Dear Artist:

We would like to encourage you to enter the Fourth Jewish Museum of Florida's

AVIS LEE & ABRAHAM NEIMAN JUDAICA PRIZE COMPETITION

for the nine-branched Chanukah Menorah (Chanukiah). This prestigious competition was established to (1) expand the Museumπs collection, (2) enrich and enhance ritual celebration of Jewish holidays with contemporary designs and (3) encourage Florida artists to be at the forefront of a renaissance of Judaic art and design. Participation agreements are due by August 1, 2006, with the entry deadline October 1, 2006. The prize award ceremony at the Museum will be in December 2006.

The competition challenges Florida artists to create an original Chanukah Menorah expressly for this contest. Previous works will not be accepted. The competition is open to artists who have residence or a studio in Florida, or have previously exhibited in Florida. First prize is $1,800; second is $750; and third prize is $500. All prize-winning entries will become part of the Museumπs permanent collection.

Chanukah - Its Meaning

Chanukah is the Hebrew term meaning "dedication," and is the name of the holiday, the "Feast of Lights" or "Feast of Dedication." It begins on the 25^th day of the month of Kislev (which usually falls in December) and lasts for eight days. Chanukah in Jewish life represents the ever-recurring attempts to destroy Judaism through cultural assimilation. It probably records the first struggle, more than 2,100 years ago, for religious freedom in human history.

Chanukah - The Story (encapsulated - for a fuller history, turn page over)

Chanukah commemorates the victory of heroic, staunch Jewish defenders of their faith, known as the Maccabees, led by Judah Maccabee, over the pagan Syrians led by King Antiochus in 165 B.C.E. The Syrians had taken over the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and had defiled and desecrated it, wanting to eliminate freedom of religion for the Jews. After the military battle, the victorious Jews retrieved, restored and planned the re-dedication of the Temple. The Temple's golden Menorah, which was meant to burn constantly, only held enough oil to last for one day. But miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, by which time more oil had been obtained. Since then, Chanukah has been celebrated by lighting a Menorah with candles or oil for eight days as a reminder of the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days instead of one.

For further information, please contact Mina Lev-Drewes, Director of Education & Public Programs, at 305-672-5044, ext. 19.

Sincerely,

Marcia Zerivitz                                                         Avis Lee Neiman
Founding Executive Director, ext. 18                          Board Member & Project Chair

FOR CHANUKAH HISTORY, CLICK HERE

FOR DEADLINES, PROCEDURES & RULES, CLICK HERE

FOR APPLICATION, CLICK HERE

FOR ARTIST PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT, CLICK HERE

FOR SCORING CRITERIA AND ARTIST QUALIFICATIONS, CLICK HERE