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Home Blessings and Hamsa

Hamsa, popularly known as Khamsa, is a hand shaped amulet used primarily by Jewish and Muslim people for protection. The name ‘Hamsa’ has been derived from Semitic roots, and means five. Hamsa is so popular nowadays, that you can even find Hamsa bracelets in many stores. Hamsa is generally shaped in the form of a symmetrical hand having thumbs on both sides, off course not in an anatomically correct way. Though frequently used by both Jewish and some Muslim people, its origin is attributed to the goddess Tanit.

Hamsa bracelet is mainly used to ward off the evil eye. The Hamsa can be found on the entrances of homes, in cars, on charm bracelets, chains and many more. According to popular belief, Hamsa such as with the fish eyes and the Star of David helps and protects against from the evil eye. Though Hamsa is available in many colors but the color blue, or more specifically light blue is considered to be the most protective against any evil eye. In Jewish culture, Hamsa are often bejeweled with protective prayers including Sh'ma Prayer, the Birkat HaBayit, or the Tefilat HaDerech. A typical Hamsa is a charm, symbol, or talisman offering protection from the evils.

Also known as the Hamesh hand, Hamsa looks like a normal hand with three fingers pointing upward and the thumb and pinky pointing outward. The palm of the hand is generally covered with an eye. Though Hamsa is considered mainly to be of Arabic origin, some historians even relate Hamsa to its use by the Phoenicians or Punic people. Being popularly used by Jews, according to them, Hamsa is the symbol to keep you safe and protect you from dangers. You will be amazed to know that certain representations of the Hamsa symbol are also included in copies of certain Hebrew prayers.

Muslims refer to Hamsa with the Hand or Eye of Fatima, a simple reference to Muhammad’s daughter. However, Jewish people may refer Hamsa as symbol of the Hand of Miriam or the Hand of God. It is now commonly worn by people and you can also buy one at Lucky charms usa. At Luckycharmsusa.com you can find Hamsa in not just bracelets but also in key chains, key rings, and many more. You can even find Hamsa for babies with Opal Stone having Kabbalah Phrases printed or inscribed for protection. At luckycharmsusa.com you can find various makes of Hamsa, Hamsa Bracelet, and handmade Hamsa.

About the Author

Jonathan is well known author who writes on Hebrew Jewelry, Jewish Jewelry & accessories which prevent us from negative impact of evil eyes.

i want a tattoo and i'm jewish, please help me?

honestly it feels a bit dishonest to even ask this

but okay, i want to get a tattoo of the hamsa in the wrist area and somewhere along the line of the star of david on my hip.

i'm jewish. my family practices the religion in the way that they fast once a year and gather on some major holidays.

the reasoning behind my tattoo is to represent how i feel about god. i use jewish symbols because give it that my religion is jewish.

i want my children to be raised jewish, more than i was but not to an othrodox point. mainly - i just want them to be informed. the stories, holidays, symbolisms and so on.

i'm trying to avoid asking if i should get a tattoo, but any guidance or words of wisdom would do me a great deal.

I am Jewish. I am a Reform Jew, but have a great difficulty accepting tattoos on any Jew. Perhaps understanding a bit of the reasons and history of Jews and tattoos may help. This answer also combines my own anecdotal reasons and understandings as a Jew, too.

It is a violation of direct commandment in Leviticus.
In Leviticus 19:28, the Torah forbids tattooing: "You shall not scrape your flesh for a (dead) soul, and tattoos do not put upon you, I am the Lord."

This was one of the commands to the covenant nation that appears to set Israel apart from the other nations surrounding them who often had tattoos marking their allegiance to false gods. Throughout the Tanakh, Jews are forbidden to follow the practices and ways of the foreign beliefs that surrounded them so that the path and messaage of Torah is not eschewed or corrupted.

Even among the un-Orthodox like me, this commandment seemed to have a lot of weight throughout the centuries. Jews and tattoos do not mix. It was also one of the reasons that the tattooing of Jews in the concentration camps was such a horrible thing. It was another act to humiliate and to violate the faith and practice of Jews. Both of my parents were raised to believe that it is just not something a Jew does. They passed that down to both my brother and me.

I know Jews with tattoos. I have known Jews with the concentration camp tattoos. All of them are dead now. The only living Jews with tattoos I know personally, put them there themselves. I cannot seem to come to accept that. I have no problem with seeing tattoos on most people. I have found myself admiring the beauty of some tattoos. I can appreciate the deeply spiritual and cultural significance of tattoos to certain peoples. I can appreciate the meaning of empowerment or strength a tattoo on a bald head can give to a cancer survivor, But somehow, in my thinking to see a tattoo on children or on Jews, it does not seem right. It makes me sad to see it.

My agnostic husband was raised in part by his Baptist grandmother who also quoted that passage to her grandchildren in teaching them that our body is something to honor. We need to be very careful in how we decorate it so we do not ever bring dishonor to our family, our community or ourselves. My husband and I do not and shall not ever have any tattoos. God forbid, if our son ever wants one, he must be grown and on his own before he can make that decision for himself. As it now stands, he does not even like the play/sticker tattoos that are popular with children.

So, does this view make me seem superstitious? Narrow? On the other hand, does it seem contradictory or odd that I find validity in this yet I will eat shellfish? What should one say to Jews who declare they are showing pride in their Jewish faith or heritage to have a tattoo of a Chai or Mogen David or the name of HaShem? Would it make a difference if the tattoo were on their breasts or buttocks?

I never claimed to be uncomplicated.

Nevertheless, I believe a tattoo of Jewish symbols or in Hebrew certainly seems the most blatant way to dishonor the command of Leviticus. It is a very un-Jewish thing to do to your body.

Despite it being against Jewish law to get a tattoo, a Jew with a tattoo can be buried in a Jewish cemetery.

To any Jew who considers a tattoo: Are you one to blindly follow a fad, or are you a light unto the nations?

Only those who can understand the Hebrew for your tattoo will be able to appreciate the meaning of the words, yet Jews are also precisely the people you're most likely to offend by placing tattoos on your body using the holy language of Torah. Placing symbols of Judaism on your body in a tattoo, violating direct commandment of Torah, dishonors the religion and people that you wish to honor.

Please consider these things before you place such a permanent mark on your body.
Also Jonathan H makes a great point that I hope you consider as well.
Shalom and good luck with your decision.

Hamsa Star David