Issued to commemorate the inauguration of the “Rite Portugais” Synagogue on Rue Buffault, Paris.

FRENCH SILVER SYNAGOGUE MEDAL

Paris, 1877

Inscribed and presented to Chief Rabbi of France, Lazard Isidor. Obverse: Tablets of the Ten Commandments bearing transliterated Hebrew date of inauguration: “25 Eloul 5637,” with legend along perimeter. Reverse: Legend in French around edge:”Inauguration 3 Septembre 1877” and at center: “Isidor, Gd. Rabbin.” Marked twice with silver guarantee marks. Diam: 28mm. This is a unique medal made especially for the Chief Rabbi of France Lazard Isidor (1813-88). For the standard version of this medal see Kestenbaum Sale 68, lot 74. In 1875 the Grand Synagogue (rue de la Victoire) was established, serving both Aschkenazic and Sephardic communities within a unified French rite. In time, disputes arose, leading to the Sephardic segment breaking away. Spearheaded by the financier Daniel Iffla (“Osiris”), the rue Buffault Synagogue was erected.