Gaon of Vilna

THE GAON OF VILNA
OFFICIAL MEDAL 2007/5767

Rabbi Eliyahu ben Shlomo Zalman Kremer (1720-1797) is counted among the greatest Rabbis and scholars. Born in Vilnius, Lithuania, he was quickly recognized as a "gaon", a genius. By an early age, he was able to study by himself and became known for his immense knowledge of both the hidden and revealed Torah, Talmud, Jewish Law, and the Hebrew language. After years spent visiting Jewish communities and academies in Europe, he returned to Vilna in 1748, already a scholar of renown and influence.

He encouraged study of the secular sciences in which he was also knowledgeable. He laid special stress on study of the Jerusalem Talmud, which had been neglected for centuries. A humble and modest man who drew many pupils but who declined official positions, he was a voluminous author, writing commentaries on nearly all of the ancient Hebrew books.

The Vilna Gaon was known for his opposition to Hasidism with its stress on attaining a joyful oneness with G-d through prayer and song rather than study and exacting observance of religious law. His influence was central to the Misnagdim, those who feared that Hasidism would detract from traditional Judaism.

Following the wishes of the Vilna Gaon, groups of his followers immigrated to Eretz Israel in the early 19th century, signaling the beginning of the modern settlement of Israel. Eventually settling mostly in Jerusalem, they revived Ashkenazi Jewry in Jerusalem, founded the neighborhood of Mea Shearim, and led the rebuilding of the Hurva Synagogue in the Old City. The influence of the Vilna Gaon through study of Torah and love of Eretz Israel remains until today.

Obverse: Gaon of Vilna - Rabbi Eliyahu ben Shlomo Zalman Kremer

Reverse: Ancient Synagogue in Vilna, Lithuania, which was built in 1572 and above it the Vilna Gaon's handwriting, in the left hand border, words in Hebrew from the Amidah Prayer "May our eyes behold when you return to Zion in compassion", symbolizing the Vilna Gaon's profound aspiration towards the Return to Zion, in the background the Walls of Jerusalem.

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

Designer:
Hanna Attia and Hadass Gershoni, students of the Emunah Art Academy for Women, winners of the competition organized by the Academy.

Engraving: Mint of Romania, Bucharest

Mint: Mint of Romania, Bucharest