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Medallic Judaica: Jewish Synagogue & Congregation Medals

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Click to Enlarge		 France > Bordeaux: Consistorial Synagogue of Bordeaux establishment medal, 1810; struck in copper; by Louis Jaley; size: 35mm; weight: 19.95g.

On obverse 3 lines of text in French within wreath device: "Synagogue Consistoriale de Bordeaux", with Jaley's name ("Jaley FT." ["Fabrique Travaille" - workshop?]) in exergue.

On reverse five lined legend in French within wreath device: "Eleveé en L'an 1810 Sous le Regne de Napoleon le Grand." ("Erected in the year 1810 under the reign of Napoleon the Great").

The Jews of Bordeaux originated from the Iberian peninsula (eg. 'Sephardic' Jews), having fled the Spanish Inquisition in 1492; by 1806 there were over 2000 Jews living in Bordeaux, most of them Sephardic. Following the sessions of the "Great Sanhedrin" unqiuely contrived and convened by Napoleon (for the purpose of enabling Jews to serve in the army), Bordeaux became in 1807-1808 the seat of a Consistory which extended over 10 regional 'departments' with Abraham Andrade as the Chief Rabbi.

The architect Arnaud Corcelles designed the Jewish Causserouge quarter and also the Synagogue (commemorated by this medal) on Rue Causserouge (Street) in an Egyptian style, drawing on the Temple of Solomon for its inspiration. The actual inauguration of the Synagogue took place on 14 May 1812.

The original building unfortunately burned down in 1873 and was subsequently rebuilt by the architect André Burguet (and upon his death, succeeded by Charles Durand and Paul Abadie), becoming known then and since as the Great Synagogue of Bordeaux - one of the largest Synagogues in Europe today.

This is one of the very few Synagogue medals minted in France, and one of only two known to have been struck before the fall of Napoleon (the other is only known through literary sources and does not even exist in any known private collection); Friedenberg suggests this indicates the degree to which French Jewry felt uncomfortable about openly displaying their religious affiliation.

Friedenburg lists bronze and pewter issues of this medal, though not copper; in VF-EF with a little green oxidation on obverse (and light rubbing around it, where someone may have attempted to remove it); JM-71 & 138, Jewish Encyclopedia pg. 401 and Forrer, vol. 3 pg. 54-55 (though he does not list this piece).

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130985 Price: €700


Click to Enlarge		 France > Bordeaux: Consistorial Synagogue of Bordeaux medal (restruck planchet), 1810, by Jaley; pewter, 35mm, 23.55g, in F-VF: commemoriates the founding of the Sephardic Jewish Synagogue in the city.

French legend on obverse and reverse: "Consistorial Synagogue of Bordeaux" and "Built in 1810 under the reign of Napoleon the Great". On obverse there are signs of an earlier strike on the planchet (about 15 degree angle leftward); on reverse some light scratch-marks; JM-71 & 138.

More pictures: obverse of medal, detail of restrike, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130978 Price: €550


Click to Enlarge		 France > Paris: Inauguration tallion of the Sephardic "Rite Portugais" Synagogue on Rue Buffault, 1877; struck in bronze; not maker-marked; size (tallion only): 27.5mm x 32mm; weight: 9.15g.

Obverse depicts device of the Ten Commandments tablet with transliterated Hebrew date of the inauguration, "25 [month of] Eloul 5637", and legend around edge, "Temple Israelite Rite Portugaise".

On reverse, legend in French around edge, "Inauguration 3 Septembre 1877" - the inauguration took place 4 days before the Rosh HaShana holiday on 7 September.

The unusual simplicity - lack of ornament - of the medal may symbolize the turbulent circumstances of this Synagogue's establishment: when the Grand Synagogue of Paris (on Rue de la Victoire) was opened in 1875, it was supposed to have served both the Ashkenazi ("German Jewish rite") and the Sephardic ("Spanish-Portuguese rite") Jewish communities of the city as a unified "Tsarfati" (French) rite, but a dispute between the leaders of the two ethnic communities lead the Sephardic community to split from the new Synagogue - specifically since this new Synagogue's ark did not face west, to Jerusalem, as it should.

With funding mostly by Daniel Iffla (known also as "Osiris"), a wealthy Jew of Morroccan origin, the "Portuguese rite" of Jews purchased land on Buffault Street in 1876 and hired the architect Stanislas Ferrand to design the new Synagogue exterior and Albert Philippe Le Roy Bonneville to design the interior, which could seat 900. The stated aim of the Synagogue's board of directors was to "only follow the Sephardic rite... as is currently practiced in Paris... Bordeaux, Bayonne, Amsterdam..."

Upon the completion of the Buffault Synagogue another dispute erupted when Osiris wanted to place a dedication plaque highlighting his controbutions but ignoring the donations of others, and giving tribute to many famous Sephardic Jews - but many whose religious stances differed from those of the city's Rabbinate.

This Synagogue exists to this day, and Osiris is credited with funding the establishment of other Synagogues in Arcachon (also in 1877, and also designed by Ferrand), Tours, Paris (the Vincennes Synagogue) as well as in Tunis and Lausanne.

More pictures: obverse of tallion, reverse of tallion
Item Code: 0130980 Price: €800


Click to Enlarge		 France/German Empire > Strasbourg: New Synagogue of Strasbourg (Synagogue of Quai Kleber) inauguration medal, 1898; struck in bronze; designed/manufactured by P.H.Fec; size: 50.5mm; weight: 51.4g.

Obverse depicts a detailed image of the Synagogue building with legend in German above, "Neue Synagoge in Strassburg", the architect's name "Prof. Levy Arch." in exergue and the maker's mark "P.H.Fec." at lower-left between the trees.

On reverse a partial wreath device and shining star with legend in German below, "Zur Erinnerung an die Einweihung 21 Eloul 5658 [the Hebrew date] 8. September 1898" and maker's initials ("P.H.") at edge.

The Synagogue at Quai Kleber (Kleber Wharf) replaced an earlier one built in 1836 on Saint Helene street of the city owing to the rapid growth of the city's Jewish community. A reknowned German Jewish architect, Professor Ludwig Levy from Karlsruhe, submitted the proposed design in neo-Romanesque style, and the firm of "Holzmann and Co." understook the construction.

The cornerstone was laid in April 1896 and both Professor Levy and the Chief Rabbi (formerly of the city of Metz) Isaac Weil, gave speeches. On 8 September 1898 a double ceremony took place, in which the congregation held a solemn farewell ceremony at the old Synagogue and later that day inaugurated the new Synagogue.

The Synagogue existed until 1940, when it was first occupied by the conquering German army and then burned down by Hitler Youth and the SA that September. Professor Levy designed several Synagogues (as well as Churches) in Germany and France though most were destroyed by the Germans during Kristallnacht in 1938. The maker of the medal is not known and not listed in Forrer's comprehensive dictionary.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0131010 Price: €1000


Click to Enlarge		 Germany > Cologne/Köln: Cologne (Glockengasse) Synagogue inauguration medal, 1861; struck in bronze; by Jacques Wiener; size: 59.5mm; weight: 85.45g; thickness: 5.5mm.

