menu_open Columnists
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Magen David, our Star, Our Shield

11 18
previous day

In today’s climate of animosity directed towards the State of Israel and, by inevitable extension, the Jewish people, a simple six-pointed star is often the target of scorn, ridicule and discrimination.

In English, the colloquial term for this symbol is the “star of David,” which is intended to correspond to the Hebrew term, Magen David. That, of course, is a mistranslation, as the word magen means “shield,” not star. It derives from the Hebrew word ganan, which means “to shield.” Contextually, these terms refer to both physical and figurative shields.

In today’s world, this distinction matters. A star is a mere object, icon or symbol. A shield is an instrument of protection.

The true definition of........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)