Purim

The name Purim is derived from the Persian word "pur," meaning "lot". Haman cast lots in order to determine the day for the mass destruction of all the Jews. However, with the help of Mordechai and his niece Esther, the events took a miraculous turn and the Jews were saved. The wicked decree was canceled and Haman and his ten sons were hanged on a tree. On Purim, celebrated on the 14th of Adar, the Scroll of Esther, a book of the Bible, is read twice: once on the eve of the holiday and once the morning of Purim. In Jerusalem and walled cities, Purim is celebrated a day later. Purim is a day of joy, with feasting, drinking and costumes. People send gifts of food to one another and especially to the poor.

Description

Obverse: The Scroll of Esther. On the opened part appears the nscription "PURIM" in Hebrew and English. Upon the rolled part of the scroll, the words "Scroll of Esther" in Hebrew.

Reverse: To the right, a bottle of wine and a goblet. Below, Mishloah Manot (gifts of food) and Purim coins (signifying the Purim Half Sheqel customarily given to the synagogue during the holiday). In the upper portion, a Hebrew inscription from the book of Esther "...feasting and joy, and of sending choice portions to one another, and gifts to the poor).

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

Serialization: Bronze/tombac and silver medals are numbered.

Design: Avraham Part.

Engraving: Kremnica Mint, Slovakia.

Mint:
Bronze/tombac - Kremnica Mint,
Slovakia. Silver - The Government Mint.
Gold - Kretschmer.