Obverse depicts intricate relief image of the Synagogue building, with German legend around edge, "Synagoge Zu Coeln Eingeweiht Am 29 August 1861" and the architect's name in exergue "E.F.Zwirner Archit."

On reverse an intricate image of the Synagogue's interior and altar, with engraver's name in exergue "J. Wiener F." and vertically written legend in Hebrew on the right and left sides: "And so Built Abraham Oppenheim [spelled here unnecessarily with two letters "pay"] the House of the Lord for the Congregation of Kolonia [Cologne], And they Inaugurated it on 23 Elul [in the year of] 5621 Since Creation [abbreviated] Recall This O Lord to His [Oppenheim's] Credit [adapted quotation from Nechemia chapter 10 verse 36]".

The Abraham Oppenheim mentioned on the medal was the son of the founder of the Sal. Oppenheim bank (in existence to this day), Salomon Oppenheim. The Synagogue on Glockengasse (Bell Lane) was designed by the [non-Jewish] German architect Ernst Friedrich Zwirner, who also designed the Cologne Cathedral (and died within a month of the Synagogue's inauguration).

The building was noteworthy for its Moorish style, inspired by the Alahambra in Spain, and for being uniquely designed in the style of a [square] Greek Cross. The Synagogue was in existence until 1938 when it was destroyed during Kristallnacht (though the Torah Scrolls were saved by a Cologne priest Gustav Meinertz).

This medal is one of many produced by Wiener in a similar manner, depicting mostly Church structures and Altar interiors. JMM-49/50 & GJPM-136 & Forrer vol. 6 p.487.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0131009 Price: €800


Click to Enlarge		 Germany > Cologne/Koln: Roonstrasse Synagogue re-establishment medal, 1959; struck in bronze; not maker marked; size: 27.5mm x 31.75mm; weight: 11.2g.

Hexigonal medal identical to the hexigon within a Jewish Star of David: obverse depicts the original Synagogue on Roonstrasse, with text and images symbolizing the double commemoration - the original dates of its foundation and destruction, "Eingeweiht 1899 | Zerstört 1938" and reconstruction, below, "19Köln59" above a Menorah device.

On reverse, a stylized depiction of wandering Jews with dove and olive wreath above, and Hebrew dedication "5719 [1959] Koln".

The Roon street Synagogue was one of 5 Cologne Synagogues destroyed during Kristallnacht in 1938. It was originally built by the Cologne architects Emil Schreiterer and Bernhard Below between 1895-1899 when the city's main Synagogue on Glockengasse could not be further expanded for the growing community, and serviced the city's Reform congregation.

The German Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer, promoted the reconstruction of the Synagogue under the achitect Helmut Goldschmidt, and the Synagogue was re-dedicated on 20 September 1959 (12 days before the Rosh HaShana holiday on 2 October). The Synagogue is in use to this day, and at its entrance was displayed a Torah scroll rescued by the Catholic Priest, Gustav Meinertz, from the Glockengasse Synagogue during Kristallnacht.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130979 Price: €135


Click to Enlarge		 Germany > Frankfurt: Inauguration medal of the "New Synagogue" of Frankfurt at Börneplatz, 1882; struck in pewter (possibly with silver patina); by Louis Dietrich; size: 35.5mm; thickness: 4.25mm; weight: 22.2g.

Obverse is impressed into the planchet and depicts a relief image of the corner of the Synagogue with its hallmark domed spire, enclosed by a roped frame, with Hebrew legend around edge (excerpt of the prayer "Ma Tovu", which is uttered when entering a Synagogue: "How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel!"); medallist's name appears along the base edge of the image.

On reverse 8 lines of text in German: "Zur Erinnerung | An Die | Einweihung | der | Neuen Synagoge | D[ie] 10.Sept | 1882 | Frankfurt A[m]/M[ain]". The inauguration took place three days before Rosh HaShana (Jewish New Years) holiday on the 13th.

This Synagogue was located in the Jewish Ghetto (Frankfurter Judengasse) specifically on Bornestrasse, where the Orthodox Jews lived was contructed partially as a response to the city's growing trend of Reform Judaism.

The structure was designed by the Frankfurt architect Siegfried Kusnitzky and the cornerstone was laid at a ceremony on 31 January 1881, led by the Frankfurt community's Rabbi, Markus Horovitz (1844-1910; succeeded by Rabbi Nehemia Tzvi Anton Nobel), who promoted coexistence between the community's rival Reform movement and the Orthodox faction of Rabbi Hirsch (who went on to found the Yeshurun/"Israelitische Religionsgesellschaft" community).

The Synagogue was known variously as the Horovitz Synagogue or the Börneplatzsynagoge and Hebrew literature describes the congregation iself as the "general congregation" (rather than the 'Orthodox' congregation); it was expanded in 1901 but destroyed during Kristallnacht in 1938. The obscure engraver of this token has other period privately commissioned commemorative tokens to his credit though this piece is highlighted by the Jewish Encyclopedia (pg. 401).

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130982 Price: €1000


Click to Enlarge		 Germany > Frankfurt: Börneplatz Synagogue enlargement commemorative medal, 1901; struck in aluminum; not maker or artist-marked; size: 39.5mm; weight: 6.75g.

Obverse depicts two detailed images of the Synagogue's street-facing façade (above) and the newly contructed expansion (below), with legend in Hebrew around edge (except from Prophet Hagai verse 2), "Great will be the glory of the last house over the first" ["...because it shall be the final house which will never be destroyed and in its place I will grant peace"].

On reverse, 4 lines of text (mostly Hebrew - an except from Exodus 4 verse 11) in center, "Frankfurt A[m] M[ain] | Every Temple Which is in Heaven's Name is Destined to be Established", and German legend (with Hebrew dates) around edge: "Israel[itische] Gemeinde Synagoge * Erbaut 5642 (1882) - Vergrössert 5661 (1901)" (Jewish Community Synagogue built 1882 - enlarged 1901").

The original structure had room in the nave hall for 520 seats for men, and on the surrounding gallery, 360 places for women. With the 1901 expansion an additional 400 seats were added. In Au-Unc with original luster: the outer edges (with text) have a matte finish while the base on obverse and reverse has a mirror-like surface; probably issued in a proof-like state.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130986 Price: €275


Click to Enlarge		 Germany > Frankfurt: Börneplatz Synagogue enlargement commemorative medal, 1901; struck in bronze; not maker or artist-marked; size: 39.5mm; weight: 25.7g.

Obverse depicts two detailed images of the Synagogue's street-facing façade (above) and the newly contructed expansion (below), with legend in Hebrew around edge (except from Prophet Hagai verse 2), "Great will be the glory of the last house over the first" ["...because it shall be the final house which will never be destroyed and in its place I will grant peace"].

On reverse, 4 lines of text (mostly Hebrew - an except from Exodus 4 verse 11) in center, "Frankfurt A[m] M[ain] | Every Temple Which is in Heaven's Name is Destined to be Established", and German legend (with Hebrew dates) around edge: "Israel[itische] Gemeinde Synagoge * Erbaut 5642 (1882) - Vergrossert 5661 (1901)" (Jewish Community Synagogue built 1882 - enlarged 1901").

