Magen David - The Star of Judaica Art

Star of David Hanukkah menorah

2009-12-15T15:18:00.000-08:00

The Star of David often decorates Hanukkah menorah. It is a very appropriate motif if we think o the reasons for celebrating Hanukkah, Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Jewish people over the great Greek empire more than two thousands of years ago. The vicious ruler, King Antiochus, occupied the land of Israel and demanded all Jews to worship the Greek gods. Led by the Maccabbees , a small Jewish army fiercely fought the Greek soldiers. A few years of bloody battles finally ended with a great victory over the Greek army . After defeating the Greeks, the Maccabbees rededicated the sacred temple and wanted to kindle the sacred menorah in the Temple. To the Maccabbee's dismay, there was only a small jug of oil left for the holy menorah in the temple, which was only enough for one day. To everyone's surprise, the small jug of oil kept the Menorah lit for eight whole days.

This beautiful menorah is designed by Israeli judaica artist Ester Shahaf. What better way to celebrate great miracles? The Star of David stands for God's divine protection over the Jewish people.

You can find this menorah at the Israeli gifts onlin store.

Golan Jewelry's Star of David pendant

2009-11-17T04:02:00.000-08:00

Golan Jewelry is one of Israel's most distinctive jewelry design studios. Located in the old city of Jaffa, Golan Jewelry specializes in handcrafted Jewish and Kabbalah jewelry accessories. Their designs include many Jewish motifs such as famous Jewish prayers. One of the most popular motifs is the Star of David.

This Star of David pendant that I've chosen to introduce you here well exemplifies Golan Jewelry's unique style and its distinctive appearance. The Star of David pendant is inscribed with a verse from the Book of Psalms, which makes this piece a very beautiful Jewish charm. Golan Jewelry also have special designs of Star of David pendants for men. For more designs by Golan Jewelry click.

Star of David Hanukkah Menorah

2009-11-02T03:52:00.000-08:00

The Star of David is incorporated in many Judaica items. For hundreds of years jewish people used Hanukkah menorahs that were decorated with the Star of David. Hanukkah menorahs with Star of David are usually designed in more traditional style.

There is something heroic about this symbol, something that is associated to victories of the Jewish people througout history and God's divine protection. As I have mentioned before, the Star of David is believed to refer to the shield that was used in battlefields by Kng David and his men. King David and his warriors fought and won great armies. These victories led to the constructions of the First Temple by king David son, great king Solomon.

The story of Hanukkah is also a story about the victory of the small over the mighty. We celebrate Hanukkah to mark the amazing victory of the small Jewish army of the maccabbees over the many trained soldiers of the Greek Empire.

If we think about the Holocaust for a moment, the star of David is a symbol of survivol of the Jewish people. With the years the Star of David has become a national symbol of the Jewish nation. May be that it why it decorates the Israeli flag.

Star of David in Kabbalah jewelry

2009-09-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

The Star of David has been used as a protective amulet in many cultures across Europe. The Star of David had used in religious practices to fight demons and evil spirits. The shape of the six pointed star was the Star of David was believed to possess special supernatural qualities. Similarly, the Kabbalah practitioners used the Star of David as a tool to ward off negative energies.

The Star of David is a prominent motif in Kabbalah jewelry today. In addition to its being a Jewish symbol, the Star of David is believed to draw powerful energies that provide the wearer with blessing and protection.

Israeli designers have created wide secetion of handcrafted Kabbalah jewelry accessories that incorporate the Star of David motif. You are invited to read more of the use of Kabbalah jewelry in my latest article.

Magen David pendant with Hebrew inscription

2009-08-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

Magen David is not a not a religious symbol. There also many non-Jews around the world who wear Star of David pendant as good luck charm or as a way to show solidarity with the Jewish nation. However, many Star of David are strongly associate with Jewish faith. Magen David as I have mentioned before, means in Hebrew a shield or a protector. Due to its special structure is believed to be a virtue for blessing and protection. Many Jewish men and women wear it around their neck as a protection amulet.
Additionally, many Magen David pendants are often inscribed in Hebrew with quotations from the bible. These quotations can be famous blessing or payers, like Shema Yisrael. At other times, Judaica artists choose psalms that have inspired them. Generally, many Judaic jewelry accessories are decorated with Hebrew quotations from the book of Psalms, one of the most sacred jewish texts.

