Judaica / Zionism - England, Medal in Honor of the Centenary of Sir Moses Montefiore’s Birth, 1844

Judaica / Zionism - England, Medal in Honor of the Centenary of Sir Moses Montefiore’s Birth, 1844 An impressive silver / silvered medal, issued in England in 1884 in honor of the centenary of the birth of Sir Moses Montefiore. Sir Moses Haim Montefiore was a Jewish English philanthropist and communal advocate who devoted his life to assisting Jewish communities around the world. Known also by the Hebrew honorific “HaSar Moshe Montefiore, ” the title sar reflects its original Hebrew meaning - a term of respect for a distinguished public figure - and also corresponds to the official title of nobility granted to him by Queen Victoria in 1837. He was one of the greatest Jewish philanthropists of the 19th century and a foremost leader of the Jewish people. Obverse: Centered is a finely detailed right-facing portrait of Sir Moses Montefiore, surrounded by the Hebrew inscription: "אשרי כל ירא ה' ההולך בדרכיו" “Happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways.” Below appears the inscription: "שנת התרמ"ה לבריע" “Year 5645 according to the Creation.” (These quotations appear exactly as engraved on the medal). Reverse: At center appears the full English inscription as engraved on the medal (followed by its translation): A UNIVERSAL TRIBUTE OF RESPECT & ESTEEM TO SIR MOSES MONTEFIORE BART. PHILANTHROPIST FROM HIS ADMIRERS & FRIENDS CENTENARY 27TH OCTOBER 1884 Translation: A universal tribute of respect and esteem to Sir Moses Montefiore, philanthropist, from his admirers and friends, on the occasion of his centenary, 27 October 1884. Around the rim appear the names of various cities associated with Montefiore’s diplomatic missions: CONSTANTINOPLE, RUSSIA, POLAND, HOME, MOROCCO, HOLY LAND, WYNEVOK, EGYPT, DAMASCUS Weight: 21.942 g Diameter: 40 mm