The original structure had room in the nave hall for 520 seats for men, and on the surrounding gallery, 360 places for women. With the 1901 expansion an additional 400 seats were added. In Au-Unc with lovely toning.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130987 Price: €400


Click to Enlarge		 Germany > Frankfurt: Inauguration medal of [original] Jeschurun Synagogue in Frankfurt (on Rechneigrabenstraße and Schützenstraße), 1852; struck in tin; not maker-marked; size: 39mm; thickness: 4.25mm; weight: 29.2g.

Obverse depicts detailed façade of the Synagogue with legend in Hebrew around edge, "Yeshurun House of Worship of the Holy Congregation of Frankfurt Damain (sic)", and further legend in exergue: "Established on the Second day of the New Month [abbreviated 'de Rosh Khodesh'] of Iyar | Dedicated to Keepers of His Covenant and His Witnesses | [abbreviation for 'Le Prat Katan' - for when the Hebrew date is written shorthand]".

On reverse 8 lined legend in German with Gregorian (1852) and Hebrew (1852) dates below: "Denkmünze Bei Erbauung Einer Synagoge Für Die Jsraelitische Religionsgesellschaft zu Frankfurt am Main" ("Medal For Inauguration of a Synagogue of the Israelite Religious Community of Frankfurt am Main"); the inauguration date was 21 April 1852, and the architect was the builder and carpenter J. W. Renk. Medallic strike with traces of original luster and shiny patina - may have been issued in proof state.

This was the first Synagogue established by the 'neo Orthodox' Jewish 'sect' founded by Rabbi Samson (Shimshon) Raphael Hirsch, on Schutzen and Rechneigraben strasse (for old Synagogues in Germany, street locations are as important as their names in identifying them): Hirsch headed an Orthodox-oriented community known in German as the "Israelitische Religionsgesellschaft" (IRG), also known as "Adat Jeshurun" (for legal reasons the German name had to be "association") and strove to keep it separate from the Reform movement around him, hence the name he chose - Yeshurun ("straight/honest").

Disagreement and rivalry between the Reform and Orthodox communities in Frankfurt expressed itself as series of new larger and more impressive Synagogues being built on different streets of the city. In this instance the Synagogue on Schützen Street enjoyed the financial assistance of the Rothschild family, and included a schoolhouse and a 'mikveh' (religious womens' bathing room). The community in time because a sect of Orthodox Judaism which has since branched out and founded other 'Yeshurun' Synagogues around the world.

In EF-AU with one small nick on the obverse; GJPM-136.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130989 Price: €1350


Click to Enlarge		 Germany > Frankfurt: Choir prize of the Jewish "Israelitische Religionsgesellschaft" (Yeshurun) Synagogue of Frankfurt, ND (1899); struck in white metal; not maker-marked; size: 39.25mm; weight: 30.8g.

Obverse depicts lyre over horn, with decorative banners above and below, and surrounded by a wreath frame decorated with musical notes: the upper banner, in Hebrew (except from Psalms), "To the Conductor of Harmonies" [Play a Song]; on the banner below, in German: "Dem Besten Chorschüler" ("The Best Choir Students"). On the intertwined wreath with notes around the edge appear the names of four famous past and present Cantors with the founding occasion of the Cantorial concerts - the Munich concert ("Munchener Gesänge") in center: [Israel Meyer] Japhet, [Samuel/Solomon] Naumbourg, [Louis] Lewandowski, [Salomon] Sultzer.

On reverse is a very intricate depiction of the altar of the Jeschurun Synagogue, with legend in Hebrew above, "Yeshurun House of Worship", and name of the community in German, in exergue: "Synagoge D[er] Isr[aelitischen] Religions- Gesellschaft zu Frankfurt A[m] M[ain]".

This medal was probably issued to the Synagogue's choir who sang the pieces written by the Cantor's commemorated on the medal. The "Munchener Gesange" mentioned on the medal refers to the Munich Cantorial concerts which were originally founded by the Cantor Maier Kohn of the Synagogue on Westenriederstraße in Munich, in 1839.

Kohn (1802-1875) was the first Cantor in Germany to abolish the irregular singing of Cantors and to institute a more musical prayer service - hallmarks of the Reform movement, which in time placed it at odds with the Orthodox stream. He collected numerous traditional chants harmonized by him and other compositions by non-Jewish composers under the title "Münchner Synagogengesänge" ("Munich synagogue chants"). Japhet (1818-1892) was the choir leader of the Yeshurun congregation of Frankfurt from 1853; Naumbourg (1817-1880) directed the choir of the Synagogue and Strasbourg; Lewandowski (1821-1894) was the choirmaster of the Neue Synagoge in Berlin; Sulzer (1804-1890) was the chief Cantor of the Stadttempel Synagogue in Vienna - all wrote Cantorial pieces in their time. Jewish Encyclopedia (p. 401) and GJPM-137.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130984 Price: €1000


Click to Enlarge		 Germany > Frankfurt: uniface inauguration plaquette of the New "Yeshurun" Synagogue in Frankfurt (on Friedberger Anlage), 1907; cast in bronze; by Karl Goetz; size: 49.5mm x 61.75mm; weight: 60.85g.

The medal depicts an image of the new Synagogue building shown within the columns of an ornate Moorish-looking gateway. The German legend at top reads "Neue Synagoge der Jsr.[aelitichen] Religionsges.[ellschaft] zu Frankfurt A[m] M[ain]" ("The new Synagogue of the Jewish Community of Frankfurt am Main"); below in Hebrew, within the arch the legend reads "Beit Tefila Yeshurun".

Along the bottom edge are two lines of text, in German and in Hebrew: in German, "Eingeweiht am 29 August 1907" ("Inaugurated...") and in Hebrew "Yom Hey Yud-Tet Elul Shnat [unclear] Makom Ohalekha Kahal Adat Yeshurun LP''H" ("The Fifth Day of the week [Thursday] 19th of [the month of] Elul in the Year of [unclear but not the year "5667"] in the Place of Your Tent, Congregation of Adat Jeshurun" - the abbreviated Hebrew letters at the end indicate a shorthand for the Hebrew year which omits the use of the letter for "thousand"). Karl Goetz's name is imprinted on the rim.

In the literature of Jewish Synagogues in Germany, the one commemorated here is relatively obscure(and sometimes confused with the real "New Main Synagogue" of Frankfurt - see item 0130982 above) though its Rabbinical leadership is well documented.

The inauguration ceremony in 1907 was for the expansion of the existing community whose original Synagogue "Beit Tefilat Yeshurun" (House of Worship "Yeshurun") was founded in 1852 (see item 0130989 above); on the same day, 29 August 1907, the community celebrated both a farewell prayer service as well an inauguration service for the new building (the parting service consisted of psalms, the afternoon 'Minchah' service, a farewell speech from the Rabbis, and a choral rendition, ending with the "Adon Olam" prayer - see "Programm für den Abschiedsgottesdienst" 1907).

The "Yeshurun" community was founded by Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, a proponent of the 'contemporary' stream of Orthodox Judaism (which opposed the reformist movements but also opposed Political Zionism, seeing Zionism as a means but not an end in and of itself). In 1851 he led a separatist faction of the Orthodox Community and formed the Yeshurun community in Frankfurt; in 1890 he was succeeded by Rabbi Salomon Breuer.

