Transcript Symbols in Judaism

JEWISH SYMBOLS
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One of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith is the
menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum used in
the Temple. The kohanim lit the menorah in the
Sanctuary every evening and cleaned it out every
morning, replacing the wicks and putting fresh olive
oil into the cups. Dates back to 165 CE and is a
symbol of the re-dedication of Solomon’s Temple.
The oil lasted for 8 days.
MENORAH
a seven-branched candelabrum used in the ancient Tabernacle in
the desert and Temple in Jerusalem, a symbol of Judaism since
ancient times and the emblem of the modern state of Israel.
MENORAH
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It has been said that the menorah is a
symbol of the nation of Israel and our
mission to be "a light unto the nations."
(Isaiah 42:6). The sages emphasize that light
is not a violent force; Israel is to accomplish
its mission by setting an example, not by
using force. This idea is highlighted in the
vision in Zechariah 4:1-6. Zechariah sees a
menorah, and God (Yahweh) explains: "Not
by might, nor by power, but by My spirit."
MENORAH
MENORAH
The nine-branched menorah used on Hanukkah because Hanukkah
commemorates the miracle that a day's worth of oil for this menorah
lasted eight days.
Wearing of a head covering (yarmulka, skullcaps,
kippah for men was only instituted in Talmudic
times (approximately the second century CE). It is
worn out of respect and fear of God. Some sources
likened it to the High Priest who wore a hat
(Mitznefet) to remind him something was always
between him and God. Thus, wearing a kippah
makes us all like the high priest and turns us into
a "holy nation." The head covering is also a sign of
humility for men, acknowledging what's "above" us
KIPPAH (Yarmulke)
is a usually cloth, hemispherical or platter-shaped skullcap customarily
worn at all times by Orthodox Jewish men, and sometimes worn by both
men and women in Conservative and Reform communities.
KIPPAH (Yarmulke)
In Israel wearing a kippah also has a social significance. While
wearing a kippah shows that you are somewhat religious, notwearing one is like stating, "I'm not religious."
KIPPAH (Yarmulke)
The head covering is most often worn during prayer.
This is a ram’s horn
and was originally
blown during biblical
times to instill fear
into opponents in
battle.
Today, it symbolizes
the need for believers
to be responsible and
ask forgiveness for
their sins.
The shofar is featured
most prominently in
the Rosh Hashanah
morning services as
well as Yom Kippur. It
is considered a
commandment to hear
the shofar blown.
SHOFAR
SHOFAR
STAR OF DAVID
STAR OF DAVID
The Star of David is a six-pointed star made up of two triangles
superimposed over each other. In Judaism it is often called the
Magen David, which means the "shield of David" in Hebrew.
STAR OF DAVID
Many Jews wear jewelry with the Star of David as part of the design
and the flag of Israel has a blue Star of David in the center. In many
ways it has come to be a symbol of unity.
There are many ideas about the symbolic meaning of the Star of
David. Some Kabbalists thought that the six points represented
God's absolute rule over the universe in all six directions: north,
south, east, west, up and down. They also believed that the
triangles represented humanity’s dual nature – good and evil – and
that the star could be used as protection against evil spirits.
STAR OF DAVID
The structure of the star, with two overlapping triangles, has also
been thought to represent the relationship between God and the
Jewish people. The star that points up symbolizes God and the star
that points down represents us here on earth. Yet others have
noticed that there are twelve sides on the triangle, perhaps
representing the Twelve Tribes.
STAR OF DAVID
MEZUZAH
A mezuzah mounted on the doorpost designates the home as Jewish, reminding us of our
connection to God and to our heritage.
A mezuzah is not, contrary to popular belief, the outer container. The mezuzah is actually
the parchment scroll within, on which the "Shema" -- a biblical passage declaring the
oneness of God -- is handwritten by an expert scribe.
The mezuzah is also a symbol of God's watchful care over the home. The name of God,
Sha-dai, which appears on the reverse side of the parchment, is an acronym for the
Hebrew words which mean "Guardian of the doorways of Israel." The placing of a mezuzah
on the doors of a home or office protects the inhabitants -- whether they are inside or
outside.
MEZUZAH
The Torah commands that Jews wear
fringe at the corners of their garments
TALLIT: Prayer shawl
The word Tallit originally meant "gown" or "cloak." It was a
rectangular mantel that looked like a blanket and was worn by men
in ancient times. Initially, the Tallit was worn as a daily habit, but
after the exile of the Jews from Eretz Israel and their dispersion,
they came to adopt the fashions of their gentile neighbors and the
Tallit became a religious garment for prayer; hence its meaning of
Prayer Shawl.
The Tefillin are two small perfectly square black boxes (Batim) made of the
leather of a Kosher hide, with black leather straps (Retsuot) attached to
them. The straps and boxes must be dyed black with a special dye.
TEFILLIN:the Shema commands Jews to bind words
to hands and between eyes. (Deut. 6)
TEFFLIN:
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Each weekday morning
(Sunday through Friday),
Jewish men are required to
wear Tefillin. One Tefillin
Box (the "Head Tefillin") is
placed upon the head, above
the forehead, so as to rest
upon the cerebrum. The
other Tefillin box ("Hand
Tefillin") is tied on the left
arm so that it rests against
the heart, and the
suspended leather strap is
wound around the left hand,
and around the middle finger
of that hand.
TZNIUT
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Tzniut: Tzniut in Hebrew means
Modesty. Orthodox Judaism
requires men and women
practice modesty of dress. This
requirement is understood by all
orthodox folk, however the
standards vary as does the
strictness and adherence. In
Charedi, ultra orthodox
communities the men generally
wear long pants usually black
and often long shirts (mostly
white) and women wear longsleeve blouses and ankle-length
dresses, and the color schemes
are more subdued and sedate
(no hot pinks). The lengths of
sleeves, dresses, and head
covering varies.
GARTEL
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Gartel: Yiddish for
"belt." The gartel
is generally used
by Chassidic men,
though sometimes
by other orthodox
men, during
prayer.
BEKISHE
Bekishe: A bekishe
is a long black silk
(or for those seeking
more affordable polyester) coat worn
by Chasidic Jews.
Mostly the bekishe is
worn on Shabbat,
Jewish holidays and
for Jewish
celebrations such as
weddings and bar
mitzvahs.