Contemporary Judaica

I like the symbolism of the Hamsa as it highlights the similarities of Judaism with its neighbouring faiths. For this reason some Jews choose to wear, or have in the doors of their homes, the Hamsa hand as a gesture for hope, peace, and prosperity.

In both Islam and Judaism Hamsa means the number five.

In Islam it is called the ‘hand of Fatima’ and is sometimes depicted with an eye symbol. This is believed to ward off evil and protect its wearers.

Jews call it the ‘hand of Miriam’ (sister of Moses and Aaron).

In the Jewish faith the Hamsa is considered as a protective sign and is believed to bring its owner happiness, luck, health, peace, and good fortune.

Hamsa (five in Hebrew) represents the five books of the Torah for Jews.

Also the fifth number of the Hebrew alphabet is ‘heh’ which represents one of God’s holy names. For this reason many Jews believe that the five fingers of the Hamsa remind its wearer to use their five senses to praise God.