The new Yeshurun Synagogue, with 2000 seats was the largest Synagogue in Frankfurt until it was destroyed during Kristallnacht in 1938.

The designer of the plaque, Karl Goetz, is noteworthy for his large portfolio of satirical medals from the period of the First World War and into the Weimar Republic era; though he also executed pieces for the government during the Third Reich Goetz's earlier works also attacked anti-Semitism. His work here displays clear and correct Hebrew lettering (unlike the work of many of his non-Hebrew speaking contemporaries).

More pictures: obverse of plaque, reverse of plaque
Item Code: 0131012 Price: €475


Click to Enlarge		 Germany > Frankfurt: 1200 Year Anniversary of Frankfurt am Main / Westend-Synagoge of Frankfurt, 1994; struck in silver; maker-marked; size: 40.25mm; weight: 20.15g.

Obverse depicts intricate image of the "Westend Synagoge" in Frankfurt with the date of its foundation (1910) below.

On reverse the coat of arms of Frankfurt and legend in German around edge "1200 Jahre Frankfurt am Main 791-1994"; maker's mark and silver mark on either side of eagle's legs.

A series of 32 silver coins commemorating the city's 1200th anniversary was produced in 1993 with different obverse images on each medal (5000 sets were produced).

The Westend Synagogue was designed by the architect Franz Roeckle (1879 ?1953) of Liechtenstein (not many things are usually associated with that Principality and Roeckle has to his credit also the Synagogue of Offenbach and the Jewish Old Age home of Frankfurt-Bornheim) and built between 1908 and 1910. The building was inaugurated on 28 September 1910 and served the city's Reform (Liberal) Jewish community.

It bears the distinction of having survived attacks during Kristallnacht (1938) and Allied bombings during the Second World War (1944); it was restored between 1989 and 1994 and is the only one of Frankfurt's four Synagogues to have survived since its creation. In proof state with minor handling marks.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0131005 Price: €50


Click to Enlarge		 Germany > Regensburg: Regensburg Synagogue commemorative uniface medal, ND (circa. 1967-1969); pewter; made by the firm "E. W." (Eugen Wiedamann) of Regensburg; size: 81.5mm x 90mm; weight: 135.05g.

Obverse depicts the double-naved altar of the Synagogue - an image based on the original 1519 engraving by Albrecht Altdorfer (in "Synagoga Judaica"). German legend on left reads "Synagoge | zu Regensburg", and on right, "erbaut 1217 | zerstört 1519" (built 1217 | destroyed 1519).

Although the Regensdorf Synagogue was rebuilt in 1841 and again in 1912 (being destroyed for a third time in 1938), this medal appears to commemorate specifically the original dates of establishment/destruction; as the Wiedamann pewter firm existed as a workshop until 1975 and used the maker-mark which appears on the reverse from the 1950's to 1975, it's likely that this piece was produced for either the 750th anniversary of the Synagogue's erection, or the 450th anniversary of its original destruction.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0131017 Price: €100


Click to Enlarge		 Germany > Regensburg: commemoration of the seal of the Jewish community of Regensburg, ND (circa. 1956-1969); pewter; no maker-mark but most likely made by the firm "E. W." (Eugen Wiedamann) of Regensburg; size: 82mm x 89.75mm; weight: 119.30g.

Obverse depicts a replica of the community's original seal, dating to 1356: the original design (as shown) depicts a crescent moon and six pointed star with Hebrew legend around (difficult to discern both in the original and on this rendition - only the word "Kahal", "assmbly" stands out).

Around the edge is the legend in German "Seal of the Jewish Community of Regensburg | 13th Century" (a subtle mistake: the community's Synagogue - see item 0131017 - dates from the 13th Century but this seal dates from the 14th Century). Hence the estimated dating for this piece: it may be from as early as 1956, to coincide with the 600th anniversary of the seal, or from 1967-1969 to commemorate the 1217 establishment of the Regensburg Synagogue or the 1519 destruction of it.

The Middle-Eastern/Islamic image of the crescent moon and star may relate to the origins of the community's earliest members who came to Regensburg from the Middle East around the 10th Century and so make Regensburg the oldest document Jewish settlement in Bavaria.

The circumstances of the seal are hard to pinpoint but its creation probably celebrates the protection of the Jews in Regensburg: between the 1330 and 1349 the Jews of southern Germany were persecuted and up to 12,000 murdered with 350 communities destroyed; in Regensburg, local citizens protected the Jews against a lynch mob and subsequently surviving Jews from the region (including Austria) moved to Regensburg.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0131016 Price: €135


Click to Enlarge		 Germany > Worms: Rashi Synagogue in Worms 950th anniversary commemorative medal, 1984; stuck in silver (.999); not maker-marked; size: 40.5mm; weight: 24.95g.

Obverse depicts exterior of the Synagogue with legend in German "Raschi-Synagoge Worms 1034-1984".

On reverse the seal of the community in Hebrew (transliterated as) "Kahal Wirms" ("Community of Worms"), with legend around edge in German "Heilige Gemeinde Worms | Siegel Von 1699" (Holy Community of Worms | Seal from 1699). In proof state with some tarnish and very light handling marks.

This Synagogue is considered the oldest existing Synagogue in Germany: it was originally built in 1034 by Yaakov Ben David and his wife Rachel, but was and destroyed in 1096 during the First Crusade and again in 1146 during the Second Crusade; it was rebuilt in 1175 as the new Mens Synagogue (also known as the Alte - old - Synagoge) which was subsequently damaged, restored and even expanded several times during the Middle Ages, until the Synagogue was totally destoyed in Kristallnacht (1938). The Synagoge was rebuilt between 1958-1961.

The Synagogue is named after one of its first students from 1060 - Rabbi Shlomo Yitzhaki (abbreviated as "Rashi" - a common custom with religious Jewish names): Rashi was the author of the first comprehensive commentary on the Talmud ("Gmara"; the codex of Jewish life based on interpretations of the Jewish Bible) and the Jewish Bible (all 24 volumes) and is considered the "father" of all commentaries that followed. The Synagogue was probably named after Rashi in the early 1600's as the Talmudic study room named the "Rashi Chapel" was built in 1623-24.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0131002 Price: €100


Click to Enlarge		 Hungary > Budapest: The Great Synagogue (Dohány Street Synagogue) commemorative silver plaque, ND (circa. 1996); silver; not maker-marked; size: 60.5mm x 40.5mm; weight: 60.85g.

Obverse depicts Moorish-styled archway with date of the Synagogue's foundation (1859) and "Budapest" below; on reverse an image of the Synagogue building and Tablet of the Ten Commandments at left.

The Synagogue is the largest in Eurasia and the second largest in the world (Theodore Herzl's home was located next door). Damaged during the Holocaust (when it was used as a stable and as a radio station), it was not renovated until the 1990's, and its restoration work continued from 1991 to 1996. This medal probably commemorates the completion of the restoration. In UNC, with light traces of oxidation; the plaquette has a mirror shininess and may have been issued Proof.

More pictures: obverse of plaquette, reverse of plaquette
Item Code: 0131011 Price: €135


Click to Enlarge		 Italy > Florence: Great Synagogue of Florence commemorative medal (ND), circa. 1982-2002; struck in 925 Italy gold (gold plated silver); by Gori & Zucchi S.p.A.; size: 43.25mm; weight: 22.15g.

