Dead Sea cosmetics are primarily skin care products for everyone, men, women and children. One company does have foundation and powder for face makeup, but everything else is related to skin, nail and hair care. These products are made with minerals from the Dead Sea, the most saline body of water in the world. It has such a high mineral content, only one form of bacteria can survive in the water, and nothing else. This accounts for the name of the lake. Continue reading →
The Bar Mitzvah, the Jewish rite of passage for boys and its girl’s equivalent, the Bat Mitzvah, indicates the reaching the stage of one’s life when one becomes responsible for one’s actions. In Judaism, this occurs for boys at 13 and girls at 12.
Although the Jews have been scattered all over the world, they have been able to preserve their Hebrew symbols. Distance has not been able to create a barrier as these Hebrew symbols are used to bind the Jewish people together no matter where they are. The history and faith of the Jewish are linked to the symbols they use to identify and unify them as a people.
Here are several significant Hebrew symbols which are recognized by every Jew all over the world.
The Symbol of Chai
The symbol of Chai is Hebrew and is of major significance among the Jews. The Chai consists of a combination of two letters from the Hebrew alphabet and these two letters when decoded means living. The numbers of Chai is equivalent to 18; a number of highly spiritual connotation among the Jewish people. The persons who wear this symbol will enjoy the protection that it offers.
The Book of Psalms
The Book of Psalms is an anthology of poems and songs written by David. The Jews believe that the Book of Psalms contains the most sacred words in Judaism. Many people wear this book in the form of a lucky charm necklace because it is believed that the wearer will be blessed and protected.
The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue is a prominent Hebrew symbol which is used as the guide for moral and ethical behavior among the Jews. This symbol although found in other religions were given to the Jews by God as a guide to help them to live virtuously. God gave the Ten Commandments to His messenger, Moses, and instructed him to give them to the Jews. This information can be proven from the book of Exodus.
The 72 Names of God
The Kabbalah contains seventy-two different names of God which are written using three letters sequence. There are no vowels in the Hebrew alphabet and this makes it difficult for anyone to pronounce each name. However, it is the belief that the wearer of jewelry bearing these names are able to draw strength and power from them. Each of the names is taken from the book of Numbers and is then decoded by well-known Kabbalah researchers.
It is evident that these Hebrew symbols play a significant part in the life of the Jewish people because they have been able to bear the test of time and can still be found in the homes of many Jews and they are also being worn by Jews as well. These symbols are incorporated in a wide range of Hebrew jewelry worn by Jewish men and women all across the globe.
When purchasing lucky charm jewelry, it is important that you know the meaning attached to the specific sign because of the significance and the positive impact on the well-being of the wearer, a matter which not have been otherwise.
Owning and wearing a Hamsa necklace is a common and trendy wear among men and women. This type of necklace is exquisitely designed and is available in any of these metals: opal, gold and silver. However, there is more to it than its beauty; it is popular among different cultures and its meaning is also significant.
What is the Hamsa hand?
Hamsa is a lucky charm which is shaped like the palm or the hand and is common in Jewish jewelry and accessories. The Hamsa is represented by an open hand with a curved thumb on either side of the three extended fingers in the middle. It is used to denote blessings, fortification, strength and power, including protection against the evil eye.
In many communities across the world people believe the stare of the evil eye can result in bad luck or injury on whoever it is focused in such cases where persons are exhibiting signs of jealousy or any other dislikes, even though these negative emotions may not be intentional.
The Hamsa hand is also known as the Hand of Fatima, the Hand of Miriam and the Hand of Mary and has been popular throughout history and within different cultures. “Hamsa” is Arabic, which means “five” as is indicated by the five fingers of the hand. Many researchers are of the view that the Hamsa pre-existed Islam and Judaism, although there is no certainty of its true origin.
Throughout the years Jewish jewelry has been affected by local style and fashion, but it has been able to maintain its unique features. A hamsa necklace is the ideal gift for individuals who loves style as well as an confident outlook. You can find the right piece to match your tastes because it is available in any of the following style: casual, elegant and sophisticated.
When worn as a pendant, the Hamsa motif uniquely represents mysticism and the world of fashion. Hamsa necklaces are in demand worldwide because it is believed that they can be used to unify people of similar faith and offer protection to the wearer.
Jewish jewelry designers incorporate numerous Kabbalah symbols in their designs which are intended to mediate between the spiritual and physical worlds. This mediation seeks to encourage constructive changes in the lives of those on Earth. Kabbalah symbols may help individuals to get through impediments in the physical world while encouraging positive life transformations.
72 Names of God Kabbalah Necklace
Kabbalah symbols include well-known protection talismans thought to ward off the evil eye, such as the Hamsa hand and the Star of David. These talismans are detailed below. Those considering purchasing a Jewish jewelry piece should learn the meaning behind the different Kabbalah symbols in order to choose the most fitting piece for their lifestyle.
Hamsa Hand
The Hamsa hand (also known as the hand of Fatima or the hand of Miriam) is a symbol that is not exclusive to the Kabbalah. In Arabic, “Hamsa” means “five.” It is widely known as an ancient palm-shaped talisman used for protection. Many communities across the globe have used this symbol to help protect against the evil eye, which acts as a reference to bad luck resulting from resentment (literally from a spiteful stare).
Star of David in Jewish jewelry
The Star of David is the most recognizable symbol for Jewish identity. It is believed to draw protection and luck because of its unique structure. Consistent with tradition, the hexagram shape is symbolic of King David’s shield, which helped lead to victories and to the creation of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Merkabah
The Merkabah (otherwise known as Merkava, Markaba or Markava) is an exclusive Kabbalah symbol. In actuality, it is a Star of David in its three dimensional state. In similar to other structural Kabbalah symbols, it is thought to release positive divine energy, bringing fortification to those who wear or display it.
