In the book of the Jewish philosopher, historian of religion and mysticism, Gershom Scholem, published 27 years after his death, a researcher of Jewish mysticism, suggested that the star of David, which is known to be considered as the oldest Jewish symbol, is actually a magical emblem, which was revered by Jews only in the XIX century.

The books, which were first published 60 years after writing, you can count on one hand. One of them was a study of the famous Jewish philosopher and scholar of Jewish mysticism Gershom Scholem’s “Star of David – the history of the symbol,” which was released only now, 27 years after the death of the author.

Professor Gershom Scholem – one of the greatest Jewish thinkers of our time, a researcher at the Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism, as well as one of the founders of the Jewish University in Jerusalem. Scholem studied this issue for more than 50 years. In 1949, when the Star of David was placed on the flag of the Jewish state, Scholem decided to publish a summary of their work.

In an article published 60 years ago, a scientist suggested that the “Star of David was never a Jewish symbol and the more a symbol of Judaism.” Most recently, Professor Avraham Shapira decided to publish the full version of this study. The book touches religious, mystical, national and political aspects of magical characters.

Scholem argues that once a hexagram (six-pointed star) David was a seal of King Solomon, and is a symbol that was attributed magical properties. For the first time as the Star of David was found on the seal, which belonged to nobody Yehoshua ben Assiyahu, who lived about 2700 years ago.

It is known that the star of David used in the decoration of ancient synagogues, for example the synagogue in Kfar Nahum (Capernaum), built in the III century AD. Oe. It is decorated with ornaments, which can distinguish five-pointed pentagram and a six-pointed hexagram, as well as figures that resemble a swastika. According to the Scholem, Seal of Solomon was used in Jewish mysticism in the VI century AD. Oe. It should be noted that during the Second Temple was considered a major Jewish symbol Menorah – the temple lamp.

It is known that the image printing Solomon occurs in two variants: in the form of a pentagram (five-pointed star) and the hexagram (six-pointed star).

The first study on the Star of David was carried out by a descendant of the great medieval Jewish philosopher Rambam David Ben Yehuda and-Jazid in the XIV century.

Official use of the symbol originated in Prague. Scholem writes that this decision is likely to have been taken to local governance breeding might want to somehow make the Jews. In 1354, Holy Roman Emperor and Czech King Charles IV granted the Jews the privilege of having its own flag, and, as is known, was attended by a star of David. One of these flags can still be seen in the Old-New Synagogue.

From Prague Magen David has spread throughout Europe and became known as the main symbol of Judaism.

The banner with the Star of David blue was selected as the main symbol of Zionism at the First Zionist Congress in Basel (1897). However, Gershom Scholem argued that this character has acquired its sacred significance only during the Holocaust, when Nazis forced Jews to sew a star clothes. That is, according to the researcher, gave a sacred symbol of value, which he never had before.

Material written by Robert Berg