Obverse depicts facade of the Synagogue, with date of its completion below (1882, and in Hebrew "5642" - however as the Synagogue was inaugurated on 24 October 1882, after the Jewish New Year of Rosh HaShana, the Hebrew date should be 5643); around the edge, legend in English, Hebrew and Italian, "The Synagogue of Florence".

On reverse an image of a pair of hands (arranged for a priestly blessing - a reference to the 'Cohanim', or Jewish Priests), with except of a blessing from the Book "BaMidbar" ("Numbers") chapter 6: "The Lord will Bless and Protect You...", with smith's mark and makers-mark ("[star]264 AR") in exergue. Milled rim; proof state with light handling marks.

No specific dates of mention (eg. renovation or re-inauguration) relate to the Synagogue in the last 30 years but the medal was probably issued to commemorate an anniversary - centennary in 1982, 110 years or even 120 year anniversary in 1992 or 2002.

The Great Synagogue of Florence (known in Italian, though not on the medal itself as "Tempio Maggiore Israelitico") was built between 1874 and 1882 on lands donated by the president of the Jewish community of Florence, David Levi, by the Jewish architect Marco Treves, who was later joined by Mariano Falcini and Professor Vincente Micheli, in a combined Byzantine/Moorish-revival style. The Italian Kings Umberto 1st and Vittorio Emmanuel 3rd visited the Synagogue in 1887 and 1911 respectively. The structure was saved from demolishon by the Italian partisans in 1944, and restored after the war.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal, detail of the maker's and smiths marks
Item Code: 0131004 Price: €400


Click to Enlarge		 Italy > Vercelli: Inauguration of the New Jewish Synagogue in Vercelli, 1878; struck in bronze; may be maker-marked "I. Muggia"; size: 46.75mm; weight: 39g.

Obverse bears 6 lines of text in Italian and one line for the Hebrew date of inauguration: 'Inaugurazione Del Nuovo Tempio Israelitico in Vercelli [in Hebrew: 'month of Elul 5638'] Settembre 1878".

On reverse a detailed relief representation of the Synagogue's facade and text in exergue "I • Muggia • Vercelli". Medallic alignment; with a mirror-like shine in places and may have been issued in proof state.

The Synagogue was built on the location where a smaller one had existed since 1740, when the new Jewish Ghetto in Vercelli was established. The Jews received emancipation in 1848 and in 1864 the Jewish-Italian architect Marco Treves (a native of Vercelli), who has several Synagogue designs to his credit, was commissioned to design the new Great Synagogue, but his proposed project was too expensive.

In 1874 the (non-Jewish) architect Giuseppe (Joseph) Locarni (1826-1902) was commissioned to create the new Synagogue - considered his finest work - and it was inaugurated on 18 September 1878 (9 days before thew Jewish New Year, 'Rosh HaShana', and hence the Hebrew date of 5638 instead of 5639). The ceremony was large and included the Rabbi Giuseppe (Joseph) Raffael Levi and city authorities. The Synagogue survived the Holocaust though deteriorated physically until restored in 2003.

The designer of this medal is unknown though possibly "I. Muggia" of Vercelli (as per exergue text): the Italian towns of Muggia and Vercelli are on opposite ends of northern Italy, suggesting that there is no geographic connection between both names and this Synagogue and that Muggia may be a surname; GJPM-136.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130990 Price: €1000


Click to Enlarge		 Israel: Munich Synagogue/New Community House medal (CM-49), 1972; struck in silver .935 (matte); designed and minted by Shmuel Kretchmer & Sons, Jerusalem; size: 45.25mm; weight: 47.9g.

Obverse design is a rendition of the original 1887 obverse of the Main Synagogue's (Hauptsynagoge Munchen) inauguration medal; legend around edge in German reads "Neue Synagoge in München", and in Hebrew reads "New Synagogue of the Holy Congregation of Munich"; in exergue a credit to the original Synagogue's architect Albert Schmidt.

On reverse a sylized depiction of the Main Synagogue's remains after its destruction during Kristallnacht (1938), with Hebrew except from Zechariya 3.2 "Charred wood saved from the fire" and German legend below, "New Community House" (Neues Gemeindehaus).

The rim is etched with the word "Israel" in Hebrew and English, "Sterling 935" and the Gregorian and Hebrew dates of the community house's inauguration (25 July 1972).

Often misdescribed as a "Synagogue medal" or a medal commemorating the foundation of a new Synagogue in Munich, this medal was actually issued to commemorate the establishment of a new Jewish community center in Munich, and the medal's design drew inspiration from the grandeur of the former Main Synagogue of Munich.

This medal was created by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, issued in a limited mintage of only 1,010 pieces but sold and distributed only by the Jewish community in Munich, for the purpose of raising funds for the new community center.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130996 Price: €100


Click to Enlarge		 Netherlands > Amsterdam: 200th anniversary of the Portuguese-Jewish Synagogue of Amsterdam, 1875; struck in bronze; by J.D. Postumus; size: 35.5mm; weight: 23.75g.

Obverse depicts emblem of the Synagogue (mother bird protecting her brood) with legend around edge (with slight doubling) "Portugeesch-Israëlietische Synagogue te Amsterdam", and designer's initials "J.D.P." below the emblem.

On reverse 6 lined legend in Dutch "Ter Herinnering | Aan Het 200 Jarig Bestaan | 11 Menachem 5635 | 12 Augustus 1875 | De Feestcommissie" ("To Commemorate the 200th Year Anniversary... the Celebrations Committee"). Hebrew and Gregorian dates are shown: the Hebrew month "Menachem" is another name for the month of "Av", and of interest is the specific date which is 1-2 days after the fast of the 9th of Av (which commemorates the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples of Jerusalem), though the celebrations as per the Hebrew date fall on the original inauguration date of the Synagoge (12th of Av 5435).

Medallic alignment and thin doubled borders around the edges. In VF-EF with a hairline die-crack on the obverse and traces of luster. Forrer vol.4 pg. 673-674, Polak-38 & GJPM-137.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130994 Price: €900


Click to Enlarge		 Netherlands > Amsterdam: 350th Anniversary of the Jewish (Ashkenazi) Community of Amsterdam medal, 1985; struck in silver; not maker-marked; size: 40.5mm; weight: 35.55g.

Obverse depicts the symbol of the community - a Star of David with the Hebrew letters "Kaf-Alef-Alef" (for Kehilat Ashkenaz Amsterdam), and Dutch legend around edge "Joodse Gemeente Amsterdam (NIHS) 1635 1985).

On reverse the facade of the "New Synagogue" ("Nieuwe Synagoge") with Hebrew dates "5396 5746" (eg. 1635 and 1985, after the Rosh HaShana holiday), and Hebrew legend below ("In the City of Amsterdam"). Marked "Zilver" on rim.

Although Jews lived in Amsterdam since the 15th Century, these were primarily 'Sephardic' Jews (of Iberian origin, escaping the Inquisition); 'Ashkenazi' (East European) Jews began arriving in the 1600's as a result of upheavals in Eastern Europe.

