Rashi

Rashi
State Medal, 2005/5765

Israel State Medal to Commemorate The 900th Anniversary of Rashi’s Death The revered and esteemed commentator on the Bible and Talmud, writer, poet, rabbinic authority – Rashi was all of these – and more. Known by the initials of his name, Rabbi Solomon ben Isaac, the Hebrew letters also stand for Rabban Shel Yisrael – Teacher of Israel. Born in Troyes, France in 1040 to a family which could trace its roots to King David, Rashi studied at the great academies with the leading scholars of the age. Returning to Troyes, he established his own academy which attracted students and scholars from all parts of France and Germany. Rashi had only daughters but these daughters excelled in wisdom and married renowned scholars. Two of his grandsons, Rebbenu Tam and Rashbam, were among the most gifted of the “tosafists” (“those who added”) who took Rashi as their personal example of proper behavior and a good life. A modest man who sought neither power nor honors, he never held an official title, yet his authority was accepted with love and respect. The income to support himself and his family came from his vineyard and not from his rabbinic work. Rashi’s commentaries are based on meticulous analysis of the language of the text, drawing on rabbinic literature as well as later scholars. His main work was his commentary on most of the tractates of the Babylonian Talmud. This brilliant work is incomparable, combining profound thought and the art of teaching that has made its impression on the Jewish people throughout the ages. Rashi’s name is also respected among non-Jewish scholars. His prolific use of “Laaz”, glosses in old French to explain the texts, have rendered Rashi’s works a source of reference for Old French. Rashi’s later years were marked by the pain of seeing friends and relatives massacred in the First Crusade (1095-1096). 900 years after the death of this great teacher and rabbi, Rashi remains unique in the annals of the Jewish people.

Obverse: On the medal face, the silhouette of Rashi studying Talmud appears through an old French-style window, before him books, a quill pen and an inkwell. On the right is a grapevine, symbolizing both Rashi’s love of the Land of Israel as well as the vineyards from which his family made a living. On the left “Rashi”, the initials of Rabbi Solomon ben Isaac as well as Rabban Shel Yisrael (Teacher of Israel), in Rashi script.

Reverse: The medal reverse shows an interior view of his academy and two sentences which typify Rashi “ All my life I devoted myself to study” and “My whole essence is the explanation of the Bible”. In the left corner the first words of the Bible and Rashi’s famous commentary “ Rabbi Issac said….” emphasizing the historic right of the Jewish people to Eretz Yisrael.

Edge: Serial number, metal fineness in English and Hebrew, Israel State Emblem

Designer:
Face: Aharon Shevo
Obverse: Meir Eshel

Engraving: Mint of Romania, Bucharest

Mint: Mint of Romania, Bucharest