Hanukka Lamp (″Hanukkiya″) from Prague

Hanukka Lamp from Prague
Hanukka Coin 1983/5744

Prague was the ancient capital of Czech kings. At times, it was one of the largest Jewish Communities in that part of the world. Prominent Jewish settlements in Prague were evident from the second half of the 10th Century. In 1270, the "Old-New Synagogue" was completed. It is the oldest synagogue in Europe and is in use to this day.
The period between the 16th and 18th Century is known as the Golden Age of the Prague Jewish community. It produced outstanding literary and rabbinical personalities. Since the 16th Century, Prague became the Hebrew printing center of Europe. At the end of the 19th Century, Zionism gained much support among the Jews of Prague.
At the time of the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia, there were about 56,000 Jews living in Prague.
From October 6th, 1941, deportation began of the Jews of Prague to the death camps or the ghetto of Theresienstadt. There were few survivors. Today the Prague Jewish community numbers less than 3,000.

Obverse:
The State emblem, flanked by decorative work from the Hanukka lamp. The word "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic characters. The mint year 1983-5744. On the proof coin, face value of 2 sheqalim and the Hebrew letter "mem" mintmark. On the B.U. coin - 1 sheqel.

Reverse:
An ornate Hanukka Lamp from Prague decorated on either side with the images of Moses and Aaron (from the Israel Museum collection); and the words "Hanukka Lamp from Praque, 18th Century".

Edge:
B.U. Coin - smooth edge
Proof Coin -milled

Mint Marks:
On the reverse of B.U. coin, a Star of David - on the reverse of the Proof coin, the Hebrew letter "mem".

Designer:
Nathan Karp

Mint:
Proof Coin - The Federal Mint, Switzerland B.U. Coin - Monnaie de Paris