This exceptional and highly collectible antique Judaica postcard was illustrated by famed Jewish-American illustrator Jacob Keller (signed J. Keller in the lower left) and published as Series No. 90 by the historic Hebrew Publishing Company of New York.

The illustration captures a fascinating moment in American history and immigrant pop culture following Robert Peary's celebrated 1909 expedition to the North Pole. It features a polar bear walking across the arctic ice fields, holding a block inscribed with the Hebrew New Year blessing "L'Shana Tova" (לשנה טובה). Above the icy peaks, an American flag waves proudly against a brilliant, radiating sunburst. The bottom text features the English greeting "A Happy New Year." paired with the Yiddish text "נארד פאל" (Nord Pol / North Pole).

This postcard reflects the intersection of American patriotism and Jewish immigrant identity during the turn-of-the-century migration wave, celebrating both American achievement in exploration and traditional holiday customs.

• Material: Lithographed Cardstock

• Origin: USA (Printed for the Hebrew Publishing Company, New York)

• Age: Dated September 1911 (Early 20th Century / Golden Age of Postcards)

• Condition: Very Good vintage condition. Minor edge wear and corner bumping consistent with an antique paper item over 110 years old. The reverse features a clean handwritten ink message dated Sept. 23-24, 1911, from "Father" to "Theodor D. Broida." No major creases or tears. Colors remain vibrant with striking orange and yellow sunburst rays.

Reference

For context on the illustrator and publisher, see: Folklore Research Center Studies, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, which documents the turnaround work of artist Jacob Keller for the Hebrew Publishing Company circa 1910.