Hanukka

Hanukka
State Medal, 1995 5756

The eight days of Hanukka, which begin on the 25th of Kislev, are days of joy. At the entrances of houses, lamps are lit in order to show the miracle of the flask of oil. During the Second Temple period, when Hellenistic kings issued decrees harmful to Israel, preventing them from studying Torah and performing mitzvot, and desecrated the Temple, a miracle occurred: Having achieved victory over their enemies, the Hasmoneans entered the Temple, and there found a single flask of pure oil, enough to burn for one day. This flask lasted eight days. To commemorate this, a light is added on each successive night of the holiday until all eight burn on the final day. The symbolism of victory of few over many and freedom are relevant to this day.

Obverse: Stylized Hanukka lamp which incorporates the Hebrew word "Hanukka" in its branches. Below, along the circumference, the inscription "HANUKKA".

Reverse: A flask of oil from which a drop is poured. The Hebrew inscription on the lamp says "a great miracle occurred here". Along the circumference, the Hebrew inscription "who performed miracles for our forefathers".

Edge: State emblem with the words "STATE OF ISRAEL' in Hebrew on the right and in English on the left, serial number and metal, "BRONZE", in Hebrew and English.

Serialization: All medals are numbered.

Design: Alex Deutsch.

Engraving: Bronze/tombac - Kremnica Mint, Slovakia. Silver and gold - not yet minted.