Box (Hebrew Side)

Card Back

Box (English Side)

This charming deck, printed in Jerusalem by Haduchifat, is a precursor to the more well-known "Jacob's Bible Cards" deck, drawn by the same Israeli artist, Ze'ev Raban.

Jack of Menorahs

Queen of Menorahs

King of Menorahs

Unlike the "Jacob's" cards, these cards are square-cornered, have single-ended courts, and are printed on uncoated card stock.

Jack of Stars

Queen of Stars

King of Stars

This card stock, along with the deck's unusual "box" (actually a postcard wrapped around the deck, leaving the ends exposed) made for cards which could get easily damaged or lost, and may account for the deck's relative scarcity.

Jack of Leaves

Queen of Leaves

King of Leaves

The most distinguishing characteristic of the deck, however, is its use of non-standard suit-signs, all very rooted in the rich tradition of Judaic art: Spades are replaced with Menorahs, Diamonds with Stars of David, Clubs with Leaves (perhaps fig leaves?), and Hearts with unusual symbols which the Cary catalog describes as "modified hearts", but which I believe to be highly-stylized Pomegranates.

Jack of Pomegranates?

Queen of Pomegranates?

King of Pomegranates?

I am researching this deck and its artist, and would welcome any information on either! Anyone with such information, please email me at RSLancastr@aol.com.

Thanks,