Hebrew Union College

Hebrew Union College
Official Award Medal, 5723-1963

The Jerusalem Biblical and Archaeological School of the Hebrew Union College is the more recent of the three institutes founded by the Reform Movement in Judaism. The Hebrew Union College, the oldest, was founded in Cincinnati in 1875. In 1950 Rabbi Stephen Wise caused the amalgamation of his Jewish Institute of Religion with the Hebrew Union College. The third institute was founded in Los Angeles in 1954. The institute in Jerusalem was founded by Professor Nelson Glick, famous archaeologist and biblical researcher who served as President of the College between 1971-1974. When the Nelson Glick Institute of Archeology and Bible Studies completed its building program in Jerusalem, it celebrated the occasion in the presence of its board of governors and other notables.

Obverse: In the center a raised panel on both sides a pattern of arabesques. On the panel, in raised letters, the initials H U C, J I R (standing for Hebrew Union College and Jewish Institute of Religion). Further down the inscription in English "Meeting of the Board of Governors, Jerusalem, March 24-31, 1963". Around the rim an inscription in Hebrew letters: "Hebrew Union College Biblical and Archaeological School", followed by the identical inscription in English.

Reverse: The panel resembles the one on the obverse. In the center above, the State emblem. Beneath, an inscription in English "Presented by the Minister of Education".

Edge: The State emblem and the words "State of Israel" in Hebrew and English.

Designer: David Shore.

Engraving: Zechovoy.