Star of David Pendant: The Tale of Modern Jewish History in Jewelry

Star of David is one of the most important symbols in Judaism. Although it is not a religious symbol, the Star of David stands proudly at the core of the Jewish culture. The Star of David pendant is definitely one of the most popular Jewish jewelry accessories. Star of David pendants and necklaces are worn by men and women in Jewish communities all across the world. People choose to wear the Star of David for multiple reasons. There is one common belief that even attributes special power to the 6-pointed star. In the Jewish tradition, the Star of David pendant is believed to draw positive energies to those who wear it because of its special shape. Wearing the Star of David pendant is also a wonderful way for many Jewish people to express their faith and collective identity. The Star of David is a sign of connection to the Jewish nation and the state of Israel, as the Star of David decorates its national flag.



Most commonly, a Star of David pendant is given as a gift for Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, Jewish weddings, and other important or symbolic events. As a result of its growing popularity, many Jewish jewelry designers have created a wide selection of Star of David jewelry in assorted materials and styles, from the simplest to most intricate designs. Why has the Star of David pendant become such a popular Judaica item? In this article, I would like to point out that the Star of David is worn by both religious and secular Jews all across the word who can relate to the symbolism of the sign. The Star of David signifies the historical journey that the Jewish nation has gone through in the last two hundred years, from constant persecution to national pride and empowerment.

The Biblical origin of the Jewish Star –

In Hebrew, Star of David is called Magen David, which means a shield or protector. The Hebrew name of the Jewish Star points to possible origin of the sign. According to tradition, the six pointed star came from King David's shield. King David's shield was used by King David and his warriors in battlefield, leading his army to great victories. These victories paved the way to the construction of the first temple by King David's son, King Solomon. In the bible prophet Isaiah describes six qualities that God has blessed King David with: "the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD"(Isaiah, 11:2).

An ancient protective amulet

To this day, wearing the Star of David on one’s neck or wrists is believed to draw divine protection to the bearer. Many times Jewish jewelry accessories include other protective motifs in addition to the Star of David; some of the most popular include the Hamsa Hand and quotations from sacred sources. These motifs are extremely popular in Kabbalah inspired jewelry. The use of the Star of David as a protective amulet dates back to as early as the Middle Ages. In many cultures, six or five pointed star has been thought to possess powerful energies and has been used to fight off evil spirits and other negative energies.

The 19th century - the Jewish Star becomes a national symbol

 By the end of the nineteenth century, the Jews of Prague used the star as a symbol of their community. More and more Jewish communities were doing the same, decorating synagogues with images of the Jewish star. A more dramatic change took place a few years later when it was adopted by the Zionist movement. The Star of David has since become so strongly identified with the Jewish community that it was used to mark the Jews out of other populations during the Nazi regime.
 
From a badge of shame to a symbol of collective pride and religious freedom

After World War Two the impossible has come true – a Jewish state was established on the land from which the Jewish people were expelled two thousand years ago. When Israel was established in 1948, the Star of David was included on its national flag.
 
Post World War Two, the act of wearing a Star of David pendant marks the complete metamorphosis of the symbol; whereas the Nazis forced the Jews to wear the yellow badge on the chest in order the break the Jewish spirit, today, Jewish people everywhere wear the symbol proudly around their necks. In post World War Two era, many proud Jews have felt the need to show a sign of identification with their nation that has prevailed.
 
The Star of David is not a religious symbol, nor is it part of any commandment or a prayer, yet it has become a national symbol as it has told the history of the Jewish nation.  The Star of David signifies the bond that has connected Diaspora Jews for more than two thousands years.

With response to the growing demand, Judaica artists have designed a wide variety of Star of David jewelry and gave them the appropriate meaning. The artists take this historical motif and add a modern touch, making the Star of David stylish, creative, and as relevant as ever.