Queen Esther

QUEEN ESTHER
Official Medal, 2011/5771
Fourth and Last in the "Women of the Bible" Medal Series by Itzhak Tordjman.

Queen Esther is the leading character in the last book to be included in the 24 books of the Bible. By virtue of Esther's courage and ingenuity, the great miracle of Purim took place and millions of Jews were saved from an impending holocaust. Orphaned at a young age, Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordechai from the Tribe of Benjamin. When King Ahasuerus, who reigned over 127 states from India to Ethiopia, angrily expelled his Queen Vashti, Esther was forced to enter the King's palace as candidate to replace the Queen. Out of the thousands of other beautiful girls, Esther was chosen by the King against her will as the new Queen, and this marked the start of the miracle. Mordechai warned Esther not to reveal her origin, her people or her birthplace. One of the King's ministers by the name of Haman, a hater of the Jews, became minister of the highest order in the King's court. Haman took advantage of his high rank to persuade the King to annihilate all the Jews in one day. News of the plan was diffused throughout the states in the kingdom and reached the ears of Mordechai. Mordechai immediately requested that Esther beseech the King to annul this harsh decree. According to the law, it was forbidden to enter the King's chamber without prior invitation. Esther, therefore, feared for her life in obeying Mordechai's request, but when it was explained to her, she understood that the very existence of the Jewish people was in danger and she was prepared to risk her life. Brilliantly, Esther succeeded in destroying the King's confidence in Haman and incited his wrath against him. The King commanded that Haman, who had sought the "final solution" to the Jewish people and who until now had been honored as top minister, be hanged on a high tree. In the merit of Esther a young girl, her beauty, special understanding and courage, the Jewish people was saved. Esther became one of the seven prophetesses and she is honored in the Book of Esther. Now she is also commemorated on a medal of the State of Israel.

Obverse: Portrait of Queen Esther, based on the painting by Artist Itzhak Tordjman.

Reverse: Reverse design, common to all the medals in this series (including the 4 "Mothers in the Bible"series) depicts the eternal flame, symbolizing the continuity of Jewish women throughout history, up to the "Daughters of Jerusalem" today.

Edge: Gold and Silver medals: Smooth. Bronze and Pure Gold medals: Milled.

Designer: Portrait Side: Itzhak Tordjman Common Reverse: Dina Avinoam.

Engraving: Bulgaria.

Mint: Silver and Bronze medals: Bulgaria. Gold and Pure Gold medals: ICMC Mint