Historians are unsure where the concept of the hand originated, though some early depictions can be seen in some of the world’s oldest civilizations. Art and artifacts dating as far back as the Mesopotamian era can be seen with the Hamsa hand.

The History of the Hamsa hand

Throughout history, it became the symbol for protection from curses and malevolent spirits. It is also used to ward off negative energy from the evil eye. The evil eye is a stare that is believed to cause harm to the person whom the gaze is directed upon. Fear of the evil eye became so widespread that people began looking to talismans as a sense of security from the deathly stare.

Today, the hamsa hand is worn more as a fashion statement than from actual fears of negative energy. The hand can be crafted in different forms, though it always takes the appearance of an open palm with its fingers spread out. Some forms will also come with a gazing eye appearing in the center.

Hamsa hand is a popular protection motif in Kabbalah Jewelry

The Hamsa hand can typically be seen in most Kabbalah jewelry. They can take on all sorts of manifestations depending on the crafter’s ingenuity. Most designs have the same basic outline of a palm and outspread fingers, though its appearance can be complemented with additional gems and engravings. Bracelets and necklaces may come with a single Hamsa trinket, or it may come with extra charms for an extra layer of aesthetic appeal. Hebrew writing, often bearing the wearer’s name or the Star of David may also be included as additional charms.

Other types of jewelry, such as pendants and lockets, may come with an engraving in the shape of the Hamsa hand instead of a charm of the hand itself. Other accessories like rings, anklets and even hair jewelry may also come with images of the hand.

Kabbalah jewelry continues to remain a popular item among teens and adults. Parents also buy the jewelry for their children. The tradition of wearing jewelry containing the hand has become a longstanding tradition whether wearers believe in the evil eye or not. More so than a talisman offering protection, the Hamsa hand has become a symbol of Jewish history.

A Hamsa necklace is both popular and stylish for men and women alike. While this type of necklace is absolutely beautiful and comes in a variety of metals including silver, gold, opal and more, there is much more to it than simple physical appearance and flair. Hamsa is actually quite meaningful in itself and popular across many different cultures. The Hamsa hand is a common motif in fashionable evil eye jewelry.

So what exactly is Hamsa and what is the meaning behind it?

Hamsa is a palm or hand-shaped talisman that can frequently be found in jewelry and decorative pieces. The hamsa depicts an open hand with three extended fingers in the middle and generally a curved thumb on either side. It is utilized as a sign of general fortification, blessings, strength and power, as well as protection against the evil eye. As per many communities across the globe, the evil eye is a stare believed to result in injury or bad luck for the individual at whom it is focused due to jealousy and/or aversion, whether these negative feelings are intentional or not.

Also referred to as the hand of Fatima, the hand of Miriam, the Hamesh hand (in Jewish tradition) and the hand of Mary, it is popular throughout different cultures and in history. In Arabic, “hamsa” means “five” which is a reference to the five fingers of the hand. Intriguingly, numerous researchers believe that the Hamsa actually predates Judaism and Islam, although there is a lack of certainty as to its true foundation.

Hamsa Necklace in Jewish Jewelry

Jewish jewelry has been influenced throughout the years by local style and fashion, while still holding its unique characteristics. A Hamsa necklace is an excellent gift for someone who appreciates style and positive energy in their life. Pieces are available from casual to elegant and sophisticated. Hamsa is unique when worn as a pendant, representing mysticism and of course, the world of fashion. Hamsa necklace designs are popular across the globe and bring people together in faith while providing protection and positive energy for wearers.

Here are several Hamsa necklace designs by Israeli artists

Oriental Hamsa Necklace by Amaro – sold by Canaan Online

Hamsa necklace with Tefillat Haderech – unisex design – find a unique selection of evil eye jewelry at Hamsa Jewelry Online!

Bat Miriam Hamsa necklace - HaAri Jewelry

With the internet being the main source of information and items, ones purchase power is greater than it ever was before. By going online you can find a huge selection of Jewish jewelry accessories for both men and women. These beautiful pieces of jewelry are a fantastic and stylish way to show the faith the Jews have in God. They are considered to be amulets that bring hope and all things positive into the life of the wearer.

Common Symbols in Jewish Rings

The majority of Jewish rings bear the symbols of scared Jewish symbols; symbols that are highly recognizable even to non-Jews. The most used symbol on all Jewish jewelry is the Star of David, also known by the Hebrew name Magen David. In Hebrew, the word Magen translates to a shield of protection and this refers to the shape of the shield carried by King David and his army. These shields awarded protection to their carriers and thus, the Star of David is connected to protection and safety. This is why the Star is one of the most prominent symbols that adorn Jewish jewelry. This stunning ring is designed Danon, an Israeli design studio. It is engraved in Hebrew with the Tefillat HaDerech, a famous Jewish prayer recited on the onset of a trip of a journey for safeguard and protection. For more details – Judaica 7.

