Jewish Art Today

The Hamsa, a palm shaped charm, usually with two symmetrical thumbs, is one of the most common decorations to be found in Jewish homes. It is usually forming a part of necklaces, earrings, key chains or home decorations such as wall hanging pieces, which are usually inscribed with a Jewish prayer or one of the psalms. Hamsas often include eyes or fishes for both elements are believed to bring good luck. There is no “correct” way to place it – you can put it with the fingers pointing up or down, either way it shall implement its gracious vocation.

What does the “Hamsa” stand for?

Hamsa means “five” in Arabic and its sound is also similar to the word “five” in Hebrew: “hamesh”. It is believed that the number five combined with an eye, which you can usually see in the middle of the Hamsa palm, serve as protection against the evil eye. The stretched fingers are believed to be granting a powerful blessing, which covers the whole house or the person who wears it.

The Hamsa was generated in the Arabic culture, where it absorbed local characteristics, however, it found its way into the Jewish culture, where it was adopted mainly by the Sephardic community. Thus the Muslim “hand of Fatimah” turned into “The hand of Miriam”, Moses and Aaron’s sister, whose great virtues are attributed to the existence of the miraculous well that followed the Israelis on their long journey throughout the desert.

The number five also stands for the five books of Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy) and also for the fifth letter in the Hebrew alphabet, which has a meaning of its own – one of God’s names. The number “five” also represents the five senses that weren’t given to us to our mere satisfaction, but should be dedicated in each of our actions to G-d’s admiration.

You Find this hanging Hamsa hand at Canaan-Online Hamsas collection.

Rabi Hanina Ben Dosa and the rock:

A story to remember when you look at your Hamsa

In Song of Songs Rabbah, an exegetic Midrash from the sixth century, we are told about Rabbi Hanina Ben Dosa, who was too poor to provide an offering to the temple along with the other pious pilgrims who could do so. Rabbi Hanina Ben Dosa was so mournful about it until he saw a big rock and swore to bring to the temple. After chiseling and polishing the rock, he looked for some men to help him carry his gift to Jerusalem. Five carriers offered to help him carry the rock but not for free: They asked for 500 gold coins as their working fee. Rabbi Hanina, who was very poor, couldn’t match their demand so they vanished and left him there, all alone with his rock.

Not long after, five other carriers appeared out of nowhere. This time they asked him for a more reasonable payment of five stones but under one condition: Rabbi Hanina must give them a hand in transporting his precious gift to the temple.

Rabbi Hanina agreed and the group was heading towards the temple together. When they arrived to Jerusalem, Rabbi Hanina turned his head wishing to pay them, according to their settlement, but they have all disappeared.

Rabbi Hanina didn’t know what to do with the wages he had promised to pay and so he went to ask for the advice of the Sanhedrin, the sages who sat in the temple. When the Sanhedrin heard his story, they told Rabbi Hanina that obviously those five carriers were ministering angels sent by G-d to help him. Rabbi Hanina, who has suddenly realized what has happened, didn’t keep the money and chose to give it to the Sanhedrin instead.

Giving a hand always pays off

If you read this story again you will notice that the number 5 (Hamsa) repeats several times in several ways (5 carriers, 500 coins, 5 angels). This chain of fives leads us to one of the main messages this story wishes to convey: The power of change is in our own hands!

Rabbi Hanina Ben Dosa managed to carry his rock to the temple only when he “gave a hand” and participated in the pilgrimage on its own. As a matter of fact, the number five stands for the palm’s five fingers, which represent sincere efforts that do not go unnoticed and might carry a miracle within them, just like on this inspiring story.

Finally, you don’t need good luck to find a gorgeous Hamsa -

Just take a close look at these colorful and meticulously made collection and choose the one that’s right for you! You can hang a Hamsa hand on your wall, wear a Hamsa hand around your neck or on your wrist – or all of the above!

All items are handmade in Israel by talented Israeli artists. Here’s one thing in life you just can’t do wrong.