The Ashkenazi community held its first congregation in 1635 though it technically became an independent (ethnic) Jewish community in 1639, and only established its first Synagogue in 1671. In time the community established three more major Synagogues in Amsterdam and all four were built as a complex of 4 structures - the largest of its kind in Europe.

The 'New Synagogue' depicted on the medal was the last of the 4 to be established (1730). In Unc; matte finish - a solid, well made medal.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0131000 Price: €175


Click to Enlarge		 Netherlands > Amsterdam: 350th Anniversary of the Jewish (Ashkenazi) Community of Amsterdam commemorative medal, 1985; struck in bronze; not maker-marked; size: 40.25mm; weight: 30.55g.

Obverse depicts the symbol of the community - a Star of David with the Hebrew letters "Kaf-Alef-Alef" (for Kehilat Ashkenaz Amsterdam), and Dutch legend around edge "Joodse Gemeente Amsterdam (NIHS) 1635 1985).

On reverse the facade of the "New Synagogue" ("Nieuwe Synagoge") with Hebrew dates "5396 5746" (eg. 1635 and 1985, after the Rosh HaShana holiday), and Hebrew legend below ("In the City of Amsterdam").

Although Jews lived in Amsterdam since the 15th Century, these were primarily 'Sephardic' Jews (of Iberian origin, escaping the Inquisition); 'Ashkenazi' (East European) Jews began arriving in the 1600's as a result of upheavals in Eastern Europe. The Ashkenazi community held its first congregation in 1635 though it technically became an independent (ethnic) Jewish community in 1639, and only established its first Synagogue in 1671.

In time the community established three more major Synagogues in Amsterdam and all four were built as a complex of 4 structures - the largest of its kind in Europe. The 'New Synagogue' depicted on the medal was the last of the 4 to be established (1730). In AU with surface lacquer.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0131001 Price: €85


Click to Enlarge		 Netherlands, the Hague/Maastricht; mule of New Synagogue of Maastrict / Moses Jacobus van Gigch medal of honor, 1841 (Polak-26); struck in silvered bronze; by Jewish medallist Jacques Wiener (Belgium); weight: 28.85g; size: 41mm.

Obverse depicts the obverse of Polak-24 (1841), the facade of the New Synagogue of Maastricht, with legend in Hebrew at top "For [the sake of] the House of G-d I Will Ask for Good Fortune for You:", and inauguration date below, 21 August 1840.

On reverse is the reverse of Polak-25 (1841), which is a 10-line dedication with additional legend around the edge: "Hulde der Dankbare Israëliten Te's, Gravenhage Aan Mr. M.J. Van Gigch | Voor Zyne | Menschlievende | Bemoeyingen | Tot Oprigting | En Inwyding | Van Het Israëlitisch | Oude Mannen | En | Vrouwenhuis | Aldaar" ("Tribute of Gratitude by the Jews of the Hague to Mr. M. J. Van Gigch | His Philanthropic Support for the Erection and Inauguration of the Jewish Old Men and Womens Home".

The Maastricht Synagogue medal produced of a Synagogue delegation's audience with King William II, in June 1841. Mr. van Gigch (1793-1858), the person honored by the second medal, was a student of King Louis Napoleon, and distinguished himself as a successful lawyer in the Hague, in the Supreme Court and at the High Council of the Netherlands. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Order of Lawyers, as chairman of the Jewish Community's school committee, and as the president and regent of the Jewish old age home he helped found.

This medal is also in the Royal Medals Collection in the Hague. In VF, with a series of knock-marks around the rim, probably from a minter's tool; JMM-49.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130594 Price: SOLD


Click to Enlarge		 Netherlands > Hertogenbosch: Bosch Synagogue "Bernardus Hartogensis" Foundation Synagogue restoration commemorative medal, 1994; silver .925; not maker-marked (mint marks present); size: 45.5mm; weight: 58.3g.

Obverse depicts the coat of arms of the Hertogenbosch municipality with Dutch legend around edge, "Stichting Bossche Synagoge Bernardus Hartogensis".

On reverse a nine-pronged Jewish 'menorah' with legend below "Restauratie Synagoge 1994". In proof with light handling marks. The region is known by the short-form "Den Bosch" (rather than Hertogenbosch) - meaning "the forest" - hence the name of the Synagogue.

Jews lived in this area since at least 1558, gaining full civil rights in 1796; several Synagogues existed in the area though in 1823 Bernard Hartogensis (1793-1870) established one on his estate, and became the main Synagogue of southern Netherlands. Hartogensis donated the land to the Jewish community and paid for the construction himself.

The Synagogue was redesigned in 1886 by the Jewish architect Isaac Gosschalk, and rebuilt in 1937 as the community's meeting hall and secondary Synagogue as a newer one replaced it in 1938. In 1989 the Foundation was established to restore the original 1823 Synagogue which had delapitated into poor state; restoration work began in 1994 and ended in 1999. The restored building was reopened in 1996 as a musical theater. The Synagogue's founder may be related to Joseph Hartogensis, who painted and engraved the Synagogue of Rotterdam.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0131006 Price: €175


Click to Enlarge		 Netherlands > Utrecht: (New) [Springweg] Synagogue of Utrecht inauguration ceremony medal, 1926; struck in bronze; by Dirk Scholtus (not maker-marked); size: 41.5mm; weight: 27.2g.

Obverse depicts the 'old' Utrecht Synagogue with dates of its operation below (1849-1925).

Reverse depicts facade of the new Springweg Synagogue with its Gregorian (19 December 1926) and Hebrew dates of inauguration: the transliterated Hebrew month of "Teiseis" is 'Tevet'.

The 'old' Synagogue commemorated on this medal was established within a former Mennonite Church originally purchased by the Jewish community of Utrecht in 1796, but due to funding shortages the property was merely employed as a Synagogue until the then 'new' one was built there in 1849.

As the community grew that Synagogue became too small and in 1925 it was closed in favor of a new building designed between 1924-1926 by the Dutch-Jewish architect Harry (Hartog) Elte Phzn (who designed several Synagogues in Holland and perished in Theresienstadt); Elte was a trained cabinetmaker and also designed the Springweg Synagogue's wooden Ark. The 'old' Synagogue was torn down but the Springweg Synagogue functions to this day.

As accounts of Synagogue inaugurations are not frequently documented a few available details are mentioned here (as published by "The Homeland" - 'Uit Het Vaderland' - newspaper on 21 December 1926): among those in attendence during the inaugural ceremony were Dr. H. Th. Jacob, the Commissioner of the Queen in the province of Utrecht, the Mayor of the city, Dr. Fockema Andreae, Lieut-Col. du Vijn of the 1st Field Artillery Regiment and local commander, and the President of the Synagogue Mr. J. Hamburger. Dr. Jacob gave a brief word of congratulation; Dr. Andreae pointed out that the completion Synagogue in general and for the Jewish community in particular was an important occasion; a Mr. H. Elzas offered on behalf of the committee of the congregation bronze chandeliers and chairs for the Synagogue.