Another symbol that is found on Jewish rings is the Hamsa hand. This is what the Jewish people believe to the protective hands of G-d. Wearing it brings you closer to the hands of G-d and offers you greater protection from those who are against you. These rings, no matter what their symbols, have become a popular form of showing faith and a wonderful way to show off good fashion sense!

Ani Ledodi Jewish Rings

Ani Ledodi Vedodi Li ( I am my beloved’s and my beloved’s is mine) is a beautiful verse is taken from the book Song of Songs (Shir Hashirim).Jewish rings inscribed with this verse are usually given as a token for love.Find beautiful Jewish rings here Handmade Judaica Online!

The filling of this cup is followed by the second cup and before the washing of the hands takes place. The empty cup is raised and the following recitation is said: “Miriam’s cup is filled with water instead of wine. I invite all women at our Seder table to fill it with water from their own glasses.” The cup is then passed around to the women at the table so they can add some of their water to it.

Yair Emanuel’s Miriam’s Cup – available at World of Judaica

Miriam’s Cup and the role of women in Jewish tradition

As the cup is going around, the significance is spoken of and the significance is this: During the Jews exodus thorough the desert a well of water miraculously followed them throughout their journey. The well was given to the people by God through Miriam, the sister of Aaron and Moses. She was a prophetess and she was honored by God for her devotion to the Israelites in the Sinai desert. Miriam provided comfort and healing to the people and helped them to hold fast to their faith during this major tribulation in their lives. In the Sinai desert Miriam performed a miracle as she revealed a flowing well that provided the Israelites with water at the desert.

Women in general played (and still do play) a vital role in Jewish life. They are the keepers of the traditions in the home and the ones who are looked to, to pass down stories and rituals of the Jews to the younger ones of our faith. Filling the cup with water from each woman in the family allows the next generation of Jewish women to draw from the wisdom and strength of our culture and heritage.

The blessing over Miriam’s Cup

Once the cup is filled and the explanation is given, it is than raised and it is said “We place Miriam’s cup on the Seder table so as to honor the vital role that Jewish women in our history have played and to draw more attention to this role as the stories are so rarely told.” We than continue on to recite a prayer from a much admired woman, Susan Schnur and then each person tells a tale about a Jewish women that they admire. The ritual ends with dancing and singing and the recitation for Exodus 15:20-21. Miriam’s cup is an important part of modern Jewish tradition that gives the women of our faith the credit that they deserve in their service to G-d and their family.

During the Holiday of Passover, we use the Seder Plate to represent each part of the Seder, in the order it appears. On the Seder Plate, we include parsley to remind us of the green of Springtime, bitter herbs to remind us of the bitterness of slavery, haroset to remind us of the bricks we, as slaves, used to build Egypt, a shank bone to remind us of the sacrificial lamb from the story of Passover, and an egg to remind us of the circle of life and also of Springtime.

Seder Plate is placed at the center of the Passover table

The Seder Plate sits front and center on the Seder table. Many Seder Plates, today, come with written locations for each food item, but traditionally, the order in which the food is placed is directly related to the order of the Passover Seder. The first item to be used is placed directly in front of the Seder leader and the order continues from there.

Different traditions exist with regards to the Seder Plate. Some families will use the entire Seder table as their Seder Plate and will put the pieces of the Seder directly on the table. Other families give each participant their own Seder Plate, so they can follow the order on their own plates. Regardless of each family’s tradition, the idea of a Seder Plate is essential to the holiday of Passover. This is why it has become so important and crucial to Judaism, in general.

Seder plate in Judaica art

Because the Seder Plate is really the chief storyteller of the Passover Seder, it has taken a special artistic form during the rest of the year. As it is usually placed front and center of the Seder table, people will buy the nicest and most individualistic Seder Plates they can find to illustrate their family’s special identity. Seder Plate styles range from Lily Art’s glass contemporary look to ornately royal, high quality sterling silver Hazorfim designs – and, of course, there are always Yair Emanuel’s exceptionally colorful pieces.

Other Judaic pieces on Passover

Seder Plates are not the only creative manifestations during Passover. Other items, including Haroset Dishes, Matzah Plates, Modern Matzah Covers, and Afikomen Bags also have a special place in Judaica Art. However, because of its prominence in the celebration of the Passover holiday, the Seder Plate has truly taken its place among many families’ Judaica collections as a central piece of functional art.