The Origins of the Star of David | It’s Importance as a Symbol of Judaism
The six-sided Star of David has long been an iconic symbol of the Jewish faith. Historians say that the revered image, also known as the “Shield of David,” or “Magan David,” appeared in both Jewish and Christian churches as early as the 4th century CE, and has been found on a stone in a synagogue dating back to the 3rd century CE. The term “Shield of David” is also often used interchangeably with the term “Seal of Solomon,” a reference from the Talmud that a similar image was engraved on Solomon’s ring.
The Origins of the Solomon’s Seal and the Star of David
The precise origins of the symbol are a subject of disagreement among scholars. There are references to the Seal of Solomon in the writings of Jewish historian Josephus in the first century CE, but also mention of the symbol in a Greek document of Judeo-Christian magic from the same time period. According to legend, the shape of the hexagram was etched on Solomon’s ring by the hand of God and gave him certain supernatural powers, including the power to communicate with animals.
Scholars generally agree that the design of the Shield of David as hexagram has origins outside of the Jewish faith. Six-sided images were commonly used throughout the Arab world in the first few centuries of the common era. Some scholars believe they were Islamic in origin, though others suggest that they may have come from the Kabbalistic tradition, the Rabbinical esoteric tradition or even from early alchemy adherents.
The Use of the Star of David as a Symbol of Judaism
The Star of David did not come to be identified specifically with the Jewish faith for nearly another 1,000 years. There are references in the 11th century CE to the God of Israel as “Magan David.” The Leningrad Codex, the oldest full version of the Hebrew Bible in existence, uses the Star of David. It was published in 1108. Coins minted a couple hundred years later display an image of the Star of David.
In 1897, though, when the First Zionist Congress convened in Basel, Switzerland, the delegates voted to adopt the six-sided star to appear on a flag. That flag later became the official flag for the nation of Israel in 1948. Theodor Herzl, the journalist and activist considered by many to be the father of Zionism and the modern Jewish state, proposed a white flag with seven golden stars, representing the hours of the working day. Jewish businessman David Wolffsohn, however, proposed a blue and white flag with the Shield of David on it. The flag became a powerful symbol of the embryonic Zionist movement and the Jewish quest for a homeland.
Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit—Funeral and Burial Services for the Jewish Community for Five Generations
At Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit, we provide comprehensive and compassionate funeral and burial assistance to individuals and families in the Jewish communities in New York and Florida. For more than 125 years, we have worked closely with Jewish families in their time of loss. We handle all the details, helping you determine the order of service for a memorial, select an appropriate casket or monument, arrange for sitting Shiva or create a Yahrzeit calendar. We will also work directly with the Chevra Kadisha, ensuring that the body has been cleansed and prepared according to Jewish law before interrment.
To learn how we can be of assistance, contact us by email or call us at one of the numbers listed below.
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