Hamsa The Hamesh hand or Hamsa hand is a popular motif in Jewish jewelry. Arab cultures often refer to it as the Hand of Fatima, which represents the Hand of G-d. The Hamsa serves as an ancient talismanic way of averting the evil eye and providing a "protecting hand" or "Hand of God". The Hamsa appears often in stylized form, as a hand with three fingers raised, and sometimes with two thumbs arranged symmetrically. The symbol is used in amulets, charms, jewelry, door entrances, cars, and other places to ward the evil eye.
The Hamsa origin is believed to predate Islam. The symbol was previously used in Punic religion, where it was associated with Tanit. In Israel and in Jewish culture it is most commonly known as "Hamsa", without any Islamic heritage connotations. Some sources link the significance of the five fingers to the five books of the Torah or to the five pillars of Islam.
Star of David The symbol was used in Israel in Roman times, but it seems to have become associated with Judaism in particular only in later centuries. In the 17th century it became a popular practice to put the Star of David on the outside of synagogues, to identify them as Jewish houses of worship; however, it is not clear why this symbol was selected for this. Today, the Star of David is a universally recognized symbol of Jews. It appears on the flag of the state of Israel, and the Israeli equivalent of the Red Cross is known as the Magen David Adom.
The name David in ancient Hebrew is made up of three letters "Dalet", "Vav" and "Dalet". The letter Dalet in ancient Hebrew is actually a triangle. King David used the six pointed star as his signature. The six-points symbolize that God rules over the universe and protects us from all six directions: North, South, East, West, Up and Down. King David used this symbol in the battlefield on his shield as an omen from God.
Chai This Chai symbol is simply the Hebrew word Chai (literally meaning living), with the two Hebrew letters Chet and Yod attached to each other. The word refers to the Living G-d. Judaism is very focused on life, and the word Chai has great significance. There have been various mystical numerological speculations about the fact that according to the gematrian system, the letters of Chai add up to 18.
Mezuzah Mezuzah is a small case affixed to the doorposts and gates of Jewish homes, synagogues, and businesses. The case generally features the Hebrew letter shin inscribed on it, which protects a piece of parchment scroll, on which is inscribed two passages from the Hebrew Bible: the Shema Israel and V'havta.
Every time you pass through a door with a mezuzah on it, you touch the mezuzah and then kiss the fingers that touched it, expressing love and respect for G-d.
Menorah The menorah, one of Judaism's oldest symbols, is a seven-branched candelabrum or oil lamp. It has been said that the menorah is a symbol of the nation of Israel. The design for the seven-candle menorah is given in the Torah. The menorah in the Temple had straight branches, not rounded as is often depicted. While the menorah is traditionally used to burn candles, the Temple menorah originally burned olive oil.
Throughout the ages, the Jewish people have been expelled from their homeland or the areas within which they resided. These experiences of moving around have shaped the Jewish culture in many ways, leading to one of the most diversified cultures around the world.
The beauty of it all lies in the unification of those diversities under a single banner. Thus a huge number of symbols with great powers and significance have been adopted by all Jewish people, giving birth to many traditions within the same culture.
The symbols that find their roots deep within the culture have been worn throughout the ages for various purposes and are now available to us as Jewish jewelry. Many believe that they shouldn't wear this type of jewelry since they are not Jewish. It is not a religion that defines a person, but their beliefs, and if those beliefs are oriented towards such a piece of jewelry, why shouldn't you have your own?
Jewish jewelry designs are numerous, each of them holding an important significance and powers that can help you improve your life. Even people that lack Jewish beliefs and traditions have found them to be very helpful and they wear them every day.
The most common symbol in Jewish culture is the Star of David. This also happens to be the symbol of Jewish people known around the world, because it is also on the flag of Israel. There are many designs of Jewish jewelry that include the Star of David because it is very powerful and holds a deep significance, one that can be compared to the cross from Christians.
Another symbol found commonly in Jewish jewelry designs is the Hamsa. Shaped like a hand with three raised fingers and two symmetrical thumbs, this is believed to be a powerful protection tool against the evil eye. It is also called the Hand of God and is used as a design for amulets, charms or pendants.
The Merkaba is another symbol that can be found often in Jewish jewelry representations. This is based on the life force energy within ourselves and can provide great protection and health. It helps us with or spiritual growth and allows us to feel unconditional love.
There are lots of other Jewish jewelry designs that have great powers. It would take a book, not an article, to present all the Jewish symbols and each of their powers and how they can help you. You can benefit from their powers if you believe in them.
If you are looking to purchase your own jewelry pieces representing Jewish symbols, there are a few places you should look. The internet is the best place to start your search, and if you would like to narrow down the search field and go right to the target, the website ka-gold-jewelry.com is the best place where you could find all the Jewish designs you could dream of.
Both David Weitzman & Clint Jhonson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
David Weitzman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Jewelry, Fitness. Related work can be found at: Written by David Weitzman-. David Weitzman's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.
Clint Jhonson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Modelling, Home Buyers Guide and Gardening. Instead of being indoctrinated with the beliefs others choose for you, you should consider choosing your own path in life.