Hanukka Lamp (″Hanukkiya″) from Algeria

Hanukka Lamp from Algeria
Hanukka Coin, 5747 - 1986

The Jewish community in central Magreb has a rich history. In the early Middle Ages, the community was flourishing but after being persecuted by the Almohads in the 12th century, they were unable to fully recover until 1391. In that year, they were joined by fellow Jews fleeing from Christian Spain, among them some of the outstanding scholars of Spanish Jewry. When they arrived in Algeria, they reorganized the Jewish Community, implanting their rich spirituality.
After the conquest of Algeria by the Turks in the 16th Century, the situation for the Jews worsened but, at the same time, communications with the Land of Israel strengthened and in the 18th century, this led to Aliya to the Land of Israel by many, including the Rabbi of Algeria.

In the first part of the 19th Century, French colonization of Algeria brought with it emancipation. The encounter with western culture led to some assimilation and brought with it hopes and disappointments. In 1962, when the French left Algeria, the majority of the Jewish Community left with them. Some had already made Aliya when the State of Israel was established. At this point, many others came to join them. Some of the Algerian Jews who later made Aliya from France, brought the traditional copper Hanukka Lamp from Algeria, with them.

Obverse:
The Emblem of the State of Israel. The word "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic and the mint year - 1986-5747. On the Proof coin, face value of 2 New Sheqalim and on the B.U. coin - 1 New Sheqel.

Reverse:
Hanukka lamp from Algeria from the collection of the Israel Museum (19th century), designed in the style of an ornate oriental building, adorned with an exquisite leaf pattern. The words in Hebrew; "Hanukka Lamp from Algeria, 19th Century."

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

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

Designer:
Yaakov Enyedi

Mint:
Mint of Stuttgart