Long before the Star of David became a hallmark of Jewish identity, Jewish people used symbols to express spiritual meaning. The earliest symbols include motifs in synagogue mosaics from 200-400CE. These emblems weren’t just decorative flair. They spoke of ritual, community, and divine service. Archaeological sites such as the menorah mosaic in Hammat Tiberias hint at how these images rooted a shared culture. Jewish figural art has long flourished in geometry, flora, and script.
Menorah as a universal light
One of the most enduring symbols is the menorah. Menorah is Hebrew for “lamp”. Its seven branches reflect the Temple’s original candelabrum. This symbolizes the creation week and divine light. The Temple’s menorah was “highly elaborate (per Chabad.org), featuring nine flowers, eleven bulbs, and twenty-two goblets. It was placed in the Kodesh, the chamber which also housed the Shulchan (show-bread table) and the mizhe’ach hazahav (golden incense altar). After Solomon built Jerusalem’s first Holy Temple, the menorah was lit there until it was destroyed. A new menorah was built for the second Holy Temple, built by Ezra.
The Chanukah (rededication) menorah is separate from the Temple menorah. It commemorates a small band of Jews’ successful victory against the Syrian-Greek army of the second century BCE. The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) had tried to force Israel’s people to abandon their Jewish culture and beliefs. In attempting to light the menorah, the Jews found a one-day supply of olive oil. This oil lasted for eight days, and led to the eight-day celebration of Chanukah.
The Star of David as identity
The Star of David became a symbol of Jewish identity later than many might guess. Occasional examples appear as early as the 3rd century, but its use didn’t become widespread until 17th century Prague. Since the 19th century, it has represented Zionism and is present on the flag of Israel.
Chai
Hebrew letters often carry deep spiritual meaning. Chai, for example, spells “alive” or “living”. The word is composed of the letters chet (8) and yod (10). The numeric value, 18, is so significant that donations are often given in multiples of 18. The Chai symbol has been used since medieval Spain and was adopted as an amulet in 19th-century Eastern Europe. Jewelry is the most popular way of displaying the symbol, but other items include t-shirts, mugs, and traditional items like tallits (prayer shawls) and mezuzahs.
Protective symbols
Talismans and amulets, such as the hamsa, the mezuzah, and charms like the Kohen hands, are still used today. The hamsa is a palm-shaped symbol known for its protective qualities; it’s often emblazoned with eyes, fish, or Hebrew letters. The mezuzah is a small case affixed to doorways holding Torah parchment. Kohen hands and other charms combine religious meaning with ritual history.
Continuity in symbolism
Jewish art thrived in ritual objects. In medieval Europe and beyond, artists decorated ketubbot (marriage contracts) with papercuts, scrollwork, Hebrew letters, and animals. These symbols carried heritage while offering beauty, without breaking religious bounds. Silver Torah pointers and intricate mezuzah cases became canvases for Jewish expression. Modern, handcrafted designs of these items are available at Nadav Art by Avi Nadav.
Last word
Jewish symbols hold layers of meaning, connecting people of faith to ritual, scriptural wisdom, and creative expression. They adorn hallways, decorate halls, and bring light to festivals. Millenia-old traditions are bridged with contemporary art, and symbols continue to anchor Jewish identity.
