| Symbols: | Meaning: |
| Jacob had 12 sons and Israelite are formed from these 12 tribes. Each small symbol in the form displays a unique son. | |
Chai |
Popular to Jewish tradition, chai is a symbol of well being and best wishes. This symbol, often seen in necklaces and other jewelry and ornaments, is only the Hebrew Chai (living) word with the two Hebrew letters that Cheit and Yod next to each other. Some say it points to the Living G-d; others just say that Jews focus on the importance of life. The word chai means "alive", "life" or "living". Whatever the reason, the concept of chai is important in Jewish cultures. Typical Jewish toast, lâ chayim'dir (hayata). The gifts given to the altar are routinely given in multipliers of 18 (Chai's numerical value). |
Chamseh/Hamsa
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Meaning "Hand of God", it is very popular in Morocco and known for warding off evil spirit. The Hamesh hand or the hammer hand is a popular motif in Jewish jewelery. Go to any Jewish souvenir shop and find these inverted hand-bearing necklaces and bracelets look like thumbs and pink outwards. The design has a bead in the center of the hand or in various Hebrew letters in the middle. There is nothing that is only Jewish about Hames's hand. Arab cultures often refer to Hand of Fatima, who represents the hand of G-d. Similar designs are common in many cultures. Why has it become such a popular symbol among the Jews? There is no enough explanation in any resources. However it is commonly assumed that in many cultures, this hand represents a guardian against evil (evil spiritual penetration originating from the jealousy of others) and has become a popular superstition among the Jews as the history of bad eyes. |
