The Arch of Titus on Israel's Emblem: Blessing or Blasphemy?

• The Shamir brothers, secular Israeli artists, won the 1949 contest for the symbol of the state of Israel.

• Their original design was based almost entirely on the picture of the Menorah as it appears in the arch of Titus, both of which are shown below.

• However, they were told that this choice was too secular, and that they needed to include more traditional elements in their design, which they did.

• Question: In your opinion, what might be considered untraditional about using the Arch of Titus in the emblem of Medinat Yisrael (the State of Israel)?

• Some, including the Lubavitcher Rebbe, opposed using the Arch of Titus as a model for our modern-day Menorah.

• Question: See below a picture of a Chabad Menorah. Other than the (yummy!) material it is made of, how is it different than the Arch of Titus?

• Fascinatingly, the commentaries debate the shape of the Menorah's arms.

• Take a look at the comments of Ibn Ezra and Rashi, followed by a picture drawn by Rambam.

• Question: Which commentaries are consistent with the Israeli emblem? Which are consistent with the Chabad Menorah?

Questions:

• If you were selected to draw the image of the Menorah for the State of Israel, would you use the Arch of Titus as a model? Explain the logic behind your position.

• How can the debate around the Arch of Titus be a symbol for how we integrate ancient sources and ideas into our own lives as religious Jews?