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The Star of David Demystified

What is the origin and history of the Shield of David?

By Pinchas Taylor

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The Star of David Demystified: What is the origin and history of the Shield of David?

What is the history of the Star of David? How did it become associated with Judaism?

Topics:

Magen David

By Pinchas Taylor

Rabbi Pinchas Taylor, an inspirational young scholar, is a sought-after educator and speaker. He lives in South Florida with his wife Miriam and serves as the Director of Adult Education and Outreach at the Chabad of Plantation. He is the author of two books which you can view and purchase here.

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17 Comments

Lou Blum NY May 14, 2024

Basically you're not sure. So happens that each of the 12 tribes had their own distinct flag as symbol and therefore does not conflict with Torah at all. Reply

Shoshana GA November 25, 2022

Very good presentation. It aligns with my findings about the ambiguous pagan origins of this star that should not represent the Jewish people. As Rabbi Pinchas Taylor stated, Torah is what should identify the Jewish people.
Torah is what should set the Jewish people aside, not some star. Reply

Gaea Singer Johnson City December 25, 2019

Excellent, thank you. Reply

Taps Johannesburg,South Africa June 29, 2017

I've always considered this an idol very much in the same way I consider a crucifix an idol. Good deeds are how we identify with G-d. G-d alone is our shield. Reply

Esther Derisme Boca Raton, Fl March 8, 2017

the truth of the Star of David Well said Rabbi! I am a christian believing in the Torah as a guide for the New Covenant. I needed to know the truth about the Star of David, you just enlighten me.
Thank you! Reply

Gayle Rosen Singapore November 11, 2016

Yes, thank you for the history of the Star of David from the Jewish perspective. It also has appeared in many other culture and religions prior to the adoption by the Jewish people. If you google, "Satkona - Star of David or Star of Goloka?" you will see a rich global history intertwined with Jewish origins. Reply

David Las Vegas August 2, 2016

Star of David Thank you Rabbi for your enlightening discussion. Reply

james ohio July 8, 2016

the hexagon is there any information of one having an experience with this 6 sided light form in any text. would you recommend specific books and the sections? very grateful for any assistance. Reply

David Vic April 8, 2016

Enlightening Reply

Anonymous March 25, 2016

Awesome presentation. Torah is life. But then, did G-d not gave us Torah, the Arc of The Covenant and Menorah? Were this not enough great symbols as identity to put on the flag? Specially knowing how ambiguous the star of David is. I would rather have the menorah any time. Reply

Shoshana GA January 24, 2016

"Star of David" Thank you Rabbi for admitting to the pagan commonality in the true origin of the “star of David”. The information you presented is very good, including the Jewish mystic connection. This stars one of the idols (sorry, along with the kippa and the fixed Hillel calendar) that upon the return of Moshiach as Moshiach Ben David, Israel will repent from. The star in question is really pagan and often used in witchcraft that is why Amos warns us about it, Amos 5:26. You are absolutely correct, only Torah should represent the Jewish people! Reply

Michael Kigel Jerusalem April 25, 2015

Wonderful, pithy, eloquent presentation!! G. Scholem also a nice analysis of this history. Could it be that our "ambiguity" vis-a-vis the symbol is rooted very specifically in the second commandment of the Decalogue? Reply

Jeanine los Angeles April 25, 2015

embrace Torah and it's Author So many possibilities for the origin, as you spoke, I was feeling that the symbol was becoming more mysterious. Your final word, embrace Torah closed the deal. The mystery of its origin is unimportant. The Torah and it's Author are life.

Thank you. Reply

Casper Netherlands April 23, 2015

Ok Now I know, always wandered what Magen David meant. Reply

Gary Wayne Henderson Merritt Island, Fl. April 23, 2015

2 Triagles Did I miss that it also is 2 triangles intertwined ? I really enjoyed your presentation. Reply

Hendrik Vorster South Africa April 23, 2015

A possible interpretation of the Star of David Was it not because of the prophecy that the prophet Balaam made regards Messiah that the star of David was designed, as was written: "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not soon — a star will step forth from Ya`akov, a scepter will arise from Isra'el, to crush the corners of Mo'av and destroy all descendants of Shet. (Num 24:17 (CJB)

I could understand that Solomon would have had ‘A’ Star on his shields as protection, because he was expecting the words of the prophets to come to pass! Reply

Russell Comer Nash July 16, 2019

in response to Hendrik Vorster:

I like! Reply

The Star of David Demystified: What is the origin and history of the Shield of David?

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