The Star of David
The
Star of David is the recognized symbol of the Jews. It was originally a magical protective symbol and wasn't associated with
Jews until later. It is literally modeled as the shield of the warrior, David. In Kabbalah is signifies the number seven,
which has a religious significance in Judaism (6 days of creation, 1 day of rest, 6 days of work 1 Sabbath, Menorah, etc.)
The earliest text related to Judaism which mentions the star as a protective symbol is the Eshkol Ha-Kofer by Judah Hadaassi.
The Evil Eye
The Evil eye is a superstitiously
believed look that can cause injury or bad luck to the person which it is directed at. In Judaism, it is mentioned in several
texts. In the Talmud it is stated that there are people who have this power and there are several practices that can protect
against the harm of the evil eye. It is believed that descendants of Joseph are immune to the eye, thus the incantation:
"Take
the thumb of the right hand in the left hand and the thumb of the left hand in the right hand, and say: "I am the seed of
Joseph over whom the evil eye has no power" (Berakhot 55b)
Hamsa
The hamsa is represented as an eye embedded in the palm of an open hand. In
Judaism, it is recognized as a Kabbalistic amulet and in Jewish art. It is certain how it came about in Judaism, but it might
have been used to invoke the hand of God or to protect from the evil eye.
Magic Bowls
The Talmud portrays Jews as participating and
accepting magic and miracles. Many magical amulets were found in homes during the talmudic period. The magic bowl is a bowl
in which a magic spell was written on and used to drive away evil spirits and to protect the family.
