Jewish Card Game
Judaism is the oldest of the great monotheist religions, parent of Christianity and Islam.
A Jewish Quartet Game, c.1950
"Some seek wealth;
others health and fitness;
yet others crave name and fame:
but the wise prepare their destinies,
before night-time arrives"
Moses Maimonides of Cordova (1135-1204)
Judaism is the oldest of the great monotheist religions, parent of Christianity and Islam. The Law of Moses - the Torah - was divinely revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai soon after the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Judah Halevi of Toledo (c.1085-c.1140) and Moses Maimonides of Cordova (1135-1204) were great Jewish philosophers and are depicted on these cards. Also featured is Theodor Herzl (1860-1904), the founder of political Zionism, as well as other benefactors who founded Palestine Jewish colonies within Argentina.
Above: 48 cards divided into 12 sets of 4 cards, probably manufactured by Igor Domicelj, Buenos Aires, c.1950. Printed in black and red, with a blue six-pointed star motif on the reverse.
Argentina's well-established Jewish community today numbers 300,000; their immigration began around 1890, from Russia, Poland, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Africa. Ninety percent of them now live in Buenos Aires. Essentially a social and family religion, Judaism concerns itself with the observances of every aspect of daily life. Among festivals are Passover, recalling the Exodus; Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year); Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) and Chanukah, celebrating the victory against the Syrians under their leader Judas Maccabeus.
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
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