For my final project I've decided to analyze various symbols in the Jewish faith to try and understand their meanings and how it explains the underlying ideals of the Jewish religion.  The symbols i've chosen are: The Star of David, a Menorah, the colors of the flag as well as the Jewish flag, a Mezuzah, and the Hand of Fatima.

This first picture is of the Star of David, or the "Magen David" means "Shield of David".  It is named after King David who, according the the Hebrew Bible, was the second the king of the united kingdom of Israel.  Interestingly, King David is also mentioned often in the Christian faith.  

The shape of the Magen David is very popular amongst other, earlier cultures because of its geometric symmetry.  This emblem, however, wasn't used by the Jews until 6th century BC.

Some theories suggest that the upwards pointing triangle represents male sexuality, and the downwards pointing triangle represents female sexuality, therefore representing harmony.  Another theory suggests that the two triangles represent fire and water, and together they represent a reconciliation of opposites, again another indicator that harmony is a key idea in the Jewish religion.

Some theories also say that this 6 pointed star represents the 6 aspects of the divine spirit.  

Something else interesting about the Star of David I found on youtube.com (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFqcAMeeZ28).   The video basically expresses the importance of this symbol in terms of the universe, and universal energy.  As I browsed youtube I found a lot of videos relating the star to the energy.  Though these videos seemed to be completely separate from the Jewish faith, i think there are many connections that can be made.  I think it shows the universality of Judaism and it's principles.  

This first picture is of the Star of David, or the "Magen David" means "Shield of David".  It is named after King David who, according the the Hebrew Bible, was the second the king of the united kingdom of Israel.  Interestingly, King David is also mentioned often in the Christian faith.  Note the overlap of faiths, because I will talk about it later.

The shape of the Magen David is very popular amongst other, earlier cultures because of its geometric symmetry.  This emblem, however, wasn't used by the Jews until 6th century BC.

Some theories suggest that the upwards pointing triangle represents male sexuality, and the downwards pointing triangle represents female sexuality, therefore representing harmony.  Another theory suggests that the two triangles represent fire and water, and together they represent a reconciliation of opposites, again another indicator that harmony is a key idea in the Jewish religion.

Some theories also say that this 6 pointed star represents the 6 aspects of the divine spirit.  

Something else interesting about the Star of David I found on youtube.com (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFqcAMeeZ28).   The video basically expresses the importance of this symbol in terms of the universe, and universal energy.  As I browsed youtube I found a lot of videos relating the star to the energy.  Though these videos seemed to be completely separate from the Jewish faith, i think there are many connections that can be made.  

The Menorah was originally used as the symbol for Judaism, instead of the Maged David.  The reason for this is because of Isaac Arama, a 15-th century kabbalist who claimed that Psalm 67 was engraved in the shape of a menorah on the back of David's shield--and, just as a side note, because of this Psalm 67 became known as the Menorah Psalm.  Another side note, Menorah's are often placed on the walls of many churches. 

The seven-branch menorah (see  first picture at top of page) was made according the commandment in Exodus 25:31.  It teaches us that the menorah was the vessel God used to combine the spiritual life that is supposed to come with the physical life of our world.  The purpose of a menorah acts as a symbol for lighting the world, it is not used simply as a lamp.  It is meant to pose as a physical reminder of the commandment in Isaiah 42:6 that the people of Israel are to be light to the nations.  Based on this, it seems fitting that Jews are often called "God's chosen people".

One last thing about Menorahs: You might find 

menorah's with nine candle holders (see above), this is mean to represent the eight days of Hanukah.  The ninth slot acts as a holder for the candle used to light each of the eight candles.

The purpose of a Mezuzah is to fulfill the biblical commandment in Deuteronomy 6:4-6:9 which says: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. ... Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

The Mezuzah I think shows how God is always protecting the Jews.  If we follow the commandments God will always protect us.  You'll also notice a letter on most Mezuzah's that looks like a "W", this is called a Shin.  The Shin stands for the word Shaddai, which is a name for God.

Another symbol that deals with the idea of protection is the "Hand of God".  It is widely used in various cultures.  For example, it is a very popular symbol in all of the Middle East.  In Arab cultures this hand is referred to as the Hand of Fatima, and it represents the hand of God.  In the Jewish faith it is called Hamesh, or a Hamsa.  If you look up to the left you'll notice another image of a Hamsa with an eye in the middle.  The eye represents the evil eye.  This means that God is watching over us and protecting us from evil.

If you notice in the hand to the right there is hebrew engraving, it is called Chai, pronounced "Hrrri".  It means life.  

In both images you'll notice images of fish engraved into the hands.  

The image on the left is an image of the Jewish Flag, or the Flag of Israel.  A man named Morris Harris invented the Jewish flag 

in 1898.  The design was on the back of the tallit which is the traditional shawl worn during Jewish prayer.  The flag is meant to replicate this design, and that is why the Jewish flag looks the way it does.  The colors, and the design, the two stripes, are supposed to be symbolic for heaven.  Notice how the Jewish star is in between the two stripes, which means that heaven is both above and below.  In the Jewish faith there is no hell. 

I think this shows that in the Jewish faith all people are seen as good, regardless of the mistakes we make.  While there is no hell, it is said that If Jews doesn't follow the commandments of God they go "somewhere" to learn their lesson, however, there is no eternal damnation.  

