| Jewish jewelry comes in many forms and shapes. | | | | A Hamsa is Arabic for "five", and a Hamsa hand is |
| From the ancient Hamsa hand to the majesty of | | | | simply this: A talisman in the shape of a |
| the Jewish Menorah - Jewish jewelry is exquisitely | | | | five-fingered hand. It is meant to protect the |
| unique in its purpose and design, and packed with | | | | wearer from the curse of the Evil Eye, which is |
| religious significance. During 2,000 years of | | | | essentially the force of jealousy on one hand and |
| Diaspora, it was these unusual symbols that | | | | of pride on the other. Hamsa hands can be hung |
| marked and distinguished Jewish families, which | | | | on the wall, wrapped in bracelets around the wrist |
| kept their ancient tradition alive. | | | | and ankle, or placed on the chest via a necklace |
| Let's start with the Jewish Menorah. It is the | | | | set. |
| most important of the Jewish artifacts, as it has | | | | Another popular Jewish artifact is the Star of |
| been for nearly 3 millennia. Thus, it is no surprise | | | | David. This symbol, also known as a Hexagram, |
| to learn the Menorah is the official emblem of the | | | | was the formal emblem of the House of David, |
| modern State of Israel. Artistically speaking, the | | | | who ruled the ancient Israelites for hundreds of |
| Menorah is a 7-branched candelabrum, and this | | | | years. The six-pointed Star is interpreted in |
| unusual geometry was handed down to Moses in | | | | Kabbalah teachings as the culmination point of |
| a revelation of fire on Mt. Sinai. Several years | | | | Heaven and Earth. It is also featured in the official |
| later, this fiery design materialized in the form of | | | | flag of the State of Israel. |
| several golden Menorahs, which stood as tall as | | | | Solomon was the son of King David, and legend |
| man, and lit the inner chamber of the Temple. | | | | tells of his majestic signet ring. The ring was the |
| Another well known Jewish artifact is the | | | | source of Solomon's unnatural wisdom, and it |
| Mezuzah. The Mezuzah is a Hebrew parchment | | | | allowed him to rule wisely for many decades. |
| that can be found at the doorstep of any Jewish | | | | Kabbalah scholars have deciphered the mystical |
| home. The Mezuzah is sealed inside a decorated | | | | drawings found on Solomon's ring, and nowadays |
| case and then fixed to the right of the | | | | it is possible to wear Solomon talismans that |
| doorframe. Fixing a Mezuzah is believed to protect | | | | resemble the original inscriptions. |
| the house and its inhabitants. Its relatively small | | | | All in all, Jewish jewelry represents important |
| size enables the Mezuzah to be given as a | | | | historical events and Kabbalistic numbers. The five |
| personal gift to loved ones at housewarming | | | | fingers of the Hamsa, the six points of the Star |
| gatherings. | | | | of David, and the seven candlesticks of the |
| Other types of Jewish symbols that fall under the | | | | Menorah - They are all meant to remind Jewish |
| title of Jewish jewelry include the Hamsa hand, | | | | believers of their faith and tradition. In other |
| the Star of David, and the Solomon Seal talisman. | | | | words, Jewish jewelry in the form of silver |
| While precious in spiritual meaning, these Judaica | | | | necklaces, charm bracelets, and unique talismans |
| gifts are also made of precious metals, such as | | | | make a truly significant present. It is hope for the |
| real Sterling Silver, 24 Karat Gold, or Pewter. | | | | future, crafted in the historical shapes of wisdom. |