Searchers for the Messiah, Castel

Searchers for the Messiah & Everlasting Love
State Medal, 5746-1986

Moshe Castel's inspiration for his mystical painting called "Searchers for the Messiah" is based on an incident from the life of the "Ari", one of the best known mystics from Safed. The painting depicts the "Ari" and his followers reaching out with their arms towards the outstretched arm of the Messiah. The other major idea expressed by Castel, that of "Everlasting Love", is seen in the forms of a man and a woman with arms interlaced in a gesture of mutual giving and radiating eternal love between them.

Obverse: "Searchers for the Messiah", Original lithograph in 15 colors. Each lithograph is signed by the artist in Hebrew and English with the letter "C". The word "Jerusalem" in Hebrew and in ancient Hebrew writing.

Reverse: Likenesses of a man and a woman with forever interlaced arms. The words "Everlasting Love" (Jeremian 31:2) in Hebrew, English and ancient Hebrew writing. The artist's signature in Hebrew and English.

Edge:The emblem of the state of Israel. The words "State of Israel" in Hebrew and English and the metal content of the Gold and Silver Medals

Designer: Moshe Castel

Mint:  Kretschmer and The Government Mint.