Magen David
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/4/7/17474999/801432.jpg)
This symbol of intertwined upward and downward triangles is most
commonly known as the Star of David but can also be known as Magen David or the
Shield of David. This symbol has been used since the 17th century to
signify Jews and it had not been mentioned in rabbinic literature prior to that
time. The star is supposed to represent the sign on the shield of King David,
but there are no claims supporting this stance. Many have said that the upward
triangle represents God and the downward triangle represents the real world
below him. Jews in Nazi Germany had to wear badges with this symbol in order to be recognized. This blue version of the sign is found on the Israeli flag.
commonly known as the Star of David but can also be known as Magen David or the
Shield of David. This symbol has been used since the 17th century to
signify Jews and it had not been mentioned in rabbinic literature prior to that
time. The star is supposed to represent the sign on the shield of King David,
but there are no claims supporting this stance. Many have said that the upward
triangle represents God and the downward triangle represents the real world
below him. Jews in Nazi Germany had to wear badges with this symbol in order to be recognized. This blue version of the sign is found on the Israeli flag.
Menorah
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/4/7/17474999/4494209.jpg)
This is one of the oldest symbols used to signify Judaism. It is a
seven-branched candelabrum that was used in the temple. It was lit and cleaned
out by the priests. A variation of this Menorah, one that is nine-branched with
four on either side of a middle branch, is used during the feast of Hanukkah.
The Menorah is said to be a symbol of the Israeli nation's mission to be a light
to other nations.
seven-branched candelabrum that was used in the temple. It was lit and cleaned
out by the priests. A variation of this Menorah, one that is nine-branched with
four on either side of a middle branch, is used during the feast of Hanukkah.
The Menorah is said to be a symbol of the Israeli nation's mission to be a light
to other nations.
Chai
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/4/7/17474999/391558.png)
This symbol is commonly seen on jewelry and it means 'life' when translated to English. Some people believe that the symbol is used to reflect the importance of life to Jews. The symbol is derived by attaching the Hebrew letters of Cheit and Yod.
Mezuzah
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/4/7/17474999/4670291.jpg)
This symbol, a case, is a Mezuzah. The word means doorpost and as such this case is commonly seen at the doorposts of traditional Jewish homes. This symbol is not a talisman, but it is used to serve as reminder of the presence of God in those homes. Each time a Jew passes a doorpost with this sign, they kiss their hand and touch it signifying their love for God and his commandments.
Dreidels
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/4/7/17474999/2385313.jpg?181)
This is a top-like toy with four sides that is played during Chanukah.
Torah Scroll
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/4/7/17474999/564443159.jpg)
This is the scroll with the parchments on which the Torah is written. Typically, the Torah scroll bears the Torah handwritten in Hebrew calligraphy. The parchment on these scrolls is not to be touched by a person, but a pointer called Yad (meaning 'hand') is used instead. The scrolls are stored in the ‘ark’ which is
cabinet meant to signify the Ark of the
Covenant.
cabinet meant to signify the Ark of the
Covenant.
Passover plate
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/4/7/17474999/373235311.gif)
The Passover plate is also known as the Seder plate. It is used during the Passover Meal which commemorates the feast of the Passover when the Angel of Death passed over the houses of the Israelites with blood on their doors.
Tefillin
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/4/7/17474999/4804338.jpg)
They are two small black boxes with small straps
around them that enable the tying on the head. They serve as a reminder of God’s
laws(mitzvah) . Also, they are the first mitzvah observed by a Jewish boy upon
his bar mitzvah. They are worn each morning excluding the Sabbath or any Jewish
holidays.
around them that enable the tying on the head. They serve as a reminder of God’s
laws(mitzvah) . Also, they are the first mitzvah observed by a Jewish boy upon
his bar mitzvah. They are worn each morning excluding the Sabbath or any Jewish
holidays.
Tzitzit and Tallit
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/4/7/17474999/443579277.gif)
The Tzitzit are the fringes that are tied at the
corners of the garments worn by Jews. It is tied to enable Jews remember the
mitzvot -laws of the Lord (the commandments) which they are governed by. The
Tallit is the shawl worn that has the Tzitzit on its corners. In some Jewish
congregations, the Tallit is worn by only married men but some other
congregations permit single men to wear it. The Tallit must be long enough to
cover the shoulders as a shawl would and not just the neck like a scarf
would.
corners of the garments worn by Jews. It is tied to enable Jews remember the
mitzvot -laws of the Lord (the commandments) which they are governed by. The
Tallit is the shawl worn that has the Tzitzit on its corners. In some Jewish
congregations, the Tallit is worn by only married men but some other
congregations permit single men to wear it. The Tallit must be long enough to
cover the shoulders as a shawl would and not just the neck like a scarf
would.
Yarmulke
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/4/7/17474999/811768779.gif)
The yarmulke (commonly pronounced yammica) is the skullcap worn by men. It is also referred to as a kippah. It is worn by men during prayer to signify respect and fear of God, and humility, acknowledging that God is above. Wearing of the yarmulke is more of a custom than commandment.
Hamesh Hand
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/4/7/17474999/693798497.gif)
The Hamesh Hand is also called the hamsa hand. This hand is commonly seen as motifs on jewelry.
The hand is said to represent the hand of God.
The hand is said to represent the hand of God.