Judaism uses a variety of symbols - some ancient, some modern - to represent faith, culture and identity:

The Star of David is probably the most recognizable Jewish symbol, but its origins are uncertain; it may have originated as a decorative and magical emblem used across the ancient Middle East. It was only in the 14th century that the star became a distinctly Jewish symbol, when the Prague Jewish community chose it as their emblem. The Star of David soon became the most iconic emblem of Jewish identity and community. Today, it appears on the flag of Israel and the logos of many Jewish organizations, including our own.

The menorah is one of the oldest Jewish symbols, dating back to the book of Exodus in the Hebrew Bible, which describes Moses being commanded by God to create a seven-branched lamp out of pure gold. The original menorah was used in the Temple in Jerusalem. Even after the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE, the menorah remained a powerful motif in Jewish art and culture.

The nine-branched Hanukkah menorah, or Hanukkiah, commemorates the oil in the Temple which lasted for eight days. One candle is lit on each night of the holiday, with the ninth light serving as the shamash, (or helper) , used to light the other eight candles.

The chai is often worn as jewelry or used in decorations. In Hebrew, the word chai (חי) means life. Because its letters add up to 18, it’s common in Jewish culture to give gifts or donations in multiples of 18 to wish the recipient a good and long life.

Another common symbol is the hamsa, a hand-shaped charm especially popular among Jewish communities with roots in the Middle East and North Africa. The hamsa is used by communities - Jewish and non-Jewish - across the region as a sign of protection and good luck.

Whether used in religious ritual, in art or jewelry, or in domestic life, these symbols express Jewish identity and tradition and connect modern communities to millennia of Jewish history.

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