The Tomb of Rachel
State Medal, 5750-1990
The Tomb of Rachel, greatly respected in Jewish tradition, flanks the road leading from Jerusalem to the approaches of Bethlehem. The Torah tells us "And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day" (Gen.35:19). Why did Jacob bury Rachel on the road to Bethlehem? Because he foresaw that the exiles would pass the spot and that Rachel would be able to ask mercy for them. In 1841 Sir Moses Montefiore obtained permission from the Ottoman government to renovate the tomb and add another room. After the Holocaust, the Chief Rabbinate established an eternal flame for the millions who perished. The tomb is an important place of Jewish pilgrimage.
Description
Obverse:
Rachel's Tomb as depicted by iladi, with the artist's signature below. Along the circumference, the words "TOMB OF RACHEL" in Hebrew above and in English below.
Reverse:
Drawing symbolizing Israel's return to its land and the biblical passage "YOUR SONS SHALL RETURN TO THEIR OWN LAND" with the source JEREMIAH", in Hebrew in center and in English at the bottom along the circumference.
Edge:
State emblem with the words "STATE OF ISRAEL' in Hebrew on the right and in English on the left with serial number. On the bronze/tombac medal, "BRONZE" in Hebrew and English; on the silver medal, "SILVER 935" in Hebrew and English.
Design:
Obverse - According to Aharon Giladi's painting, Graphics - Ronit Berzon
Reverse - Assaf Berg
Mint:
Bronze/tombac - Kretschmer
Silver - The Government Mint
