Rosh Hashana

Rosh Hashana
State Medal, 1991 5751

"Blow the shofar at the new moon, at the full moon on our feast day. For this is a statute for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob' (Psalms 81). This passage describes Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. This is the Day of Judgement, but also a festival which reminds us that we all desire the merit of being inscribed for a sweet, healthy and prosperous year. Rosh Hashana falls on "Rosh Chodesh", the beginning of the month, when the new moon is not yet visible. The shofar, a ram's horn, blown on this day, echoes the call to repentance and message of judgement. Prayers and customs associated with this day, such as eating pomegranates and apples dipped in honey, are symbols of sweetness and meritous deeds which all hope the New Year will bring.

Obverse: In the center, a Jew wrapped in talit blowing the shofar. Above, along the circumference, the words "HAPPY NEW YEAR" in Hebrew and English. Below the Hebrew words "day of blowing the shofar".

Reverse: In the center, within a round frame with crown on top, in the form of a pomegranate, the Hebrew words "Rosh Hashana" in stylized letters. Around the circumference, above, a New Year blessing in Hebrew, below, "ROSH HASHANA" in English.

Edge: State emblem with the words "STATE OF ISRAEL' in Hebrew on the right and in English on the left, with serial number. Bronze/tombac medal - "BRONZE" in Hebrew and English; Silver medal - "SILVER 935" in Hebrew and English. The gold medal is milled.

Serialization: Bronze/tombac and silver medals are numbered

Designer: Alex Deutsch.

Engraving: Tidhar Dagan.

Mint: Bronze/tombac - Hecht. Silver and gold - The Government Mint.