Contemporary Star of David Pendant
Hanukkah is approaching and with Hanukkah people are thinking of what to give special people in their lives. Jewelry is often a great gift for anyone. It can be for friends, siblings, parents and other significant people. There are many different kinds of Jewish jewelry. Some can be extravagant with diamonds and other stones and others can be simple sterling silver. With so many choices picking the right one can become complicated. What do all these symbols mean?
The most obvious choice is a Magen David or Star of David. The Star of David is the most recognizable symbol of Judaism. The star is made up of two equilateral triangles representing the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to form a hexagram. It was also the symbol of King David and his army and has become a Kabbalistic symbol of divine protection. The Star of David has been used as an architectural ornament in places such as synagogues since the 3rd century. The flag of Israel also features a blue Star of David.
Chai Pendant
The word Chai, meaning life, has become a popular symbol of Judaism. It is spelled with the Hebrew letters Chet and Yud. Since Chet is the eighth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and Yud is the tenth letter, eighteen has become an important significantly spiritual number in Judaism.
Mezuzot have become popular as jewelry. They are cases with a piece of parchment with verses from the Torah including the Shema, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our G-d, the Lord is One.” Mezuzot were originally affixed to the doorframes of Jewish homes. Affixing a mezuzah is a mitzvah. Deuteronomy 6:9 states that the Shema should be “on the doorposts of your house.”
Hamsa Pendant
The hamsa or Hand of Miriam, sister of Moses, is an open right hand that provides protection from the evil eye. The symbol is used in a variety of different cultures. In recent years, the symbol has become more popular in Israel do to a renewed interest in folklore and customs. It has become a popular “good luck” charm and appears on everything from jewelry to lottery cards.
Hanukkah Menorah
Jewelry is an excellent way for a person to identify with being Jewish. By wearing a symbol of their faith, people can be connected to Jews all around the world from Israel to little towns in the United States. Whether it is for Hanukkah, a Bat Mitzvah or just to show someone love and support, a piece of Jewish jewelry is a great gift even if it is just for yourself.
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