Hamsa
The Hamesh hand or Hamsa hand is a popular motif in Jewish jewelry. The sign is used in amulets, charms, jewelry, door entrances, cars and trucks, and other locations to ward the wicked eye.
The sign was previously used in Punic faith, where it was associated with Tanit. In Israel and in Jewish culture it is most commonly understood as “Hamsa”, without any Islamic heritage connotations.
Star of David
The symbol was used in Israel in Roman times, however it seems to have become connected with Judaism in specific only in later centuries. In the 17th century it ended up being a popular practice to put the Star of David on the outside of synagogues, to identify them as Jewish holy places; however, it is not clear why this sign was picked for this.
Today, the Star of David is a widely recognized sign 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 3 letters “Dalet”, “Vav” and “Dalet”. King David used this symbol in the battleground on his guard as an omen from God.
Chai
This Chai symbol is simply the Hebrew word Chai (literally indicating living), with the 2 Hebrew letters Chet and Yod attached to each other. The word refers to the Living G-d. Judaism is extremely focused on life, and the word Chai has great significance. There have actually been different magical numerological speculations about the reality that according to the gematrian system, the letters of Chai amount to 18.
Mezuzah
Mezuzah is a little case affixed to the doorposts and gates of Jewish homes, synagogues, and services. The case typically features the Hebrew letter shin inscribed on it, which safeguards a piece of parchment scroll, on which is inscribed 2 passages from the Hebrew Bible: the Shema Israel and V’havta.
Whenever you go through a door with a mezuzah on it, you touch the mezuzah and after that kiss the fingers that touched it, revealing love and respect for G-d.
Menorah
The menorah, one of Judaism’s earliest signs, is a seven-branched candelabrum or oil lamp. It has actually been said that the menorah is a symbol of the country of Israel.
The symbol is used in amulets, appeals, jewelry, door entrances, cars and trucks, and other places to ward the wicked eye.
The sign was formerly used in Punic religion, where it was associated with Tanit. King David utilized this sign in the battleground on his shield as an omen from God.
What ever you buy for your loved (Jewish) ones, you cannot go wrong buying Judaica Jewelry. You can check Amazon or go with a website that is known for it’s Judaica jewelry variety. As long as you shop designs to your liking and buy it on sale, You simply cannot go wrong with it.
Looking for ideas about the best designers and designs? This article on Kveller might be a good place to start and get some inspiration.