A Mr. M. Schaap, the oldest member of the congregation, expressed gratitude to the President for his dedicated service during his tenure of twenty years, and presented to him a "gold medal, on the one side an image of the buildings of the congregation before and on the other side of the buildings as they currently are" (eg. identical to this bronze medal). Several people then offered gifts for the new building and Chief Rabbi Tal spoke a few words of joy on the occasion of the inauguration. A special prayer service then followed, along with a sermon by Rabbi Tal. In UNC except for a minor nick on the obverse (lower corner of the building image), with lacquered surface; Polak-71.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130993 Price: €400


Click to Enlarge		 Netherlands Antilles: Mikve Israel Emanuel Synagogue 250th anniversary commemorative coin (50 Guilden), 1982; struck in silver (.925); not maker-marked; size: 37.75mm; weight: 25.1g. Obverse depicts the façade of the Synagogue with legend around edge and mintmarks on either side of "50 G". On reverse left facing bust of Queen Beatrix. Coin alignment. Proof state with some tarnish and light handling marks. KM-31.

More pictures: obverse of coin, reverse of coin
Item Code: 0130995 Price: €35


Click to Enlarge		 Netherlands Antilles/Curacao: Synagogue Mikvé Israel-Emanuel ("Snoa") uniface commemorative medal (ND), circa. 1982-1997; silver cast; not maker-marked; size: 45.5mm; weight: 61.2g.

Obverse depicts exterior of the Synagogue building, with foundation date 1732 below. Stamped "925" on the rim.

The Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue in Curacao is the oldest Synagogue in the Americas, whose congregation dates from 1651; the Synagogue comemorated on the medal is actually the 5th (and final) Temple built by the then growing Jewish community. The congregation is also known as "Snoa", a shorthand for the Portuguese word "Esnoga" ("Synagogue").

The medal may date from 1982, to commemorate the Synagogue's 250th anniversary; it may also date from 1997, when its home-town, Willemstad (the former capital of the Netherland's Antilles) was declared a Unesco World Heritage City.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0131008 Price: €100


Click to Enlarge		 Netherlands Antilles/Curacao: Synagogue Mikvé Israel-Emanuel ("Snoa") uniface commemorative medal (ND), circa. 1982-1997; struck in bronze; not maker-marked; size: 45.5mm; weight: 58.3g. Obverse depicts exterior of the Synagogue building, with foundation date 1732 below.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0131007 Price: €70


Click to Enlarge		 Romania > Bucharest: Sephardic Jewish Communitee 200th Jubilee medal, 1931; struck in gilded bronze(?); size (tallion only): 28.25x31.5mm; weight: 10.45g.

Obverse depicts image of Ten Commands with Menorah and text in Romanian around the edge: "Jubileul de Două Sute ani de la Întemeierea Comunităţii 1730-1930" ("Two Hundred Years Jubilee to the foundation of the Community 1730-1930").

On reverse a Star of David with "Shadday" ("G-d") in Hebrew, in center with legend in Hebrew above "Jews of Sephardic Ethnicity Bucharest" and the commemorated dates in the Hebrew calendar; around the edge, legend in Romanian "Comunitatea Israeliţilor de rit Spaniol din Bucureşti" ("Jewish Community of Spanish Origin in Bucharest").

Although Jews have lived in Romania since at least the 2nd Century AD, large influxes of predominantly Sephardic Jews arrived as a result of the Spanish Inquisition (1492) and the close proximity of the Ottoman Empire, with Bucharest eventually becoming the largest community of Sephardic Jews in Romania.

This medal commemorates official "establishment" of Sephardic Jewish presence in Bucharaest using the date of the official recognition of Jewish [and Sephardic] residence (of the banker Mentes Bally and the physician Daniel de Fonseca) in the city.

Among the notable figures of the community was Haim Mose Bejarano (1850 - 1931, the latter date being the date of this medal), named the "prince of the poetry and wisdom", who led the Sephardic community in Bucharest for 32 years and in 1920 was designed the Chief Rabbi of Turkey.

Bucharest's Sephardic Jewish community was large and vibrant, publishing several newspapers in the early part of the 20th Century, but was increasingly persecuted in the late 1930's and finally uprooted and partly destroyed from 1940-41. The medal is in AU with a few minor rim nicks.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130977 Price: €275


Click to Enlarge		 Romania > Bucharest: Achdut Kodesh/Unirea Sfanta Synagogue centennary commemorative medal, 1936; struck in gilded bronze(?); not maker-marked; size: 37.5mm; weight: 20.7g.

On obverse, the façade of the "Achdut Kodesh" Synagoge with legend and dates in Hebrew "Achdut Kodesh [Holy Union / Holy Brotherhood] | 5536 [1836] - 5636 [1936]".

On reverse, an image of the facade of the Holy Union Synagogue with legend in Romanian "Templul 'Unirea Sfântă' | Bucuresti 1836-1936".

The linguistic separations on the token, between the Hebrew obverse and the Romanian reverse, may relate to the political-religious history of the Synagogue: it was originally founded in 1836 by the Jewish tailors' guild and known as both the "Tailors' Great Synagogue" (in Romanian) or (in Hebrew) as "Achdut Kodesh" and probably run along Reformist/Haskala lines, partially in keeping with dictates of the government which promoted a policy of teaching secular skills in Jewish religious schools.

Similar to rivalries in other European cities, between Orthodox and Reform Jewish communities, after the Orthodox community established the large "Malbim" Synagogue (an abbreviation for its Rabbi, Meir Leibush ben Yehiel Michel Weiser) in 1848 (following the emanipation of Jews in Wallachia), in 1850 the "Achdut Kodesh" community inaugurated a new and larger Synagogue which went by the Romanian name for "holy union", "Templul Unirea Sfanta".

The Synagogue was expanded and redesigned in 1910 by the architect Julius Grunfeld; damaged by the Romanians in 1941 and recontructed again after the War before becoming Romania's Jewish Museum. One of the Synagogue's most prominent Rabbis was Meir Avraham HaLevy, who led the congregation from 1936 to 1940, and then again from 1946 to 1963.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130988 Price: €400


Click to Enlarge		 Spain > Madrid: Madrid and Toledo Synagogues commemoration, 1968; struck in pewter(?); not maker-marked; size: 45mm; weight: 39.2g.

Obverse depicts the coat of arms of the Castile and León autonomous region of Spain, with legend in Spanish around edge, "Aun Suenan Los Rezos de Aquellos Hermanos Que en Tiempos Pasados Pisaban tus Piedras" and "Toledo [1357 in Roman numerals] Sinagoga" in exergue.

On reverse a torch device and legend in stylized Hebrew: around edge, "Netzakh Israel Lo Yishaker" (The Destiny of the People of Israel will not Lie), with dedication in center, "Holy Congregation [abbreviated] of Madrid | Dedication of [abbreviated] Synagogue | Hanukka [holiday] 5729 [Hebrew Year]".

1968 was an important year for Spanish Jewry: the government, ruled by Franco, repealed the decree of expulsion of Spanish Jews from the Inquisition of 1492; the previous year his government passed the "Religious Freedom Law" enabling the Madrid Jewish community in 1968 to establish the new "Beit [Beth] Yaakov" Synagogue (probably the one commemorated by this medal), which included a kindergarten, school, kosher restaurant, club and community offices.

