In this Article I will be investigating the main symbols of Judaism. Judaism is a religion full of symbolism! These symbols are constant reminders of our faith and are used both during worship and as decorations on our artefacts.
Some examples of use are the decorations inside and outside the Synagogue, the Crown on the Torah, Torah mantles, prayer clothes – the Kippah and Tallit, Jewish table cloths, Mezzuzot, Kiddish cups, Challah cloths, prayer books, the Tzedakah Box and Jewish Festival cards.
Here are the main symbols:
Chai ( The Hebrew word meaning ‘life’ ) ‘L’Chaim’ (plural) – ‘To life!’ – the word used as a toast when drinking.
The Colours of Blue and White
The Crown (we praise God as the ‘King of the Universe’)
The Dreidel (Spinning Top – Symbol of Chanucah)
The Cup of Elijah (symbolising the hope for peace in the future)
Food (Symbolic festival food such as apples and honey, doughnuts, cheesecake, matzah, bitter herbs, Charoset etc)
The Hamsa (symbol of protection)
Images of Jerusalem
The Kiddish Cup
Lions (symbolising God’s power and protection)
The Seven Branched Menorah (different to The Chanuciah- nine branched candlestick for Chanucah). The Menorah was originally used in the Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem.
The Mezzuzah ( Hebrew – Doorpost)
The Pomegranate (the numerous seeds symbolising the numerous rules in the Torah)
The Star of David (referred to in Judaism as Magen David – literally Shield of David)
The Ten Commandments
The Torah
The Tree of Life
