Monday, December 31, 2007

Ridges to the Horizon

Magen David JNF stickerHaifa designer Hayim Shtayer shot this Magen David photo of a JNF sticker, and the sticker is part of his collection. The sticker was issued to celebrate 30 years of Israeli Independence. I liked the top triangle with the ridges to the horizon – very original!
Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007

Let My People Go

blue on white Star of David

Haifa designer Hayim Shtayer shot this photo of a blue on white Star of David on a “Let My People Go” sticker, and the sticker is part of his collection. It was used during the successful campaign for letting Soviet Jewry immigrate to Israel after Six Days War.

Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007

This time a Government with Shinuy

Haifa designer Hayim Shtayer shot this photo of pale green Stars of David inside the Hebrew letter Shin on an election sticker with the words: “This time a Government with Shinuy”. The sticker is part of his collection. Election times are prone to excessive usage of our national emblem, as well as Independence Day, and it is pushed to every groove, even if it is not a must.

Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007

election sticker Stars of David

Sunday, December 30, 2007

I live in Israel

JNF sticker Star of DavidHaifa designer Hayim Shtayer shot this photo of a JNF sticker with the slogan: “I live in Israel -Why Don’t You?” and the sticker is part of his collection. The design is based on the Israeli flag, which is a separate symbol that justifies a separate blog dedicated to it, but since the Star of David in not in its center, I made my own rules flexible.

Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007

Soviet Union Kids Forest

Star of David Soviet Union

Haifa designer Hayim Shtayer shot this photo of a blue Star of David with a red Soviet Union star on a “Let My People Go” sticker. The sticker is part of his collection. It was used during the successful campaign to let Soviet Jewry immigrate to Israel after Six Days War.

The graphic design is fascinating: the transition from suppression to freedom is expressed by adding one point to the five-pointed Soviet Union star and by changing its color from red into blue. The transition is represented by the red arrow that prolongs the Hebrew letter Lamed.

Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007

Marry Christmas

Star of David Marry Christmas Christian

Haifa designer Hayim Shtayer shot this photo of a Star of David with the words Marry Christmas. I published already a few Stars of David ןn connection with Christmas, but they were all abroad. It is important that Israelis will understand that this emblem is important to other religions too.

Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Like a Gold Ring In a Pig's Snout

Star of David on a Kahane Movement sticker

Haifa designer Hayim Shtayer shot this photo of a black Star of David on a Kahane Movement sticker, and the sticker is part of his collection. The Hebrew words say: "Arab, don’t you dare to think about a Jewess". It is interesting to note that the bottom triangle is created from the wrist, and the right side of it must be completed by the viewer’s imagination. The successful design and the disgusting message remind me of the verse in proverbs 11:22: “like a gold ring in a pig's snout”.

Copyrights: Hayim Shtayer 2007.

Good Will Ambassadors Sticker

colorful Star of David sticker

Haifa designer Hayim Shtayer shot this photo of a colorful Star of David on a sticker of Good Will Ambassadors Organization, and the sticker is part of his collection. The Hebrew words say: "Don’t be a hooligan, represent us honorably abroad ". The word "hooligan" in Hebrew is similar to the word for "abroad" and the designer used this similarity to maximize the effect of his message. Interestingly the Star of David is made from six non-equilateral triangles and not from the known design of two equilateral triangles. These triangles also create a hexagonal frame in the center of the logo.

Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007.

Womb or Frame

abortions Star of DavidHaifa designer Hayim Shtayer shot this photo of a sticker against abortions, and the sticker is part of his collection. We see an embryo in a womb, which has the shape of a Star of David.

The Star of David is used frequently as a frame for “important things” like peace, Zion, Jerusalem. This specific design makes you think of every frame as a womb, or the other way round: of every womb as a frame.

Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007

Friday, December 28, 2007

I Am Zionist Armband

Star of David Zionist Haifa designer Hayim Shtayer shot this photo of a Star of David on a, “I’m a Zionist” Armband. The shape of the Star is made from the Hebrew letters of the words “Ani Zioi” (I’m a Zionist). Using different Hebrew letters to build a Star of David is quite abundant, but, of course, foreigners might miss the point.
Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007.

I Am Zionist Sticker

Zionist Sticker Star of David
Haifa designer Hayim Shtayer shot this photo of a Star of David on a, “I’m a Zionist” Sticker. the shape of the Star is made from the Hebrew letters of the words Ani Zioi (I’m a Zionist) . Using different Hebrew letters to build a Star of David is quite abundant, but, of course, foreigners might miss the point.
Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007.

Headquarter of the Youngsters of Emet Party

Party Star of David logo
Haifa designer Hayim Shtayer shot this photo of a red &green Star of David on a sticker of the Headquarter of the Youngsters of Emet Party. Red is the color of the party; green of the youngsters; Star of David represents statehood.
Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Chamsa Chumus

Stars of David Chamsa

Haifa designer Hayim Shtayer shot this photo of many small blue Stars of David on a cover of a Chumus package , and it is part of his collection of interesting objects.
In the center of this cover appears the Chamsa symbol, which frequently joins the Star of David as a protector against evil eye.

Peace Candle

Peace Candle Star of David Haifa designer Hayim Shtayer shot this photo of a Star of David on a genuine hand-made Peace (Shalom) candle, and it is part of his collection of interesting objects.

The Star of David tends to appear with “important” inscriptions like “Zion”, “Israel”, “chai” (life) and they are placed usually inside the hexagonal frame which is surrounded by six triangles. The shape gives the word a special meaning and the word gives the shape a certain direction.
Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007

Vodka Bottle

Vodka Bottle jewish star
Haifa designer Hayim Shtayer shot this photo of a Star of David on a vodka bottle, and it is part of his collection of interesting objects.
What is the message here?
Let’s drink a toast to Israel’s 60th birthday?
Let’s drink to forget our Zionistic misdeeds?
Let’s sell Zionistic vodka to the Russians?
Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Chanukiyah

Chanukiyah jewish star
Haifa designer Hayim Shtayer shot this photo of a Star-of-David in a chanukiyah candleholder, and it is part of his collection of interesting objects.
When the chanukiyah appears alone everybody knows it is Jewish.
When the Star-of-David appears alone nobody knows to which religion it belongs, since it belongs to many religions.
When the Star-of-David and the chanukiyah appear together it is definitely Jewish.
Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007

Chanukah Candles Wrapping

Chanukah Candles jewish star
Photo of a yellow Star of David on Chanukah candles wrapping was shot by Haifa designer Hayim Shtayer and it is part of his collection of interesting objects.
Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007.

Religious Symbols Hologram

Shimon Hameiri coexistence israeli art
Star of David (Cross and Crescent hiding in this view but can be seen on the same frame in reality) picture is courtesy of Shimon Hameiri
The common denominator is the wall of Jerusalem, the difference is between the Religious Symbols – if they appear on the same hologram why can’t they live in harmony in reality?
Size: 60X50
copyright: Shimon Hameiri 2007

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

You've Got To Start Zionism Early -2

Star of David Zionism pacifier
Education has to adopt itself to the learner's capacity to absorb it and the sooner the better
Photo of Star of David pacifier shot by Haifa designer Hayim Shtayer.
The pacifier is part of his collection of interesting objects.
Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007

You've Got To Start Zionism Early -1

pacifier jewish star flag Photo of Star of David on a pacifier and on a bottle was shot by Haifa designer Hayim Shtayer
These objects are part of his collection
Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007

Orange Settlers Flag

Settlers-Flag-jewish-star

Photo of orange Star of David shot by Haifa designer Hayim Shtayer.
Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007

