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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.
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 "Cheshvan: Facing the Ordinary")
(223) Georgia Berk Hudson , October 31, 2009
Your wonderful articles!!!!!
Practically every article I read on any given day, brings peace and a reminder how much G-d loves us. The articles are so encouraging and attention getting. I know I am growing spiritually and understanding more about Judaism than ever before. The articles are short and to the point and seems like most of them are written with me in mind. They are sent at exactly the right time to help out with daily struggles. Thanks from the bottom of my heart.
(222) sam , October 28, 2009
this is great this is the best website
(221) Jack , October 18, 2009
From Strength to Strength. I always smile with pride when I see the Magen David. Thank You for this wonderful article.
(220) yo katz , October 16, 2009
I was in the
I wen to the King David Museum in the old city and there was a diagram on the wall showing how all the letters of the Hebrew Alphabet are in the Star.
(219) Carla , October 16, 2009
Wow
All I can say is WOW, this information is so awesome and inspirational!