Hanukka Lamp (″Hanukkiya″) from Ashkenaz

Hanukka Lamp from Ashkenaz
Hanukka Coin 5746/1985

"Ashkenaz" was the Hebrew name for a large area of Jewish settlement in central and eastern Europe. After the expulsion of the Sephardim, the Jews of Spain, the Jewish population in this part of Europe formed the new center of the Diaspora.
In the 16th century, European Christendom was split by the struggles of the Reformation, and many Ahskenazi Jews found themselves wedged between the belligerent factions. It was during this era of religious upheaval that the Jews began to be forced into prison-like areas within the larger Christian settlements. The Jewish quarters were founded, and in time they were to become a synonym for discrimination: the ghettoes.
It took 300 years before the walls of the ghetto were abolished. At first the Ashkenazim had hopes for a new freedom, but soon they had to face the old hatred again. In the holocaust it was to take its final and most terrible toll.
The Hanukka Lamp on the1985 Hanukka Coin was created in 1574. Beautifully crafted, the Hanukka Lamp is engraved on its bronze backplate with the Hanukka blessings that praise G-d for the miracles that brought about the victory of the Jews and saved the Temple in Jerusalem from desecration.

Obverse:
The Emblem of the State of Israel, word "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic, Mint Year: 1985-5746, Face Value - on the Proof Coin, 2 Sheqalim, on the B.U. Coin, 1 Sheqel.

Reverse:
Hanukka Lamp from Ashkenaz from the collection of the Israel Museum (circa 1574), inscription in Hebrew "Hanukka Lamp from Ashkenaz, 16th Century."

Edge:
B.U. Coin - smooth
Proof Coin -milled

Mint Marks:
On the B.U. Coin obverse, a Star of David - On the Proof Coin obverse, Hebrew letter "mem".

Designer:
Obverse - Gideon Keich.
Reverse - Ze'ev Lipman

Mint:
Proof Coin - The Federal Mint, Switzerland.
B.U Coin - Monnaie de Paris