Mimouna

The Mimouna – a holiday of blessing
Official Medal, 5766/2006

At the end of the Passover holiday it is customary to bless one another, to set a festive table and open one’s heart and home to friends and neighbors. The custom originated with the blessing that the Kings of Israel bestowed upon those celebrating the final day of Passover in Jerusalem and the blessings offered in return by those on pilgrimage. Today, 2000 years later, the custom continues in the form of the traditional Mimouna. The blessings vary, from wishes for “a green year like the renewed nature of springtime”, and blessings for “prosperity and success” to wishes for a “healthy summer”. The festive table is adorned with flowers and greenery, candles, sweets, fruit, milk and honey, and red wine. A bowl of flour dotted with coins for joy and prosperity is placed in the center of the table. The Mimouna has become a symbol of friendship and hospitality among neighbors

Obverse:  Items traditionally adorning the festive Mimouna table: sheaths of wheat, a jar of honey, fish, bread, silver coins, flour, a pitcher and coffee cups. The word “MIMOUNA” appears in the center, in Hebrew and English.

Reverse: An indented surface in the shape of Torah scroll with verses and blessings in Hebrew and one blessing in Ladino, from the various communities..

Edge: State emblem with the words "STATE OF ISRAEL" inscribed in Hebrew on the right and in English on the left; the metal and serial number.

Designer: Obverse: Collette Ziv. Reverse: The late Gad Almaliah. Album Design: Michal Hamawi.

Engraving: Bulgaria.

Mint:  Silver and Bronze Medals: Bulgaria. Gold Medals: Israel Coins and Medals Mint.