The "Toledo Synagogue" mentioned on the obverse refers to the "El Transito" Synagogue in the city of Toledo which was dedicated in 1357 but confiscated from its founders before the end of the century, becoming later a Church. Between 1968-1970 it became part of the National Museum of Judeo-Spanish Art.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130992 Price: €135


Click to Enlarge		 South Africa > Cape Town: Consecration medal of Great Synagogue of Cape Town, 1905; struck in tin; not maker-marked; size: 38mm; weight: 19.3g.

Obverse depicts Star of David with Hebrew legend around device, "KK ["Kahal Kadosh"] Tikva Israel" ("Holy Congration 'Hope of Israel'"), and legend in English around edge, "Great Synagoge Cape Town | Consecrated 13 Septr. 1905".

On reverse a detailed relief impression of the Synagogue's facade with Hebrew date "5665" [1905] in exergue. The consecration took place 16 days before the Rosh HaShana (Jewish New Years) holiday on 29 September.

This Synagogue is also known as the "Gardens Shul" (because its congregation was originally founded in the Cape Town Botanical Gardens): the city's Hebrew congregation (Ashkenazi - mostly Lithuanian) was established in 1841 and is the oldest Jewish congregation in Africa (known know also as the "Mother Synagogue of Africa").

The congregation built its first Synagogue in 1849; with the congregation growing a new Synagogue was built in 1863 and then a larger one (commemorated on this medal) in 1905.

This structure's building committee was appointed in 1902 and the design created by the firm of Parker & Forsyth; the cornerstone was laid in 1904 by the Governor of the Colony, Sir Walter Heyl-Hutchinson, though the consecration was officiated by the city's first Jewish mayor, Hyman Lieberman and the Rabbi Alfred Bender. The Synagogue had its own "Shul choir" and the Synagogue continues to function to this day (with seating for up to 1400 worshipers).

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130981 Price: €475


Click to Enlarge		 Spain > Madrid: Madrid and Toledo Synagogues commemoration, 1968; struck in tombak; not maker-marked; size: 45mm; weight: 35.9g.

Obverse depicts the coat of arms of the Castile and León autonomous region of Spain, with legend in Spanish around edge, "Aun Suenan Los Rezos de Aquellos Hermanos Que en Tiempos Pasados Pisaban tus Piedras" and "Toledo [1357 in Roman numerals] Sinagoga" in exergue.

On reverse a torch device and legend in stylized Hebrew: around edge, "Netzakh Israel Lo Yishaker" (The Destiny of the People of Israel will not Lie), with dedication in center, "Holy Congregation [abbreviated] of Madrid | Dedication of [abbreviated] Synagogue | Hanukka [holiday] 5729 [Hebrew Year]".

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130991 Price: €100


Click to Enlarge		 United States > New Jersey: Temple Israel relocation / re-dedication uniface commemorative medal, 1949; struck in bronze; manufactured by Whitehead & Hoag (of New Jersey); size: 75.75mm; weight: 149.4g.

Issued to commemorate the relocation of the congregation from its present Synagogue to a newer, larger structure depicted on the medal. Though the congregation was established in 1895 (in Charlotte, North Carolina), the building it vacated in 1949 was established in 1915. The new building's cornerstone was laid in January 1949, and the congregation celebrated its first services in the structure in September of that year, prior to Rosh HaShana (the Jewish New Year).

The medal's manufacturer was one of the largest advertisement companies at the turn of the 20th Century, and was active up to the 1950's.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0131013 Price: €135


Click to Enlarge		 United States > New York: Temple Emanu-El uniface emblem, ND (circa. 1960's-1970's); two-toned gilded nickel(?); not maker-marked; size: 38.5mm; weight: 20.05g.

Depicts blue facade of the Temple on white background with legend in silver letters around edge on blue background "Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York". Appears to be a round emblem soldiered to a metal base and may have been attached to an object in the past.

Possibly made in 1965 for the congregation's 120th anniversary (the only one highlighted by the Temple's history timeline), for which a professionally commissioned dramatic performance recalling the congregation's foundation was made.

Temple Emanu-El was the first Reform Jewish congregation of New York City and one of the most prominent Synagogues in the world. The name, "Immanu El" in Hebrew means "G-d is with us".

More pictures: obverse of emblem, reverse of emblem
Item Code: 0130983 Price: €35


Click to Enlarge		 United States > New York: 25th Anniversary of the Community Synagogue of Rye (New York) commemorative medal, 1974; struck in silvered bronze; manufactured by the Medallic Art Company of New York; size: 38mm; weight: 29g.

Obverse depicts seven armed 'Menorah' with legend in English; on reverse a Star of David with stylized image of swan and rising flames, with excerpt from Genesis 15 "So shall your seed be... [multiple like the stars in the sky]", with Hebrew and Gregorian dates of the Temple's foundation.

The Synagogue's community came together in 1948 to form a Reform Jewish congregation and the Synagogue exists to this day.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130999 Price: €35


Click to Enlarge		 United States > Rhode Island: "Washington Letter" bicentennial Touro Synagogue numbered commemorative medal, 1991; cast in silvered bronze(?); designed by Barry Silverman; size: 72.25mm; thickness: 5.5mm; weight: 173.2g.

Obverse bears excerpt of George Washington's letter and commemoration around the edge (1790-1990); on reverse image of the Touro Synagogue of Newport (which appears to be based on an old rendition as it lacks the present wall and gate, and depicts a quaint set of stairs to the adjoining building). Around the rim is etched the artist's name, "#36 Barry Silverman '91 Boston".

Touro Synagogue was built between 1759 to 1763 in Rhode Island for a mostly Sephardic congregation and is the oldest surviving Synagogue in North America.

The "Washington Letter" commemorated by the medal relates to a correspondence between the Synagogue's warden ("Gabay"), Moses Seixas, who wrote to George Washington expressing his support for Washington's administration, appreciation for equal rights and freedoms and good wishes for him; in reply Washington wrote that "the Government of the United States... gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance..."

Washington's reply echos in part a comment made in 1784 by his key financial supporter and Jew, Haim Solomon, "I am a Jew; it is my own nation; I do not despair that we shall obtain every other privilege that we aspire to enjoy along with our fellow-citizens."

The designer of the medal, Silverman, is relatively obscure and appears to have been active in the early 1990's producing commission tokens and medals (particularly pewter casts) for Churches and Synagogues through a firm called "Bear Mountain Design". In Unc with lacquer on the surfaces.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0131014 Price: €175


Click to Enlarge		 United States > Rhode Island: Touro Synagogue commemorative medal ND, circa. 1990; struck in silver (.999); maker-marked; size: 38.5mm; weight: 24.15g. Obverse depicts facade of the Synagogue, with legend around edge "National Historic Site...". On reverse an excerpt of the [George] 'Washington Letter' of 1790 to the congregation. Silver marks stamped on rim. In proof state with some tarnish and very light handling marks.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130997 Price: €35


Click to Enlarge		 United States > Rhode Island: Touro Synagogue commemorative medal ND, circa. 1990; struck in bronze; maker-marked; size: 38.5mm; weight: 24.15g. Obverse depicts façade of the Synagogue, with legend around edge "National Historic Site...". On reverse an excerpt of the [George] 'Washington Letter' of 1790 to the congregation. In proof state with handling marks.

More pictures: obverse of medal, reverse of medal
Item Code: 0130998 Price: €12