Jewish jewelry designers integrate various Kabbalah symbols in their designs which are said to mediate between the spiritual and physical worlds. This mediation is meant to bring about positive changes in peoples lives. Kabbalah symbols are believed to help individuals to get through difficulties in the physical world.
In the heart of Old Jaffa lies the magical gallery of Adina Plastelina that has become famous for the enchanting hand-made jewelry made using the ancient Millefiori technique.
Adina Plastelina opened its doors in 2004 and from the very beginning breathed life into the Millefiori technique, originally a glasswork technique that can be traced to ancient Roman times, reinventing it with the use of precious metals and polymer clay.
Visitors to the gallery receive explanations of the technique and watch a fascinating demonstration video, as well as watching the creation process live.
In 2006 an exciting archaeological discovery was made in the gallery when, during excavations, ruins of a round ancient structure was uncovered. Incredible artifacts were uncovered which provide a glimpse into the lives of local residents, as far back as the Bronze Age. Visitors can visit the permanent exhibition free of charge.
Adina Plastelina has received warm reviews both in Israel and on an international scale with the Israeli Ma’ariv newspaper describing the jewelry as, “extraordinary and unique,” and the Walla portal expressing wonderment at the way, “an ancient technique returns to life.” The National Geographic Magazine succinctly sums up Adina Plastelina as, “amazing creation and archaeology living in harmony,” and the Israeli Mapa publication rightly states that, “the combination of art and archaeology makes Adina Plastelina one of the surprising and original shops in Israel.”
All that remains to do is to come and check out this enchanting, rainbow-colored world of Adina Plastelina…
Why do some Jewish people wear a thin red string tied around their wrist?
The wearing of a red string is a custom. It is commonly associated with Kabbalah and is believed to ward off the evil eye. The string is a simple red woolen thread. Often the red string has been wound around the tomb of the matriarch Rachel which is located near Bet Lechem. Most Rabbis do not endorse the custom of wearing a red string.
Where is a red string mentioned in the Bible?
In the first book of the Bible, Bereishit, chapter thirty-eight, Tamar gives birth to twin boys. When she was giving birth, one of the babies stuck his hand out and the midwife tied a scarlet thread so as to know which one emerged first. The baby then drew back his hand and the other baby emerged. The baby who came out first was named Peretz, which is Hebrew for “Breach” or “Burst out”, alluding to the nature in which he pushed himself out, despite his brother having put out his hand first. The baby who had stretched out his hand then emerged and was named “Zerach” which means scarlet in Hebrew.
There is no mention in the Bible of a red string being associated with warding off the evil eye.
Why are red strings wrapped around Rachel’s tomb before being worn?
Rabbi Yirmiyahu Ullman, of Ohr Somayach (a Yeshiva in Jerusalem), explains that although there is no basis in Jewish law for tying a red string around the wrist, it is a custom that is considered to be a protective act and has been around for some time.
He explains that the Jewish people are called “Am Segulah” or “Treasured People” in the fifth book of the Bible, Devarim. Rabbi Chaim of Voloshzin explains that it is due to the Torah and the commandments that they fulfill that they are considered treasured.
Rachel is renowned for having allowed her sister to have married the man she loved before her and is buried on the way to Bet Lechem so that Jews passing by can pray there. Rabbi Ullman explains that perhaps this is the reason that the red string is considered a protective measure. Recalling Rachel’s great deeds and emulating her ways leads to doing more commandments which in turn spare one from misfortune.
What is a Hamsa?
Hamsa is a hand-shaped charm. It commonly has three extended fingers in the middle and two shorter fingers on either side. It is well-recognized in the Middle East and North Africa. It is a shape often incorporated into jewelry and wall-hangings. It is believed to ward off the evil eye.
What is the source of the name Hamsa?
Hamsa is the Arabic word for five, in reference to the five fingers. The word Hamsa is closely related to the Hebrew word for five, Hamesh. Some Jewish people believe that the five represents the five books of the Pentateuch.
Alternative names for Hamsa are the hand of Fatima, in reference to Fatima the daughter of the prophet Mohammed and the hand of Miriam, referring to the sister of Moses.
Why is the Hamsa also called the hand of Fatima?
The story is told that Fatima, the daughter of Mohammed was stirring a pot when her husband entered with a new wife (Muslim men are allowed to marry up to four women). Fatima was overcome with sorrow and as a result did not notice that the ladle she had been using to stir the soup had slipped from her hand and she was using her own hand. Due to her intense grief she didn’t notice the pain. Ever since then Fatima’s hand has become a symbol for patience and faith.
What is the origin of the Hamsa?
Hands are a universal symbol of protection. Evidence of such can be seen in Mesopotamian artifacts, in teachings of Buddha and Christianity. Some claim that the Hamsa is connected to an ancient Egyptian two-fingered amulet that represented the protection of parents over a child.
The Hamsa is very strong in the Islamic world, believed to ward of the evil eye. It seemed to have made its way into Jewish culture via the Jewish communities who lived in Islamic countries.
Why is the Hamsa a popular item?
Due to the belief that it wards off the evil eye, the Hamsa made it into main-stream Israeli culture. Hamsa shapes are often hung from walls and worn on necklaces or bracelets. Judaism has its own signs of protection which are much more solidly based in valid Jewish sources such as the Mezuzah so the adoption of the Hamsa is somewhat strange. Having said that, the beautiful shape of the charm and the common incorporation of fish, a Jewish sign for good luck, in Hamsa-shaped pendants have made these items increasingly popular.