Also, Jews are often referred to as the chosen people, which I think can be represented by the two stripes. Because the star is floating in between "heaven and heaven", it is as if it is being protected.  

Bahai Temple

For our blog this week we were to watch the following video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiukG-rpPfk

What I learned is that the Bahai temple was built in a way that emphasizes the values stressed in the faith: unity and equality.  I think it is really interesting that the architecture was built after a religions belief.  I think it shows a lot about the importance of equality and unity in the Bahai faith.   I wonder if the Bahai Temple of Chicago had built in with sharp edges and deep cut angle would we get the same sense of unity.  My guess is no, but i think it is really interesting how much the architecture of a building can impact the way you feel when inside it.  I imagine that being inside the Bahai temple feels very safe and welcoming.  Also, if you look at the picture below which a floor plan of the Bahai temple you'll notice eight rooms that jut off.  This represents the symbol of the Bahai faith, again showing how detailed the architecture of the temple is, and committed it was to replicating the belief and symbol of the Bahai faith.

  

More On The Bahai

I never realized how popular the Bahai faith was, no did I realize how widely spread it was.  I think it is really interesting that it started in Persia and has expanded to all over the world to multiple different communities.  I think it is really fascinating that there are religions that combine multiple different beliefs from various religions.  Like i've mentioned in previous posts, i really believe that each religion builds off of one another in terms of their ideas.  I think this is very true in terms of the Bahai faith.  For some reason, I am tempted to view Bahai faith as a way of life rather than a religion.  When i think of religion i think of a strict set of rules that one must follow in order to be the best person they can and be closer to God.  The Bahai faith, however, seems more like a loose set of beliefs.  The values taught in this faith don't seem to be imposed on it's followers, rather it seems suggested.  The main idea of Bahai faith is unity and equality.  I really like this.

Scientology

I found today's discussion on scientology really interessting. We recently just discussed what makes a religion a religion. What are the founding elements? I think that in order for a religion to be a religion it needs to have reason and a leader. I think this is funny because a lot of people make fun of scientology and say that it is not real or it is, excuse my language, bull shit. But why? It seems to have a legitimate reason to have been started. L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of scientology (see the following link for more information: http://www.aboutlronhubbard.org/) He describes scientology as describes itself as the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, others, and all of life. The interesting thing about scientology is that it is basically a science. So, here is my question : are science and religion seperate? A lot of people argue that religion is not a science, however, i argue that science offers us some proof based on prior knowledge. All knowledge however is relative, and open to different interpretations, therefore, nothing is neccessarily set in stone, and because of this, science is basically a system of theories. So yes, why scientology is considered a "science" it can also be considered a religion.

Questions About Religions: Why a "God"?

The Baha'i faith is really interesting because it emphasizes a unity of major world religions.  This got me thinking: how separate are each individual religions underlying ideas from one another?  Don't all religions essentially build off each other?  This definitely seems to be the case.  All the religions we've studied so far deal with one particular figure that represents an all-knowing, transcendental figure.  Why is this?  Why do most religions, mainly the ones we've discussed thus far, deal with the notion that we are inferior.  Why must we be guided?  What is this idea of guidance?  I wonder if there is truth to this.  Are all human beings in need of guidance?  Is it possible to live a life with out a set of rules to follow?  Is that is behind Atheism?  Is there a need for a God like figure always? These are just some questions i wanted to raise that came to mind after reading about the Bahi'i.  

The Elements of Founding a Religion

One of the most important elements to founding a religion is having the need for one.  For example, unhappiness with a certain idea often leads to a need for a new religion, which was the case for the Bahais.  For a religioun to work, you also need a group of followers.  If the reason for starting a religion is strong enough, for example, enough of the Bahais were unhappy with the violent ideas to want to start a new religion, therefore there were enough followers.  Another important element in founding a religion is having a good leader.  What does a good leader entail?  Well you need a leader that is passionate about his/her teachings.  You also need a leader who is devoted.  With a strong enough religious ideal, group of followers, and persuasive, passionate leader, founding a religion seems easy, almost.  I think it's really cool how religions develop.  Not only this, but there are so many parallels among various religions.  For example, the Bab's teachings seem to have evolved, or incorporate much of the Islamic faiths' ideas.  These ideas are closely related as well with the teachings in Judaism and Christianity.  While new religions are meant to offer new ideas, they often sprout from existing ones therfore never allowing them to die, leading to a large parallel of ideas.  

Founding a Religion

One of the most important elements to founding a religion is having the need for one. For example, unhappiness with a certain idea often leads to a need for a new religion, which was the case for the Bahais. For a religioun to work, you also need a group of followers. If the reason for starting a religion is strong enough, for example, enough of the Bahais were unhappy with the violent ideas to want to start a new religion, therefore there were enough followers. Another important element in founding a religion is having a good leader. What does a good leader entail? Well you need a leader that is passionate about his/her teachings. You also need a leader who is devoted. With a strong enough religious ideal, group of followers, and persuasive, passionate leader, founding a religion seems easy, almost. I think it's really cool how religions develop. Not only this, but there are so many parallels among various religions. For example, the Bab's teachings seem to have evolved, or incorporate much of the Islamic faiths' ideas. These ideas are closely related as well with the teachings in Judaism and Christianity. While new religions are meant to offer new ideas, they often sprout from existing ones therfore never allowing them to die, leading to a large parallel of ideas.