Star of David (Magen David)
 
The Star of David is probably the most recognizable sign of Jewish identity. It is widespread across Jewish communities all around the world. The Star of David, also known by its Hebrew name Magen David, is both a national and a religious symbol. The Star of David often decorates synagogues and appears on the Tallit, the Jewish prayer shawl, worn inside synagogues during prayers and morning services. As a national symbol, the Star of David decorates the flag of the state of Israel.
 
Many Jewish people wear Star of David jewelry as a way of identifying with the global Jewish community and the state of Israel. Over the last few decades, the symbol has been the center of gravity for many Judaica artists who have recreated this motif through the eyes of their own imagination. The response from the community – fans, shoppers, style lovers and believers as one – has been nothing short of enthusiastic. 
 
The Hebrew name of the symbol, Magen David, hints to the possible biblical origin of the symbol. Interestingly, the literal translation of Magen David would be David's Shield, not David's Star. The Bible tells us that when in battle, King David and his warriors used shields that were shaped as six-pointed stars. The hexagram shape is believed to symbolize divine protection. King David has been described as a great warrior and ruler who led the people of Israel to grand victories approximately 1,000 years ago BCE. Another hypothesis attempting to explain the origins of the symbol claims that the two interlocking triangles of the hexagram are actually the two Hebrew letters "Dalet" that appear in the word David (דוד). Metaphorically, the two triangles may work as an allegory to the reciprocal relationship between G-d and the people of Israel.
 
Contrary to common belief, evidence suggests that the Star of David was not made popular until the end of the 19th century. In the middle ages, the Star of David was used in witch craft ceremonies and magical rituals as it was considered to have mystic power. The shape of the hexagram was also known to other Eastern cultures that had no relation to Judaism. They too believed that the hexagram was a powerful magical tool and used it in various rituals.
 
In the Jewish tradition, there is another similar shape of a 5-pointed star that is often associated with the Star of David. The folklore connects this 5-pointed symbol with the magical ring that King Solomon used to fight off evil spirits. This symbol is known as the "Seal of Solomon" and appears as a common motif in mystical jewelry as well as Kabbalah jewelry.
 
Starting from the 17th century, many Jewish European communities have used the Star of David as their collective symbol. Star of David began to appear in many local synagogues across Europe. The popularity of the symbol has drastically shifted when it was adopted by the Zionist movement by the end of the 19th century. Since then it has been visible almost anywhere where Jewish communities have lived and prospered.
 
It is a tragic irony that the Start of David started to be used against the Jews by anti-Semitic ideology in the third decade of the 20th century. The Star of David was identified with the Jewish culture to such extent that the Nazis forced the Jews to wear a yellow badge with the symbol imprinted on it during the World War II. When the war was over, Israel was established in 1948 as a home and shelter for Jewish people everywhere. It was then decided to include the Star of David on the national flag. The Star of David that was used against the Jews by the Nazis during World War Two has since then become even more profoundly a sign of collective pride and identity. 
 
Today, the Star of David is a very common motif in Jewish jewelry. It is featured in so many jewelry and accessories such as pendants and earrings. Many people enjoy wearing Jewish jewelry because it symbolizes their deep connection between the Jewish people and the state of Israel. The Star of David often appears with other Jewish traditional motifs that are believed to provide protection to the ones who wear or make use of them, for example the portions of such important prayers as the Shema Yisrael prayer, Hamsa Hand, fish, pomegranate and other symbolic elements.