JEWISH SYMBOLS Please fill in the chart you were given as the information is provided.
One of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith is the menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple. The kohanim lit the menorah in the Sanctuary every evening and cleaned it out every morning, replacing the wicks and putting fresh olive oil into the cups. Dates back to 165 CE and is a symbol of the re-dedication of Solomon’s Temple. The oil lasted for 8 days. MENORAH
a seven-branched candelabrum used in the ancient Tabernacle in the desert and Temple in Jerusalem, a symbol of Judaism since ancient times and the emblem of the modern state of Israel. MENORAH
It has been said that the menorah is a symbol of the nation of Israel and our mission to be "a light unto the nations." (Isaiah 42:6). The sages emphasize that light is not a violent force; Israel is to accomplish its mission by setting an example, not by using force. This idea is highlighted in the vision in Zechariah 4:1-6. Zechariah sees a menorah, and God (Yahweh) explains: "Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit." MENORAH
MENORAH The nine-branched menorah used on Hanukkah because Hanukkah commemorates the miracle that a day's worth of oil for this menorah lasted eight days.
Wearing of a head covering (yarmulka, skullcaps, kippah for men was only instituted in Talmudic times (approximately the second century CE). It is worn out of respect and fear of God. Some sources likened it to the High Priest who wore a hat (Mitznefet) to remind him something was always between him and God. Thus, wearing a kippah makes us all like the high priest and turns us into a "holy nation." The head covering is also a sign of humility for men, acknowledging what's "above" us KIPPAH (Yarmulke) is a usually cloth, hemispherical or platter-shaped skullcap customarily worn at all times by Orthodox Jewish men, and sometimes worn by both men and women in Conservative and Reform communities.
KIPPAH (Yarmulke) In Israel wearing a kippah also has a social significance. While wearing a kippah shows that you are somewhat religious, notwearing one is like stating, "I'm not religious."
KIPPAH (Yarmulke) The head covering is most often worn during prayer.
This is a ram’s horn and was originally blown during biblical times to instill fear into opponents in battle. Today, it symbolizes the need for believers to be responsible and ask forgiveness for their sins. The shofar is featured most prominently in the Rosh Hashanah morning services as well as Yom Kippur. It is considered a commandment to hear the shofar blown. SHOFAR
SHOFAR
STAR OF DAVID
STAR OF DAVID The Star of David is a six-pointed star made up of two triangles superimposed over each other. In Judaism it is often called the Magen David, which means the "shield of David" in Hebrew.
STAR OF DAVID Many Jews wear jewelry with the Star of David as part of the design and the flag of Israel has a blue Star of David in the center. In many ways it has come to be a symbol of unity.
There are many ideas about the symbolic meaning of the Star of David There are many ideas about the symbolic meaning of the Star of David. Some Kabbalists thought that the six points represented God's absolute rule over the universe in all six directions: north, south, east, west, up and down. They also believed that the triangles represented humanity’s dual nature – good and evil – and that the star could be used as protection against evil spirits. STAR OF DAVID
The structure of the star, with two overlapping triangles, has also been thought to represent the relationship between God and the Jewish people. The star that points up symbolizes God and the star that points down represents us here on earth. Yet others have noticed that there are twelve sides on the triangle, perhaps representing the Twelve Tribes. STAR OF DAVID
MEZUZAH A mezuzah mounted on the doorpost designates the home as Jewish, reminding us of our connection to God and to our heritage. A mezuzah is not, contrary to popular belief, the outer container. The mezuzah is actually the parchment scroll within, on which the "Shema" -- a biblical passage declaring the oneness of God -- is handwritten by an expert scribe. The mezuzah is also a symbol of God's watchful care over the home. The name of God, Sha-dai, which appears on the reverse side of the parchment, is an acronym for the Hebrew words which mean "Guardian of the doorways of Israel." The placing of a mezuzah on the doors of a home or office protects the inhabitants -- whether they are inside or outside.
MEZUZAH
The Torah commands that Jews wear fringe at the corners of their garments TALLIT: Prayer shawl
The word Tallit originally meant "gown" or "cloak The word Tallit originally meant "gown" or "cloak." It was a rectangular mantel that looked like a blanket and was worn by men in ancient times. Initially, the Tallit was worn as a daily habit, but after the exile of the Jews from Eretz Israel and their dispersion, they came to adopt the fashions of their gentile neighbors and the Tallit became a religious garment for prayer; hence its meaning of Prayer Shawl.
The Tefillin are two small perfectly square black boxes (Batim) made of the leather of a Kosher hide, with black leather straps (Retsuot) attached to them. The straps and boxes must be dyed black with a special dye. TEFILLIN:the Shema commands Jews to bind words to hands and between eyes. (Deut. 6)
TEFFLIN: Each weekday morning (Sunday through Friday), Jewish men are required to wear Tefillin. One Tefillin Box (the "Head Tefillin") is placed upon the head, above the forehead, so as to rest upon the cerebrum. The other Tefillin box ("Hand Tefillin") is tied on the left arm so that it rests against the heart, and the suspended leather strap is wound around the left hand, and around the middle finger of that hand.
TZNIUT Tzniut: Tzniut in Hebrew means Modesty. Orthodox Judaism requires men and women practice modesty of dress. This requirement is understood by all orthodox folk, however the standards vary as does the strictness and adherence. In Charedi, ultra orthodox communities the men generally wear long pants usually black and often long shirts (mostly white) and women wear long- sleeve blouses and ankle-length dresses, and the color schemes are more subdued and sedate (no hot pinks). The lengths of sleeves, dresses, and head covering varies.
GARTEL Gartel: Yiddish for "belt." The gartel is generally used by Chassidic men, though sometimes by other orthodox men, during prayer.
BEKISHE Bekishe: A bekishe is a long black silk (or for those seeking more affordable - polyester) coat worn by Chasidic Jews. Mostly the bekishe is worn on Shabbat, Jewish holidays and for Jewish celebrations such as weddings and bar mitzvahs.