Kabbalah
Kabbalah, in modern and laymen’s terms, is Jewish mysticism. Those who practice and understand Kabbalah are said to know many secrets of the relationship between the spiritual and the physical, the creation of the world, and much more. In recent years there has been an unquenchable thirst for spirituality, and a prominent side-effect of this thirst is the emergence and growing popularity of Kabbalah jewelry. Some Kabbalah jewelry is based in verified information, while other types of Kabbalah jewelry are based on the desire to remain in touch with spirituality on a daily basis by wearing symbolic jewelry.
Kabbalah jewelry items vary in design as well as cost. Some of those jewels are made of gold, Sterling Silver and other metals such as pewter, and incorporate precious and semi-precious stones. The popularity of many of these beautiful items is undoubtedly augmented by celebrities, entertainers and movie stars (Jews and non-Jews alike) who are often seen wearing Kabbalah jewelry and believe that it has contributed to their fame and financial success.
Some Kabbalah Jewelry is known for its contrast between the alleged powers is holds and its apparent simplicity. An example of such Kabbalah jewelry is the famous red string. The red string may have a small amulet attached to it. This amulet may be engraved with one of the names of G-d, and is often believed to provide protection and perhaps even enhance one's wealth and power. The amulet may also be the famous Hamsa, the five-finger hand. There are various explanations of this symbol, and one of them states that the five fingers represent the Five Books of Moses.
Another well know type of Kabbalah jewelry is the ‘Bendel’ Kabbalah bracelet. This bracelet is made up of a braided red string with gold or silver interlocking weaves. Charms or amulets attached to the string may be the Star of David, Hamsa, and more.
The rising, massive demand for Kabbalah jewelry has spurred many artisans to create many types of Kabbalah jewelry that range in price, size and more.
Kabbalah Jewelry Guide
Kabbalah literally means "receiving" and is based on esoteric teachings that were received and understood by mystics dating back to the 11th-13th century when Rabbis in Southern France and Spain began to delve into more mysterious and cryptic understandings of Jewish holy texts. Due to its cryptic nature, most Kabbalah jewelry features Hebrew letters that add up to names or understandings of the universe and G-D. One of the most popular symbols used for Kabbalah jewelry is the famous "Tree of Life". The "Tree of Life" or "Etz Chaim" as it is said in Hebrew, is first mentioned in Genesis and according to Kabbalist's explains the relationship between human beings and G-D and a diagram of how the universe came into being.
The "Hamsa" is another popular symbol that is used in Kabbalah and cross-culturally and represents the guarding from the "evil eye". The "Merkava" is also a well known symbol that comes from the Prophet Ezekiel's vision where he saw a chariot or Merkava in Hebrew. Due to their symbolic nature, the various symbols are often given for anything ranging from good luck, protection and strength in the forms of necklaces and bracelets like the popular red string bracelet. Some of these symbols include Hebrew letters written in acronyms where each letter may represent a name or understanding of G-D.
Pendants are also very popular and often include Hebrew words that add up to various numerical significance and meanings for words such as life and prosperity. Songs that were written by Kabbalist's are also popular as they have both beautiful melodies and contain secret Kabbalistic codes.
Choshen Jewelry
The "Choshen" or famous breastplate of the High Priests or the "Kohenim" dates back to the days of the Temple. This beautiful breastplate is described in detail in Exodus as a large apron-like piece made from gold and features twelve different gemstones representing the Twelve Tribes of Israel. This symbol is a great gift for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah which is a time in a Jewish person's life marking a "rite of passage" from youth to an adult member of the community expected to observe commandments. Just as the Choshen represents each single tribe as a member of the entire nation of Israel so too does the Bar or Bat Mitzvah become part of the greater whole.
Kabbalah Bracelets
One of the most popular items of jewelry that is associated with Kabbalah is the red string bracelet. This bracelet is considered a talisman or amulet and it is used as a ward against the "evil eye" and as good luck charms. Other bracelets include various charms such as Hamsa's or the "hand of Miriam" famous for warding off the so-called "evil eye". Other charms include the Star of David, the most popular Jewish symbol, is often features on red-string bracelets in silver or blue. Another famous charm used in Greece is a white bead with a blue eye also considered a protective amulet. These bracelets are worn by all different types of people on the left wrist, as the left side is considered the "receiving" side in Kabbalah as the wearer hopes to receive good fortune.
For More Information
For more information about Kabbalah Jewelry or other Judaica items, feel free to contact our Judaica experts with any questions or concerns.
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