Overview of Jewish Symbols
Candlesticks
The candle is very significant in Jewish life. Fire is one of the basic elements of the world. It is frightening, as well as warm and inviting. In the Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), the flame is said to symbolise God’s relation to the world and man.
For more information please see our Candlesticks page.
Chai
Chai (life) has deep meaning, and is a central part of our Jewish vocabulary and philosophy. For more information see our Chai page.
Headcoverings
Tradition, and not an explicit command from the Bible, requires men to cover the head as a sign of humility. Married women display modesty by wearing a headcovering. The Code of Laws states, “It is a custom not to walk bareheaded under the heavens”.
For more inforamtion see our Headcoverings page.
Magen David
The six-pointed star known as the Star of David (Magen David) is an ancient and widespread symbol. However, it is actually a relatively new Jewish symbol, closely associated with the establishment of the State of Israel.
For more information see our Magen David page.
Menorah
The menorah originated as a seven-branched candelabrum carried by the Israelites through the Sinai desert. It was used to illuminate manuscripts during the Middle Ages, and Kabbalists (Jewish mystics) took it as a representation of the sefirot (emanations of God). Today the menorah is a familiar Jewish symbol and the emblem of the State of Israel.
For more information see our Menorah page.
Mezuzah
The mezuzah is a symbol attached to the doorways of a Jewish home that identifies it as `Jewish’. It is a container made of wood, metal, stone or ceramic, which holds a piece of parchment on which are written prayers.
For more information see our Mezuzah page.
Shofar
The shofar is a polished ram’s horn used in Jewish services at certain times of the year. It is perhaps one of the strangest among the items used for Jewish ritual. The shofar is basically the horn of a ram that has been smoothed, its appearance and sound evoking the primitive in humanity.
For more information see our Shofar page.
Tallit
The tallit is a physical symbol of God’s protection and provision, and a spiritual expression of wrapping oneself in God’s laws.
For more information see our Tallit page.
Tefillin
Each day a Jew binds tefillin (phylacteries) - leather boxes containing four specific scriptural passages - to their head and heart. This practice is meant to elevate his own consciousness and the material world to a higher level of spirituality.
For more information see our Tefillin page.
Tzitzit
The symbolism behind the daily wearing of tzitzit reflects the incredible devotion and obedience involved in the practice of Judaism. There is a commandment to put tzitzit on any four-cornered garment, as stipulated in Numbers 15:37-41. This reminds us of God’s presence, His commandments and His everlasting love.
For more information see our Tzitzit page.
Yad
The yad is one of the most decorative accessories of the Sefer Torah. Nevertheless it has a degree of sanctity approaching that of the Torah scroll itself.
For more information see our Yad page.
