Signs/Symbols/Dress
Magen David
The Magen David (Shield of David, or as it is more commonly known, the Star of David) is the symbol most commonly associated with Judaism today, but it is actually a relatively new Jewish symbol. It is supposed to represent the shape of King David's shield (or perhaps the emblem on it), but there is really no support for that claim in any early rabbinic literature. The symbol is not mentioned in rabbinic literature until the middle ages, and is so rare in early Jewish literature and artwork that art dealers suspect forgery if they find the symbol in early Jewish works.
The Magen David (Shield of David, or as it is more commonly known, the Star of David) is the symbol most commonly associated with Judaism today, but it is actually a relatively new Jewish symbol. It is supposed to represent the shape of King David's shield (or perhaps the emblem on it), but there is really no support for that claim in any early rabbinic literature. The symbol is not mentioned in rabbinic literature until the middle ages, and is so rare in early Jewish literature and artwork that art dealers suspect forgery if they find the symbol in early Jewish works.
Menorah
One of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith is the menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple. The kohanim lit the menorah in the Sanctuary every evening and cleaned it out every morning, replacing the wicks and putting fresh olive oil into the cups. The illustration at left is based on instructions for construction of the menorah found in Ex. 25:31-40.
One of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith is the menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple. The kohanim lit the menorah in the Sanctuary every evening and cleaned it out every morning, replacing the wicks and putting fresh olive oil into the cups. The illustration at left is based on instructions for construction of the menorah found in Ex. 25:31-40.
Chai
This symbol, commonly seen on necklaces and other jewelry and ornaments, is simply the Hebrew word Chai (living), with the two Hebrew letters Cheit and Yod attached to each other. Some say it refers to the Living God; others say it simply reflects Judaism's focus on the importance of life. Whatever the reason, the concept of chai is important in Jewish culture. The typical Jewish toast is l'chayim (to life). Gifts to charity are routinely given in multiples of 18 (the numeric value of the word Chai).
This symbol, commonly seen on necklaces and other jewelry and ornaments, is simply the Hebrew word Chai (living), with the two Hebrew letters Cheit and Yod attached to each other. Some say it refers to the Living God; others say it simply reflects Judaism's focus on the importance of life. Whatever the reason, the concept of chai is important in Jewish culture. The typical Jewish toast is l'chayim (to life). Gifts to charity are routinely given in multiples of 18 (the numeric value of the word Chai).
Mezuzah
The mezuzah is a symbol attached to the doorways of Jewish homes that identifies them as `Jewish’. The mezuzah has two parts - a parchment scroll on which certain prayers are written, and a protective container for the scroll. The protective container is usually decorated to make it attractive. Although the scroll usually cannot be seen inside the container, it is the most important part.
The mezuzah is a symbol attached to the doorways of Jewish homes that identifies them as `Jewish’. The mezuzah has two parts - a parchment scroll on which certain prayers are written, and a protective container for the scroll. The protective container is usually decorated to make it attractive. Although the scroll usually cannot be seen inside the container, it is the most important part.
Tallit
The tallit is known in English as a prayer shawl. It is worn during prayers and reminds us that God is protecting us and also symbolizes that we are wrapping God's laws around us.
The tallit is known in English as a prayer shawl. It is worn during prayers and reminds us that God is protecting us and also symbolizes that we are wrapping God's laws around us.
Women/Children
Women-In a Jewish household, the wife and mother is called in Hebrew akeret habayit. This means literally the “mainstay” of the home. It is she who largely determines the character and atmosphere of the entire home. the Jewish wife and mother has a primary role, second to none. It is largely – and in many respects exclusively – her great task and privilege to give her home its truly Jewish atmosphere. She has been entrusted with, and is completely in charge of, the kashrut of the foods and beverages that come into her kitchen and appear on the dining table. She has been given the privilege of ushering in the holy Shabbat by lighting the candles on Friday, in ample time before sunset. Thus she actually and symbolically brightens up her home with peace and harmony and with the light of Torah and mitzvot. In addition to such mitzvot as candle-lighting, separating challoh from the dough, and others which the Torah entrusted primarily to Jewish daughters, there are matters which, in the natural order of things, lie in the woman’s domain. It should be noted that the very Jewishness of a person is dependent on the mother. In Jewish law, if a person’s mother is Jewish, then the person is Jewish. If only the father is Jewish, but the mother is a non-Jew, then the child is not Jewish. This very fact indicates the woman’s primary role in preserving Jewish identity and values. When a Jewish woman creates a Jewish home and educates her children in Torah and mitzvot, she is deserving of King Solomon's praise, “A woman of worth who can find … a G–d fearing woman, she is to be praised.”