I absolutely love Jewish art and jewelry. While I appreciate its creativity and detailedness, I also feel a connection to what its symbols represent. The Star of David is the most universal Jewish symbol, since it is on Israel’s flag; however, there are other popular symbols too. I would like to focus on the hamsa hand (also known as chamsah or hamesh).
In Judaism it is also called the Hand of Miriam, and is sometimes associated with the five books of Moses (the Torah). Some even claim that it has no affiliation with Judaism, but that instead is an aspect of strictly Arab culture. Arabs call it the Hand of Fatima (Muhammad the Prophet’s daughter) and believe it to represent the Five Pillars of Islam. Some people also think that Jews and Arabs wear the hamsa to symbolize peace between both ethnicities, which embrace this symbol. Collectively, the hamsa represents protection.
I have found numerous interpretations for what the hamsa hand means for Jewish people. At a fundamental level it has been said that it represents protection and blessing within Judaism. With this, it is thought that the bearer of the hamsa should have good health, luck, and happiness. Additionally, some Jews think the five fingers represent our five senses that we are supposed to use to pray to God.
When meant to be Jewish jewelry, the hamsa sometimes is decorated with fish. This is because in the Talmud it says fish are immune from the evil eye since they live in water. Really though, the hamsa is just a part of Jewish/ Israeli superstition and not part of the actual religion.
Usually the thumb/pinky are identical in shape (unlike human hands) but not always. Prior to writing this entry, I thought that hamsa were always facing downwards, however, I then realized they could also face upwards (and the difference is barely noticeable). Oftentimes the hamsa has an eye or the Star of David in the center as well as Hebrew/Arabic letters on it. The eye is said to be the ever-present eye, in that it is always watching out for evil to repel. Sometimes the gems on the hamsa are made of reflective material, working to reflect back the evil that approaches the bearer.
Celebrities and non-Jewish/Muslim individuals are attracted to the hamsa in art and jewelry too. This is mostly attributed to the mysticism and superstition that it represents, as well as the stylish presentation it tends to have.
This discussion also leads me to recall the similarities that Hebrew and Arabic, both Semitic languages, have. While previous posts of mine have discussed their similar cultures, I just want to point out here that hamsa is five in Arabic whereas hamesh is five in Hebrew. This is just one of the many examples where these languages share the same roots for a word. The hamsa symbol is really a multicultural icon that people of both Jewish and Arab faiths can appreciate in their preferred way.
Whether it is in a necklace, a plaque, or a painting I always enjoy the beauty of intricate hamsas. Next time you’re at a Judaica shop look around and I’m sure you’ll see plenty of hamsas that you never acknowledged before! Maybe you’ll even consider purchasing a hamsa piece of jewelry for Hanukkah (which is quickly approaching) ☺.