This Magen David pendant is designed by a renowned Israeli design studio, HaAry Jewelry Design. This Magen David pendant is made of 925 Sterling Silver and 9K Gold. When closed, it forms Magen David and when opened, two mirrored Star of David appear in contrasting colors of silver and gold.

Inside the pendant, on the silver part, two verses from the book of Psalms chapter 85 are engraved in Hebrew in antique style:
"Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Truth springeth out of the earth; and righteousness hath looked down from heaven" (85:11-12)

Magen David Shabbat Candlesticks by Israeli artist

2009-07-31T05:29:00.000-07:00

Many Judaica artists are inspired by the Star of David. In Israel Magen David is seen almost everywhere since it decorates our national flag. It is interesting that the Star of David decorates so many religious objects when in fact it is not a religious symbol.

These Magen David Shabbat candlesticks are designed by Israeli Judaica artist Yair Emanuel. Yair Emanuel is a Jerusalem native and he lives and works in Jerusalem to date, as well reflected in his worls. Emanuel is a graduate of Israel's prestigious Academy of Art and Design. Yair Emanuel's artworks are hand-painted in vibrant colors . Yair Emanuel often incorporates traditional and ancient Jewish motifs, such as the Star of David, the seven speices and the landscape of Jerusalem. Yair Emanuel mixes traditional motifs with modern style, while adding his own imagination to create his unique signature look.

The colorful Shabbat candleticks are shaped as the Star of David and decorated with the sights of the holy city of Jerusalem. The candlestcks are also perfect for traveling.

My latest article on Star of David pendant

2009-06-21T05:31:00.000-07:00

I invite you to read my latest article on the famous Jewish symbol Star of David Pendant: The Tale of Modern Jewish History
in Jewelry.

I basically try to describe how the Star of David has become such a popular Jewish symbol, and why so many Jewish people, religious and non-religious, today wear Star of David pendants around their necks . There are a few surprising factors working here: the Star of David is not a religious symbol; furthermore, it was also used by non-Jews ; The Star of David wasn't well-known until the 19th century. What is also striking- the fact that the Star of David was used as a badge of shame during the Holocaust.

After World War Two, the Star of David suddenly turned from a badge of shame to a badge of pride, worn by Jewish men and women all across the world. Click on the link above the learn more.

Star of David in Israeli jewelry

2009-05-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

Modern Israeli artists have designed a wide selection of Star of David jewelry accessories. Ester Shahaf is one of the best known Judaica artists who live and work in Israel today. Ester Shahaf's hand-painted Judaica jewelry accessories are characterized by her delicate designs usually decocted with Swarovski crystals, enamel and appliquéd metals. Shahaf's Judaica artworks carry modern interpretation with the Jewish heritage and symbolism. Shahaf's Magen David jewelry collection makes a great example to her unique look and the way she combines western and oriental influences.
This piece is one of Ester Shahaf's Magen David Silver Pendants. To check out more of her works that include mezuzah cases, candlesticks and more, click here.

Israel's Independence Day and Magen David

2009-04-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

Israel celebrates today its 61st anniversary. When it was established in 1948, it was decided to include the Star of David in Israel's national flag. Since then, Magen David, even more strongly then ever signifies the great struggle of the Jewish people throughout histories. Including the Star of David on the flag after World War Two has sent a message to the world that the Zionist dream didn't die, and now it was fulfilled with pride and hope.

Magen David pendant by israeli studio design,Caesarea Arts

Magen David or Star of David

2009-04-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

Being raised in Israel, Hebrew is my mother tongue. When I studied English in school I was really surprised to find out that Magen David is translated to Star of David. Something was lost in translation, as it often does when we switch from one language to the other. So what was I missing?

In Hebrew, the word Magen literally means shield or protector. Although it is not said explicitly in the Bible, it is generally believed that Magen David describes the shape of king David's sheild. The six-pointed Star drew divine protection and protected king David and his warriors in battlefield.

To this day, may people still believe that Star of David draws blessing and protection. That's why it feels so right for me to call this symbol, Magen David.