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In modern times, the Star of David has become a premier Jewish symbol. This six-pointed star (hexagram), made of two interlocking triangles, can be found on mezuzahs, menorahs, tallis bags, and kipot. Ambulances in Israel bear the sign of the "Red Star of David," and the flag of Israel has a blue Star of David planted squarely in the center.
What is the origin of this six-pointed symbol?
The six points symbolize God's rule over the universe in all six directions.
Through the Jewish people's long and often difficult history, we have come to the realization that our only hope is to place our trust in God. The six points of the Star of David symbolize God's rule over the universe in all six directions: north, south, east, west, up and down.
Originally, the Hebrew name Magen David -- literally "Shield of David" -- poetically referred to God. It acknowledges that our military hero, King David, did not win by his own might, but by the support of the Almighty. This is also alluded to in the third blessing after the Haftorah reading on Shabbat: "Blessed are you God, Shield of David."
Various other explanations exist on the meaning behind the Star of David.
One idea is that a six-pointed star receives form and substance from its solid center. This inner core represents the spiritual dimension, surrounded by the six universal directions. (A similar idea applies to Shabbat -- the seventh day which gives balance and perspective to the six weekdays.)
In Kabbalah, the two triangles represent the dichotomies inherent in man.
In Kabbalah, the two triangles represent the dichotomies inherent in man: good vs. evil, spiritual vs. physical, etc. The two triangles may also represent the reciprocal relationship between the Jewish people and God. The triangle pointing "up" symbolizes our good deeds which go up to heaven, and then activate a flow of goodness back down to the world, symbolized by the triangle pointing down.
Some note that the Star of David is a complicated interlocking figure which has not six (hexogram) but rather 12 (dodecogram) sides. One can consider it as composed of two overlapping triangles or as composed of six smaller triangles emerging from a central hexogram. Like the Jewish people, the star has 12 sides, representing the 12 tribes of Israel.
A more practical theory is that during the Bar Kochba rebellion (first century), a new technology was developed for shields using the inherent stability of the triangle. Behind the shield were two interlocking triangles, forming a hexagonal pattern of support points. (Buckminster Fuller showed how strong triangle-based designs are with his geodesics.)
One cynical suggestion is that the Star of David is an appropriate symbol for the internal strife that often afflicts Jewish nation: two triangles pointing in opposite directions!
The Star of David was also a sad symbol of the Holocaust.
The Star of David was a sad symbol of the Holocaust, when the Nazis forced Jews to wear an identifying yellow star. Actually, Jews were forced to wear special badges during the Middle Ages, both by Muslim and Christian authorities, and even in Israel under the Ottoman Empire.
So whether it is a blue star waving proudly on a flag, or a gold star adorning a synagogue's entrance, the Star of David stands as a reminder that for the Jewish people... in God we trust.
_(english).jpg "Tefillin: A Primer")
(237) Art, February 7, 2010
The Star of David has the 22 Hebrew letters in it. Block letters. Google the star of David, look under images and you will find it and all the letters in the star. It is really cool!
(236) Anonymous, February 6, 2010
the two interlocking triangles the connections and diffrences of powers of 3. the hexagon created in the center of the star is to me like core to life. think honeycomb the interlocking pattern of 6. the number 6 representing man since man was created on the 6th day so has much importance. part of the number 3 from another point of view the 3 divine connections of love being touch, smell, eye's. don't think touching is necessary to find that out the ideas of 3 by 2 to bring out not exact replica of self. seems as a spiritual bond a connection spiritual bond of love. so divine star of david as kingship comes dovid, and dovid was a man of love . its differences in balance in a relationship. it might just be when the 2 realize who they are. who become one brings out life and kingship of man when the 8th day comes around. they say melach mashiach, but how can he be him without his other true soul reflection.
(235) Anonymous, January 15, 2010
Purchased the Star of David because it was so beautiful .Not being of Jewish decent I have learned the meaning which is even more beautiful because of the truth of the Star of David.
(234) Anonymous, December 22, 2009
Dalid in ancient Hebrew
The letter dalid in the ancient Hebrew alphabet was a triangle. Two interlocking triangles could be attributed to King David and his royal house, as a royal cipher.
(233) Noahide, December 13, 2009
Am Ysrael Chai
It was a beautiful article. I am wearing a Magen David on my chest for 8 years now. It has shielded me from much harm and it gives me hope.