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Sep 18, 2024 · One key aspect of the symbolism of keys in the Bible is their significance in Hebrew culture. Keys held a deep and profound meaning for the ancient Hebrews, representing authority, power, and access. In Hebrew symbolism, keys were seen as a symbol of trust and responsibility, as they granted access to important places and treasures.
The key as a symbol of authority is also met with in the Talmud: "Three keys are in God's own hand which He never entrusteth to any angel: the key of rain; that of childbirth; and that of the resurrection of the dead. The Western (Palestinian) Talmudists say also the key of nourishment" (Sanh. 113a; Ta'an. 2a). E. G. H. M. Sel.
- Menorah
- Dreidel
- Torah
- Tallit
- Kippah/Yarmulke
- Siddur
- Mezuzah
- Yad
- Challah
- Pomegranate
One of the most familiar symbols of Judaism, the menorah is a seven-armed candelabra that represents the state of Israel as a “light upon nations.” Interestingly, the menorah that is used to celebrate Hanukkah has nine arms instead of seven so we can light a candle for each night of the festival. Technically speaking, a menorah for Hanukkah is a “H...
We spin the dreidel – a 4-sided spinning top – during the festival of Hanukkah. Each side of the dreidel has a Hebrew letter written which represents the first letters of a Hebrew phrase, Nes Gadol Haya Sham (Poh) or “A Great Miracle Happened There (Here).” We play a dreidel game on Hanukkah because there is a legend that before the Maccabees defea...
Judaism is based on the Hebrew bible called the Torah, or the five books of Moses which are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. The word “Torah” means instruction or law and rabbinic teachings say that the Torah was given to Moses at Mount Sinai to share with the Jewish people. One of the holiest items in Judaism, the actual scroll...
This four-cornered prayer shawl is worn around one’s shoulders while reciting prayers. The Torah commands Jews to fulfill a mitzvah by wearing tzitzit, which are the knotted fringes on the corners of the tallit. The fringes are a reminder to remember and follow God’s commandments. There is a blessing for the Tallit that you recite before putting on...
The small, round head covering worn by Jews is called a Yarmulke in Yiddish, or a Kippah in Hebrew. It serves as a reminder that there is always someone above you. Orthodox males generally wear a Kippah at all times, while Reform and Conservative Jews mostly wear them at religious services. The custom of a head covering is now commonplace among wom...
The Jewish prayer book, is a compilation of the Jewish liturgy. Siddur means order in Hebrew and includes fixed texts and structures of prayer from the Torah and from Nevi’im (Prophets). Various prayers have been added to the siddur over time. Depending on the version, the siddur might have prayers for weekday services, while others might include b...
The small little cases you see on the doorposts of Jewish homes is called a mezuzah, and is based upon a teaching in Deuteronomy that commands us to keep G-d’s words in our minds and hearts by writing them on the doorposts of our homes. The mezuzah contains a rolled up piece of parchment with the words of the Shema, and the mezuzah itself usually h...
This decorative pointer is used by the Torah reader to follow along in the text during the reading of the Torah. It is in the shape of a hand because yad means hand in Hebrew. Not only does the yad keep the Torah reader’s place, but it also prevents the reader from touching the Torah parchment.
The golden brown twisted loaf of Jewish bread known as a challah dates back to when the Jewish people left Egypt and wandered in the desert for 40 years; the Torah says that during their journey a bread-like substance called manna fell from the heavens. In today’s Jewish home, challah is a yeast-risen sweet bread made from eggs that is braided into...
The luscious fruit of a pomegranate is one of Israel’s seven species and symbolizes love and fertility in the Jewish tradition. A pomegranate is frequently mentioned in the Song of Songs; further, the seeds of the pomegranates symbolize the 613 mitzvot or commandments because there is speculation that there are 613 seeds in a pomegranate. Many fami...
Displaying the Hebrew word מכבי (maccabee) on a banner or flag harkens back to the second Temple period when a small band of Jews, called the Maccabees, successfully revolted against their Greek oppressors. From that time on, the word מכבי (Maccabee) has symbolized the small and powerless overcoming great odds against mighty tyrants.
Word Origin: From the root פָּתַח (pathach), meaning "to open." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - G2807 (κλείς, kleis) - Used in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 16:19: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." Usage: The term "maphteach" refers to a physical key, an instrument used to open or unlock something ...
Key. The key of a native Oriental lock is a piece of wood, from seven inches to two feet in length, fitted with the wires or short nails, which, being inserted laterally into the hollow bolt which serves as a lock, raises other pins within the staple so as to allow the bolt to be drawn back.
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Each symbol tells a story, offering insights into Jewish history, values, and traditions. Star of David. The Star of David, the Magen David, is one of the most recognizable Jewish symbols. It appears on many Jewish tombstones and is the central symbol on the Israeli flag.
