from the city. The Mount of Olives lamp is one of the few material traces of a Jewish presence around Jerusalem in the 3rd-5th centuries CE,” said Chernin.

The image of the menorah is especially timely given that Hannukah began on Christmas day, December 25, and will last until January 2. Benjamin Storchan, IAA research archaeologist, described the lamp as a rare “Beit Nattif” type. Storchan described the lamp’s design as taking “a great deal of time.” Minister of Heritage Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu stated the lamp’s craftsmanship highlighted the importance of the Second Temple to the Jews. “This unique oil lamp, which in an exciting manner bears the symbols of the Temple, connects the lights of the past with the Chanukah holiday of today, and expresses the deep and long-standing connection of the nation of Israel to its heritage and to the Temple’s memory.”

The lamp is currently being displayed at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel. The Campus is currently hosting the Ministry of Heritage conference. The IAA released a video of the find with further information, calling the discovery a “Hannukah miracle.”