Symbols In Judaism
About this course
Christians have crosses, Muslims have crescent moons, Jews have the Star of David. But is the Star of David the most ancient Jewish symbol, or is it a more recent invention? Where do Jewish symbols come from and what do they represent? In this course we will explore ten of the most interesting Jewish symbols and learn what they mean to us today and how they are relevant to our future.
Ilana Epstein cannot look at a recipe without seeing hundreds, if not thousands of years of migration, resilience and Jewish pride in every ingredient. A product of her own migration journey across the Jewish globe, Ilana's Jewish food and lifestyle brand, Ta'am, always leaves a sweet aftertaste.
Course Outline
Symbols date back to the very earliest moments in Jewish history. In this episode, Ilana shows how a sign tells you what to do, but a symbol tells you who you are.
Perhaps the most ubiquitous symbol among Middle Eastern Jews in the Hamsa. Ilana delves into the history of this symbol and the significance it holds.
How often have you seen someone in the street wearing a Kippah and wondered if you know them? In this video, Ilana traces the history of this symbol and discusses what we can learn from it.
Jews have lucky numbers, but no number is quite as lucky as the number 18. Chai is the symbol of 18 and Ilana walks us through how this represents life and good fortune.
The practice of Mezuzah is one of the most ancient in Jewish history and has its roots in the Torah itself. In this episode, Ilana explores the origins of this symbol and what it means to us.
Lighting the Shabbat candles is a moment of contemplation and introspection. In this video, Ilana reflects on what this means to her and what its deeper meaning is.
There is no more enduring symbol in Judaism than the seven-branched candelabra - the Menorah. Ilana follows the Menorah from the desert to the Temple and explains why it was so symbolic.
How did the Magen David become one of the most recognisable Jewish symbols? What does Theodore Herzl have to do with the story? And why was the colour blue chosen for the Magen David on the Flag of Israel?
Is there a more important symbol to the Jewish people than the Torah? Ilana reveals how the Torah is decorated with symbols and what they mean.
The Ten Commandments are two tablets of stone arched at the top. Or are they? In this episode, Ilana discusses how these commandments became the universal symbols for humanity.
The shofar has been part of Jewish tradition since the time of Abraham. What makes this such an important symbol that it is used on Rosh Hashanah, the Day of Judgement?
Walk out into the world and look around you - symbols are everywhere. Some are hidden and some are in plain sight. They are there for you not just to see, but to connect to.
