


While on the subject of the Torah scroll, we are going to discuss the decoration of its cover. The meaning of this logo is that the document should not be hidden but instead opened, read, and studied by every Jew. It is believed that 600,000 letters represent 600,000 Jews. This hand-written parchment document consists of the Five Books of Moses. In addition, a symbol that is used as the official logo of Yeshiva and other educational institutions is an open Torah scroll. Even though these tablets are presented to be of round shape, Talmudic tradition says that they were in the shape of a cube and made of sapphire. The tablets usually include either the first letters of the Hebrew alphabet or the first few words of each of the commandments. This symbol is a reminder for them to live according to God’s will. It is the representation of two stone tablets (“Tablets of The Law”) where the Ten Commandments were inscribed. Moreover, we have to mention another emblem that can often be seen on synagogues, hospitals, Jewish chaplains’ uniforms.

olive oil to light up the menorah during the journey through the desert. According to the belief, Moses used olives i.e. There is also another reason why it is displayed on the coat of arms of Israel. When it comes to the olive branch, it symbolizes peace in almost all cultures all around the world. Today, Jews use the nine-branched menorah during the holiday of Hanukah which is created based on this original one. Img source: Īlso, it can symbolize the creation of the world in seven days, while the central one illustrates Sabbath. The six branches stand for human knowledge, while the seventh one, which is elevated, represents God. It was made out of pure gold and used by Moses to light up the path of Jews on their exile from Egypt. The former one is the seven-branched candelabrum known as the Temple Menorah. Nowadays, this sign is most popularly used as a pendant, but it can also be seen on T-shirts, mezuzahs, prayer shawls, paintings, and other artwork.įurthermore, we have to mention two symbols that are featured of the emblem of Israel – a menorah and an olive branch. Img source: īecause of this, Jews usually give presents in the multiples of 18 meaning that they are gifting good luck and fortune.

Since the two symbols have a numerological value of 18 this number is considered to stand for good luck in Jewish cultures. In Hebrew, it literally means ‘life’, ‘alive’ or ‘living’ and it symbolizes the value of it. Img source: īesides these two symbols, another extremely popular one is chai. Nowadays, this emblem is much respected among Jews and it is also considered to be a symbol of Israel together with the Star of David. This symbol is usually used for jewelry pendants or it can be seen on wall decorations. An open right hand symbolizes not only the protection against the evil eye but also good luck and fortune. This amulet features a right palm and includes an eye in the middle. Even though it is a fairly new symbol in this culture, nowadays it is represented on the flag of Israel, as well as on synagogues and tombstones.Īlthough it is common in numerous cultures, the Hamsa hand is thought to be a good luck charm by Jews. According to some belief, this star represents the unity between God and the real world (the top three points aim towards God and the lower ones towards the real world). However, in the 17 th century, the Star of David was used as an official symbol and that is when it became a general sign of Judaism. During ancient times it had no special meaning, but in the Middle Ages, it became associated with Jews, although it didn’t hold any religious significance. This six-pointed star consists of two equilateral triangles. In the original Hebrew, it is called Magen David which means the ‘Shield of David”. In the following text, we discuss some of these emblems and explain their meaning to you.įirstly, we are going to start with the one that is known by people all around the world – The Star of David. You are probably familiar with most of these, but on the other hand, it is possible that there are some that are unknown to you. Throughout history, these have changed, but nowadays there are some that are specifically associated with Jewish tradition. Just like any other religion and culture, Jewish one also has numerous important symbols that have distinct meanings.
