In Judaism, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jewish people traditionally observe this holy day with an fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.
One of the poems recited in Yom Kippur is "As the Clay in the Hand of the Potter". It portrays human beings as being subject to the will of God, who decides who shall live and who shall die. The poet uses imagery featuring artisans using different kinds of materials; just as human beings are raw materials molded by the hand of God. The poem lists nine different artisans.
On September 13, 2016, Israel issued three stamps to mark the New Jewish Year 5777. The stamps depicting three artisans mentioned in the poem in addition to the poem phrase (In Hebrew): the potter, the glazier and the silversmith.
Potter:
"As the clay in the hand of the potter, He expands it at will and contracts it at will"

Glazier
"As the glass in the hand of the glazier, He shapes it at will and dissolves it at will"

Silversmith
"As the silver in the hand of the silversmith, He spoils it at will and purifies it at will"
