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The Hanukka lamp that appears on the Hanukka coin 1977 which is the twelfth in the series is one from Jerusalem and was chosen in order to mark the tenth year after the reunification of the city.

The Jerusalem Hanukka lamp is on display in the Museum of Ethnology and Folklore in the Haaretz Museum in Tel Aviv. It apparently dates from the beginning of this century. The back panel is made of silver and copper-work on a sheet of brass. Inscribed in silver letters on the brass are the words, "This is the dedication of the Temple. RifkaParadis, Jerusalem.' A Shield of David stands out in relief on the upper part of the panel, with the word 'Zion' inside it in silver letters on a copper ground. The front of the lamp is bordered with a semi-circular band of brass, cut out with eight holes for the small cups of oil.
The lamp in a panel in the center. In the upper part a silver Star of David embossed, and from within, on a copper background, the word: "Zion", in silver. On the foreground is a tin strip in the shape of a semicircle, containing eight depressions to hold the oil containers. In the background, on both sides of the lamp is the legend: "A Hanukka Lamp from Jerusalem". Below the words: "20th Century".

The Hanukkiya on Israel's 1978 Hanukka coin the thirteenth in the series, is from 14th century France. Made of cast bronze, it is 15.3 cm high and 18.5 cm wide. The design of the triangular back panel is somewhat reminiscent of the fagade of a Gothic cathedral with twelve gates, apparently symbolizing the gates of the Temple in Jerusalem and the twelve tribes of Israel. The clover-leaf formation at the top of the triangle was used for hanging the Hanukkiya on the wall. An interesting feature is the 'shamash' (the pilot light) which faces away from the rest of the oil containers. The Hanukkiya is in the Israel Museum, Jerusalem.

The Jewish community of France has a long, illustrious and often tragic history. Jews have lived in France since the 1st century C.E. With the adoption of Christianity as the official religion in the Middle Ages, French Jews became the object of almost continuous persecution and expulsions. At the time of the Crusades Jews were forced to choose between conversion and martyrdom, and they were not infrequently compelled to make financial contributions to the Crusaders' coffers. Blood libels were common, Jews were required to wear a degrading badge, and in the 16th century they were expelled.
A Hanukka lamp from France. The inscription in Hebrew: "A Hanukka lamp from France, the 14th century".

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