Q: Why do the Jews use a star as a symbol of their faith?

A: Unlike what the Cross symbolizes to Christians, the six-pointed star – known in Hebrew as the Magen David (meaning "Shield of David") – has no actual religious significance. Affectionately referred to as the "Star of David," it is simply a hexagram made up to two equilateral triangles superimposed upon each other.

The origins of the Star of David are unclear. We do know that this symbol hasn't always been associated exclusively with Judaism, but was used by Christians and even Muslims at various points in history. Though not specifically mentioned in rabbinic literature until the middle ages, the Star of David eventually became cemented with Judaism during the 19th and 20th centuries when it was used as a favorite architectural decoration on Jewish buildings, such as synagogues and schools. When the Zionist movement began about eighty years ago, Jews unilaterally adopted this star as the official emblem of their nation. Ironically, because the Nazis forced all Jews to where yellow Star of David patches upon their clothing as a method of identifying, as well as demeaning them, this "symbol of shame" ended up becoming Judaism's biggest symbol of unity!

Fr. John