The Most Common Jewish Symbols & Their Meanings

Learn all about Jewish iconography

Co-authored by Danya Ruttenberg and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: October 31, 2025 Fact Checked

There are many traditional symbols and signs you may see in traditional Jewish households and synagogues. Some of these are recognizable to many non-Jewish people, like the menorah and the Star of David, but others may be unfamiliar. In this article, we’ll teach you all about the common symbols of Judaism and what they represent. Keep reading to learn more.

Common Jewish Symbols

Menorah: a seven-branched candelabrum that symbolizes light, wisdom, and divine inspiration.
Star of David: a six-pointed star that symbolizes Judaism and Jewish identity.
Dreidel: A top that is played with during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
Hamsa: A hand-shaped amulet believed to protect against the evil eye.
Kippah/Yarmulke: A small cap worn by Jewish men as a sign of reverence for God.

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Common Symbols of Judaism

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Symbolism is an important part of Jewish culture, as many Jewish people wear visible religious tokens that represent the relationship between God and His people. Here are some of the most recognizable symbols of Judaism:
- Menorah: A seven-branched candelabrum that stood in the Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem. It represents light, wisdom, and divine inspiration.^{[1]
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- Star of David: A six-pointed star associated with Jewish identity and Judaism as a whole.^{[2]
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- Chai (חי): The Hebrew word for “life.” It often appears on jewelry to signify the importance of life and to remind of the Giver of Life.^{[3]
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- Hamsa: A hand-shaped amulet that represents the hand of God and is believed to protect against the evil eye.^{[4]
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- Shofar: The Hebrew name for “ram’s horn.” This symbol represents the High Holy Days and is used in Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur observances.^{[5]
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- Tablets of the Law: Two tablets with rounded tops that represent the Ten Commandments Moses received from God on Mount Sinai. They symbolize the covenant between God and the Jewish people.
- Lion of Judah: A pair of lions that appear as heraldic supporters, especially on the Tables of the Law. A symbol of strength and leadership that also points to the lineage of King David and the Messiah.^{[6]
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- Shin (שׁ): The 21st letter of the Hebrew alphabet, symbolizing El Shaddai, one of the Names of God in Judaism.
- Mezuzah: A small case placed on the doorposts of traditional Jewish homes. It is a constant reminder of God’s presence and God’s mitzvot.^{[7]
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- Kippah (Yarmulke): A small cap worn on the head of Jewish men as a sign of reverence and recognition of a higher authority
- Challah: A type of braided bread that symbolizes the manna God provided to the Israelites in the desert
- Torah scroll: A symbolic scroll that represents the Torah, the handwritten scroll containing the first 5 books of the Bible. It represents the central text of Jewish life and worship.^{[8]
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- Tallit: A prayer shawl that Jewish people wear during prayers. It reminds the wearer of the commandments of the Torah.
- Dreidel: A spinning top that is a part of a holiday game during Hanukkah. The letters on each side stand for the words, “A great miracle has happened there.” It serves as a reminder that God did a miracle for His people.^{[9]
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