Where did the Star of David symbol come from?
Through the Jewish people’s long and often difficult history, they have come to the realization that their only hope is to place their trust in God. The six points of the Star of David symbolize God’s rule over the universe in all six directions: north, south, east, west, up and down. Originally, the Hebrew name Magen David — literally “Shield of David” — poetically referred to God. It acknowledges that our military hero, King David, did not win by his own might, but by the support of the Almighty. This is also alluded to in the third blessing after the Haftorah reading on Shabbat: “Blessed are you God, Shield of David.” Various other explanations exist on the meaning behind the Star of David. One idea is that a six-pointed star receives form and substance from its solid center. This inner core represents the spiritual dimension, surrounded by the six universal directions. (A similar idea applies to Shabbat — the seventh day which gives balance and perspective to the six weekdays.)
