Religious Jewelry

Unless it is something you are looking for, I don’t believe most people notice it. Especially here in Colorado, people sporting crosses around their necks is nearly commonplace. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, metals, etc. More permutations than one can really fathom exist.

On my first trip to Israel, many of thepeople I was with wore something religious. There was a multitude of mogen david; a handful of hamsas, and a smattering of other. If my memory serves, few necks went unadorned. One young Israeli woman asked me why I wore it. At that time it seemed like a silly question. I wanted other people to recognize that not only was I not Christian (no cross) but I was Jewish (star of David). That was a foreign concept to her. Everyone she interacted with was Jewish—it was Israel after all.

I’ve had nearly three years to re-evaluate that question. Most days I wear one of my three necklaces which bear the star of David. I find I play with it when I’m thinking. Or when I am remembering. Or when I need to remember. Or when I’m happy. I recall its presence many times a day. In my evaluations, I have found that I have changed my outlook nearly completely. The necklace is not for other people, it is for me. This is similar to what I mentioned previously about skirts. Not only am I publicly declaring my religion, I am also constantly reminding myself.

Recently I received another piece of jewelry. This time it’s a bracelet. In English, it is has the main six words of the Sh’ma translated. Then in Hebrew it is the entire first part of the sh’ma and her blessings. The shape is a Mobius strip connected. The symbolism represented just in structure is in itself a lengthy analysis discussion, so for now it will be put on the back burner.

“Bind them as a sign upon your hand”. And there it is, on my hand. Because it doesn’t have a clasp (which would ruin design elements), it is not a snug fit on my wrist, luckily just big enough to fit over my fist. As I am walking or writing or moving in any way, there it is—sliding back and forth very noticeably. A sign to everyone—most especially to me. This is taking tefillin to a whole new level; it’s only worn during scheduled davening.

I am reminded of l’shon hora, modesty, faith, tradition, modernity, and the list goes on. I am reminded of the things Judaism is to me.

I proudly put on as a sign upon my hand my new bracelet for all to see and for me to remember.