| Many conflicting theories exist for what has | | | | emblem itself. Theological students have mulled |
| become the symbol of Judaism around the world. | | | | over the symbolism of the two stars and various |
| When I started to research the origin of the | | | | theories abound as to its meaning. |
| Jewish Star or 'Magen David' as it is called in | | | | According to Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), the six |
| Hebrew (literally 'shield of David'), I realized how | | | | points of the star symbolize G-d's rule over the |
| many conflicting views there were on its origin | | | | universe in all six directions: north, south, east, |
| and discovered some interesting theories. | | | | west, up and down. In particular, many dwell on |
| The 'David' referred to is believed to be King | | | | the upward and downward directions of the two |
| David, originating from the tribe of Judah, who | | | | stars, symbolizing heaven and earth. |
| ruled ancient Israel and was famed for his skills as | | | | It has also been written that the opposition of the |
| a warrior and for the biblical episode of 'David and | | | | two triangles is significant - perhaps representing |
| Goliath'. | | | | fire and water or good and bad. |
| Many hold the view that the six pointed star | | | | Some consider the fact that the two stars are |
| originated from the shield of King David, perhaps | | | | intertwined may represent the ongoing bond of |
| reminiscent of the shape of the shield or as an | | | | the Jewish people. |
| emblem upon it. However, historical sources | | | | The two stars have a total of twelve sides (inside |
| dispute this claim and the star does not appear in | | | | and out) so this has been equated to the twelve |
| any early Jewish literature or artwork. The | | | | tribes of Israel, which King David unified. |
| menorah (candelabra) seems historically to have | | | | There is some documented usage in Jewish |
| been more prevalent as a symbol. | | | | artwork, synagogues, gravestones and religious |
| There is evidence that what is known today as | | | | artifacts but it is not until the 12th century that |
| the Star of David was used in the Middle East and | | | | literary recordings exist. The Star of David was |
| North Africa as a good luck symbol. | | | | officially adopted by the Zionist movement as |
| If we set aside the origins of the Star of David | | | | their emblem in 1897. |
| there is still plenty of intrigue relating to the | | | | |