Star of David: One of the Most Important Symbols of Judaism

We explain the meaning of the Star of David, one of the most important symbols of Judaism. Discover its origins and symbolism.

Star of David

The Star of David or Jewish Star is one of the most important symbols of Judaism. In this article, we will discuss its meaning and definition and examine its history in depth. It is important to mention that when one thinks of religious symbols, one of the first that comes to mind is undoubtedly the six-pointed “Jewish star.” It is also seen on the flag of Israel.

Also called “the David Magen” or “the Shield of David” in Hebrew, “the Star of David” is a universally recognized symbol representing modern Jewish heritage and beliefs, as well as the Garden of Eden. The official name for the “Shield of David” is “Magen David,” which is a name that was used long ago (in the 11th century) as another name for “the God of Israel.”

Mythological meanings of the Star of David

Shaped like a hexagram, the Star of David symbol became more common as a Jewish icon in the 19th century, especially throughout Eastern Europe. It is believed that this happened because more people began to want to represent their Jewish identity in the same way that the Christian cross represented Christianity. In addition to Jewish synagogues, it was also used in several Christian churches as a decorative piece.

The untold story

The earliest uses of the hexagram seen in the Star date back to very ancient times, where it was used solely as a decoration on antiques.

Some scholars suggest that this shape may have been used as an ornament in synagogues even before its religious connotations were formed. One of the first uses linked to Jewish identity was in the 11th century, when the famous Tanakh manuscript included it as an ornament in 1008.

A hundred years later, the Star of David was used again in the Leningrad Codex in 1108. This book is known for being the longest and most complete edition of the Hebrew Bible still in existence today.

In the 17th century, Vienna’s bustling Jewish quarter featured markings containing hexagrams, the same shape used in the Star of David. This was intended to distinguish this neighborhood from the rest of the city’s architecture, providing a clear sign of Jewish identity within the city. This was around the same time that the symbol began to be used en masse in synagogues across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

By the end of the 19th century, it had become a symbol of the Zionist movement, furthering its symbolism of Jewish identity on the international stage. On a sad and unfortunate note, later during World War II in the 20th century, it was chosen by the Nazis as a symbol to mark and identify Jewish individuals for persecution.

Physical description

The symbol used was typically yellow, or blue with a white background, and its use was imposed by the Nazi population. It became mandatory, and anyone from the Jewish population who did not wear it was severely punished.

Despite this inhumane use of the symbol, some Jews chose to wear it voluntarily as a sign of defiance against the Nazi invasion.

Meanings and Symbolism

Although many different meanings have been attributed to the Star of David, no meaning is completely accepted by all members of the Jewish community. A medieval Jewish text suggests that the six points of the Jewish star are indicative of the six masculine attributes of God.

Furthermore, since the 20th century, the Star of David has been associated with the number seven, and therefore with the Menorah, namely the ancient Hebrew seven-branched candelabrum that appears in the Bible and was used by Moses.

Other suggestions link the design of the Star to the six directions of space described in the Sefer Yetsira (North, South, East, West, Center, Up, and Down); the six days of creation, and the seventh day of rest, and the six working days of each week in the calendar.

There are several other interpretations throughout history, each with its own meaning, although those mentioned above are the ones most frequently repeated among the Jewish community.

Regardless of the number of definitions and meanings attributed to the Star of David symbol, there is one common thread among all these attributions: each point of the star is indicative of something in itself, and the center of the hexagram also represents something.

Its use around the world

In the modern world, the Star of David has a number of uses, although these have not changed much throughout history. Since 1948, the flag of Israel has featured a blue hexagram on a white background.

It is also commonly used in sports, with notable stars from Israel or of Jewish origin choosing to use the symbol to represent their heritage. Modern synagogues also continue to use the Star of David/Jewish star in their architecture.