27 February 2003
Question
What does the Star of David symbolise? What are its origins?
Answer
The Star of David is almost as ancient as the world itself. It was first depicted and explained in a Hebrew book entitled Raziel Hamalach. This book was given to Adam in the Garden of Eden by an angel called Raziel. The book is still around today, and I believe has even been translated into English, but is still almost impossible to understand without extensive knowledge of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism).
I will try to express one explanation of the Star of David in simple terms:
One of the most central of Jewish practices is the Shabbat - the Sabbath, a day of rest. The Shabbat is not just a weekend; it is a day of spiritual renewal. Because all week we work, study and are involved in our mundane activities, we don't have as much time to think about what is really important - our loved ones, our life direction, our soul. Shabbat gives us a chance to stop and focus on what really matters. Instead of being outwardly focused, for one day a week we come back to ourselves. For six days we are doctors, lawyers, mechanics and students; on Shabbat we are just human beings. For six days we DO things; on Shabbat we just ARE. For six days we challenge ourselves to achieve, invent and develop; on Shabbat we appreciate ourselves and our loved ones not for what we have achieved, but simply for the people we are. Shabbat is not just another day of the week; it COMPLETES the week, it gives the other six days purpose, shape and meaning. Without Shabbat our week is a disjointed series of days; with Shabbat, every day fits into the prism of a meaningful life.
Now look at the Star of David. It has six little triangles, each one facing outwards in different directions, that converge to create a hexagonal space in the middle. The triangles are the six days of the week; the inner space is the Shabbat that unites them into a consistent unit.
This is one of the many mystical messages hidden in the Star of David.
