The medal's obverse bears seated nude female at right holding a cup of water to seated nude male's mouth. At top left hebrew letters, at right, artist's signature (JMS monogram)
The reverse bears a view of the new hospital under star of David. In exergue, BETH ISRAEL HOSPITAL / NEWARK · NEW JERSEY / · FEBRUARY · 1928 ·
When Beth Israel was founded in 1901 it was located in a former residence on High Street. The hospital grew and prospered along with the Jewish community that supported it. Eventually a grand new building was raised on Lyons Avenue in the Weequahic section. This move confirmed that the Weequahic section had become the center of Jewish community life in Newark. The medal pictured along with this blog was made to mark the opening of the new hospital building.
This is a very beautiful and somewhat rare Swanson medal in Art Nouveau style. At least one large galvano is known to exist. The hebrew letters on the obverse spell an excerpt from the book of Exodus 15:25: "for I am the Lord that heals you."
The circular medal measures 75mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. The mintage is not reported.
References: MACo 1928-032