Bar-Mitzvah

An important event in the life of a young Jewish boy, when he reaches his thirteenth birthday he is 'Bar Mitzvah'. The literal meaning is "commandment age" or "son of the commandment". Historically, it is the ceremonial occasion that marks the time when a young man is recognized as an adult in the Jewish community. In the ceremony, the young boy leads the synagogue service by chanting the blessings, the Torah and Haftarah portion of the week.

The celebration often includes the preparation of a special meal to commemorate the affair. It is a special time for family, friends and the community.

The Proof coin is struck with a small Hebrew 'mem' at the bottom right beside the steps to the Ark.

An olive branch with 10 leaves and 3 olives representing 13 years of Statehood. "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic with the anniversary dates "1961/5721" in Hebrew and English. The denomination "5" and the Hebrew inscription "Israeli Lirot."

Cat. No. Denomination Type Diameter Weight Mintage Price

A 4 5 Lirot Unc. .900 silver 34 mm 25 grams 19,407 30.00

A 4a 5 Lirot Proof .900 silver 34 mm 25 grams 4,495 50.00

Uncirculated: A Mint State coin struck on a standard planchet. The coin displays a matte type appearance.

Proof: A coin which was made with special care. The coins are struck with extra pressure using polished dies. The planchets are specially selected and polished. The coins exhibit a mirror-like surface in the fields and a frosted appearance on the raised points of the coin. A small Hebrew 'mem' mintmark is struck on the "Bar Mitzvah" coin at the lower right.