Israeli Jewelry Gets the Hollywood Star Treatment

Wearing mystical ornaments for good luck is something that exists in almost every culture, and has been around for millennia. What was once called simply Israeli jewelry or Jewish jewelry, has recently become popularized by Hollywood and the rich and famous. These days they mostly call it Kabbalah jewelry, but it’s all really the same thing. Elizabeth Taylor wore a red string Kabbalah bracelet long before it was popular. Since then, stars have taken to these items like fish to water. But what does it all mean?

To begin with, the word Kabbalah means “receive”, and those who study these mystical texts do so to find a deeper meaning to their lives and in the hopes that this study will bring them favor in the eyes of God, and thereby have better lives. While that may not seem like something that a Hollywood star is much in need of, certainly learning about both yourself and the world is a positive course of action. This has spilled over into wearing jewelry with symbols from Jewish scriptures and the Kabbalah.

The symbol that is most popular among the stars is the red string bracelet. We’ve seen this on such diverse big names as Elizabeth Taylor, Demi Moore, Britney Spears, Charlize Theron and David Beckham. The reason they wear this is to bring them good fortune and ward off the evil eye. In Jewish tradition, many new mothers take a piece of red string and tie it around the left wrist of their babies to make sure they will be safe. But this isn’t just any old piece of red string. Traditionally, this is special string that has special powers imbued upon it, after being wrapped seven times around the tomb of the Matriarch, Rachel. Rachel is often referred to as the “eternal mother” and many believe that her love and protection can be transferred to the string. This luck infused string is then woven into a braid and tied to make it into a bracelet.

Probably the best recognized symbol on this jewelry would be the Star of David. This symbol is the entwined triangles that make a star, which is not only the center of the Israeli flag, but at the center of Jewish history and tradition. Also known as the Shield of David, as this was the shape of King David’s shield which kept him safe in battle. It is also believed that wearing the Star of David will help the wearer gain wisdom and insight. It is said that Madonna has a piece of Jewish jewelry with a Star of David pendant on a red string bracelet.

There’s also the Hamsa, which is considered a lucky one in both Jewish and Islamic cultures. The word is actually Arabic for the number five. This corresponds with the fingers on your hand, and this is why the Hamsa charm is shaped like a hand. Traditionally, the Hamsa is meant to both bring good luck while warding off the evil eye. Often in Kabbalah jewelry, this symbol will be incrusted with a stone in the middle, or include an engraving which will simulate an eye. This representation is supposed to be what keeps watch over you to keep the evil away. Both Nicole Richie and Lindsey Lohan have been spotted wearing Israeli Jewelry with Hamsas.

Other symbols in this type of jewelry are things like the secret 72 Names of God (for good luck and ward off jealousy), also known as the ALD or Alef-Lamed-Dalet symbol. Along this same line is the SAL or Samech-Alef-Lamed combination of letters which is supposed to bring the wearer prosperity along with a blessing for protection. Another well-known symbol in Jewish jewelry includes the letters Chet-Yod, which spells the word “chai”, which means life. One of my personal favorite types of Israeli jewelry is those that say “Ani Ledodi Vedodi Li”. This means “I am unto my beloved, as my beloved is unto me”, which comes from King Solomon’s poem “The Song of Songs”. This inscription is often found on wedding bands – for obvious reasons.

Not only are these worn because of their deeper meanings, but they’re also beautiful. With so many different Israeli designers of Jewish jewelry and Kabbalah jewelry, there’s something that everyone can fall in love with. Even if you don’t study Kabbalah, having a beautiful piece of jewelry that is purported to ward off evil and bring you good luck can’t be a bad thing. And seriously, who couldn’t use an extra bit of good luck these days?


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