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Tefillin. Menorah. Yarmulke. Magen David. Chai. Hamesh Hand. There are many traditional symbols that you may see in Jewish households or synagogues. Some of these items are religiously required, or have deep religious significance. Some are merely customary but are common and familiar.
Oct 5, 2023 · Join Am Haskalah to dive into the story of some enduring Jewish symbols (and a few less common ones) to consider the magic and mystery they continue to hold for the Jewish people. The event listed here is hosted by a third party.
- Menorah
- Star of David
- Torah Scroll
- Kippah
- Dreidel
- Hamsa Hand
- Ketubah
- Tallit with Tzitzit
- Palm Tree
- The Seven Species
The word menorah is Hebrew for lamp. This is one of the most important objects in Judaism and an instantly recognizable Jewish symbol. The symbol of the menorah is depicted on the coat of arms of Israel. There are two types of menorahs:
Possibly the most well-known symbol of the Jewish people and faith, the Star of Davidis a simple geometrical figure comprised of two overlaid equilateral triangles, positioned to create the image of a six-pointed star. This symbol is also known as the Shield of David or the Magen David. The origins of this symbol stretch into antiquity where it was...
A Torah scroll is a parchment scroll, containing the Five Books of Moses, known as the Pentateuch. This is often handwritten in Hebrew by a trained scribe on fine parchment and is known as the Written Torah. However, the term Torah can also refer to all the existing Jewish teaching, practice, and culture. This is known as the Oral Torah, as it tran...
Also known as a yarmulke or Hech cap, a kippah (or kipa) refers to the small, semi-circular cap typically worn by Orthodox Jewish men. The kippah is made of fabric and covers just the top of the person’s head, as per the requirement that Jewish men cover their heads at all times. While the kippah is predominantly worn by men, some modern women wear...
A dreidel is a small spinning top, consisting of four sides with each side featuring a Hebrew letter. The word dreidel derives from the German drehen, which means to turn. The dreidel is typically spun during Hannukahand is associated with the festivities of the holiday. Children spin the dreidel, playing for items like coins, candy, or chocolate. ...
The hamsa hand, also called the hamesh hand, is an ancient symbol with significance to many cultures and religions. The symbol can’t be claimed by any single cultural group and has several interpretations. In Jewish communities, the hamsa hand is used as a sign of protection against the evil eye. This superstition remains strong in many cultures, i...
The ketubah is the Jewish equivalent of a marriage certificate and is a staple at Jewish weddings. It acts as a marriage contract, outlining the responsibilities that the groom has towards the bride. While in the past the ketubah could be enforced by civil courts, today, this can only happen in Israel. The ketubah isn’t a mutual agreement, as the w...
The tallit refers to the Jewish prayer shawl, that both men and women wear when engaging in their morning prayers. This four-cornered shawl should be large enough to easily fit over both shoulders but should not be made of a combination of wool and linen. Instead, it should be made of wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers. The tzitzit are the strings t...
The palm tree is one of the seven species (see below), as it bears the date fruit. It’s a highly significant symbol in Isreal, as it signifies abundance and fruitfulness. The palm branch is a symbol of victory. Fronds of date palms are used in festivals, such as Sukkot, and also in various rituals. Palm symbols are commonly found on Jewish coins, d...
The seven species, referred to collectively as shivat haminim, are considered sacred fruits and grains grown in Israel. These are: 1. Barley 2. Grapes 3. Wheat 4. Figs 5. Date (honey) 6. Olive (oil) 7. Pomegranates These species are listed in the book of Deuteronomy as the only acceptable offerings in the Temple, as long as they are the ‘first frui...
Nov 12, 2023 · You don’t have to be an art historian to know that symbols hold incredible power. From the Star of David to the letters of the Hebrew alefbet, the Jewish people have spent thousands of years collecting and refining a visual dictionary that connects the past to the future.
- Primary
- November 12, 2023
Jan 2, 2023 · What are the main Jewish symbols? The main Jewish symbols are the menorah and the Star of David (also called the Magen David or Shield of David). Other important symbols are ritual objects: the ...
- What is the most famous Jewish symbol?The most famous Jewish symbol is likely the Star of David, also called the Magen David or the Shield of David. However, this symbol is new, and the...
- Who is the God of Judaism?The God in Judaism is simply known as God. There is an unpronounceable four-letter word, called the tetragrammaton, that is sometimes used as the n...
- What are the main Jewish symbols?The main Jewish symbols are the menorah and the Star of David (also called the Magen David or Shield of David). Other important symbols are ritual...
Nonetheless, the appearance of Jewish artists in painting and sculpture is a modern phenomenon. Beginning in the 19th century, interest grew apace, and more and more Jews were to be found in these fields, often in the avant-garde. Some, such as Marc Chagall (1887–1985) and Jacques Lipchitz (1891–1973), created specifically religious art.
The three main beliefs at the center of Judaism are Monotheism, Identity, and covenant (an agreement between God and God's people). The most important teaching of Judaism is that there is one God, who wants people to do what is just and compassionate. Judaism teaches that a person serves God by learning the holy books and doing what they teach.
