Bear with me as I point out a few facts regarding Jewish Faith, the tenet, Law is Light and its connection with coinage. One of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith is the menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple. The kihanim lit the menorah in the Sanctuary every evening and cleaned it out every morning, replacing the wicks and putting fresh olive oil into the cups. The illustration below is based on instructions for construction of the menorah found in Exodus 25:31-40 (photo courtesy of Jewish Virtual Library). MENORAH MENTIONED IN BIBLE The following is an excerpt from the Jewish Virtual Library website: "It has been said that the menorah is a symbol of the nation of Israel and their God-given mission to be "a light unto the nations." (Isaiah 42:6). The sages emphasize that light is not a violent force; Israel is to accomplish its mission by setting an example, not by using force. This idea is highlighted in the vision in Zechariah 4:1-6. Zechariah sees a menorah, and God explains: "Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit." It seems fitting to me, then, that Israel's first commemorative coin should bear a menorah on its reverse. That first commemorative is a 32mm Copper-Nickel 1 Lira minted in 1958 (World Coin Gallery Photo): 149,594 were struck for circulation and another 5,000 proofs were produced 1958 1 LIRA COMMEMORATIVE - LAW IS LIGHT The Jewish Virtual Library's article continues "The lamp stand in today's synagogues, called the ner tamid (lit. the continual lamp; usually translated as the eternal flame), symbolizes the menorah.The nine-branched menorah used on Chanukka is commonly patterned after this menorah, because Chanukah commemorates the miracle that a day's worth of oil for this menorah lasted eight days. The menorah in the First and Second Temples had seven branches. After the Temples were destroyed, a tradition developed not to duplicate anything from the Temple and therefore menorah's no longer had seven branches. The use of six-branched menoras became popular, but, in modern times, some rabbis have gone back to the seven-branched menoras, arguing that they are not the same as those used in the Temple because today's are electrified [lamps]. Stay tuned, because there are more numismatic connections to the subject of Law is Light for you to see.>br> After 1958, beginning in 1963, and through 1979, 1/2 Lira C-N coins were minted measuring 24.5mm all bearing a manorah (flanked by sprigs) on their obverse (www.worldcoingallery.com photo): EXAMPLE OF HALF LIRA COIN 1963-1979 In 1973 a 1/2 Lira bearing a manorah was minted in memory of Israel's 25th Anniversary of Independence (worldcoingallery.com photo): 1973 1/2 LIRA COMMEMORATIVE - 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE In 1980 a 1/2 Lira bearing a manorah was minted in memory of Israel's 25th Anniversary of Bank of Israel (worldcoingallrty photo): 1980 1/2 LIRA COMMEMORATIVE - 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF BANK OF ISRAEL Remember that reference about electric lamp menorahs? You are about to see some Israeli coins bearing a menorah lamp on them. The following photos courtesy of worldcoingallery.com unless noted. 1962 1 LIRA COMMEMORATIVE - ITALIAN LAMP 1963 1 LIRA COMMEMORATIVE - NORTH AFRICAN LAMP 1972 5 LIROT COMMEMORATIVE - RUSSIAN LAMP Following is a commemorative.com photo: 1973 5 LIROT COMMEMORATIVE - BABYLONIAN LAMP Following is a commemorative.com photo: 1975 10 LIROT COMMEMORATIVE - DUTCH LAMP 1976 10 LIROT COMMEMORATIVE - U.S. LAMP 1975 10 LIROT COMMEMORATIVE - HOLLAND HANUKKA LAMP Following is a commemorative.com photo: 1977 10 LIROT COMMEMORATIVE - JERUSALEM LAMP 1978 25 LIROT COMMEMORATIVE - FRENCH LAMP 1979 100 LIROT COMMEMORATIVE - EGYPTIAN LAMP Did you enjoy this trivia post? Clinker
Just saw this...Are you a member of the Israel Coin and Stamp Group on Facebook? I would love to see these posts there as well. And have you thought about submitting articles to the SHEKEL? Best, -Mike
Interesting post, and some nice examples of lamps! The menorah with the two olive branches is actually the emblem (CoA) of Israel; you can find it on many documents including the passport's front page. (Just watched a TV documentary, by the way, about the "fate" of the Menorah and the Showbread Table from the Temple in Jerusalem ...) Christian
Hi mamooney (Mike): No, not a member. While researching for an interesting (to me) numismatic-related subject to share with Cointalk members and visitors, I discovered the coins. I am a stroke victim and only able to use one hand to do research and post these "TRIVIA" threads so do not write for other coin forums, etc. However I sure do thank you for reading and commenting on this thread... Clinker