Monday, December 24, 2007

Rosicrucian Symbology

Rosicrucian Symbology is influenced by Kabbalah. The six-pointed star is an esoteric geometric symbol (there are also natural, phallic and astronomical/astrological symbols). Exoteric symbols are used in science. It represents the equilibrium of spirit and matter.
This is the peculiarly appropriate symbol of the Hebrew faith which for ages has
maintained the existence of but ONE God perfectly expressed in both the physical
and material worlds. Continuing the process of development we enclose our
six-pointed star in the original sphere indicated by the circle…symbolize
harmony of the spirit that descended into matter and the Body now purified and
arisen with Divinity or the Over-Soul.
From: Rosicrucian Symbology, By Khei, F. R. Khei, Kessinger Publishing, 1996 , ISBN 156459842X.

Danish Six-pointed Star

Danish-Six-pointed-StarPhoto of Six-pointed star in Denmark is courtesy of Ben Piven who shot it in Copenhagen in august 2005 and published it on Flickr.

Girona Star

Star of David Jewish MuseumPhoto of Star of David at the entrance to the Jewish Museum in Girona is courtesy of Ben Piven who published it on Flickr
Girona is located in the northeast of Catalonia, Spain.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Book Cover

Book Cover art jewish star Yellow stars of David on a German book cover designed by
Moti Argaman
Copyright: Moti Argaman 2007

Table Made By Moti Argaman

Moti Argaman table art jewish star
Photo of Stars of David as a design element of a table made by Moti Argaman
Copyright: Moti Argaman 2007

Who is a Jew?

Anti-semitism Yellow Badge art
Photo of yellow badge on the forehead of a wood sculpture bought in Nepal and painted in gold in Moti Argaman’s work titled: Who is a Jew?
102 X 80.
Trying to illustrate anti-Semitism.
Copyright: Moti Argaman 2007.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Religions 2003

coexistence jewish star ART
Photo of Moti Argaman’s work using metallic ellements and showing the symbols of the main monotheistic religions: Star of David, half crescent and cross.
Copyright: Moti Argaman 2007.

Moti Argaman’s Self Portrait

Moti Argaman art star of david Photo of Stars of David on Moti Argaman’s self Portrait is courtesy of Moti Argaman who
started this work in 1981 and since then added to it all kinds of materials.
Copyright: Moti Argaman 2007

Wood Mezuzah

Wood Mezuzah star of David Photo of half Star of David burnt in a wood Mezuzah is courtesy of Moti Argaman who was born in BeerSheba in 1958 , learned graphic design and traveled the world between 1981 and 1995, and lives now in Germany.
Copyright: Moti Argaman 2007

Friday, December 21, 2007

Diwali Powder Painting

Photo is courtesy of Ben Piven who published it on Flick. He wrote to me that he is in the last few months in India and this photo of Hindu Yantra painted in powder is from a Diwali he saw there. Diwali is an Indian and Nepalese lights festival where the lights signify victory of good over the evil within every human being.

You are in my soul

Photo is courtesy of Ben Piven who shot it while he visited Israel and published it on Flick under the title Londonite Judean. I can hear the guy in this photo saying: The Magen David is:
A. In my skin
B. On my flag
C. In my blood
D. In my soul
Reminds me of Rod Stewart’s:
You're in my heart, you're in my soul
You'll be my breath should I grow old
You are my lover, you're my best friend
You're in my soul

Jacob Porat

israeli art magen david Photo is courtesy of painter Jacob Porat.
Oil: 42X30
Jacob Porat wrote to me that this is his only Star of David work and he doesn’t remember why he did it.
Copyright: Jacob Porat 2007

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Table in Moshav Manot, Israel

table jewish star
Painter Dick Ben Dor shot and sent me this Star of David pattern on a table at Moshav Manot, Israel. The table was ordered especially from Marrakech, Morocco.
Copyright: Dick Ben Dor

Christmass Decoration

Christmass Decoration Hexagram
Non Jewish hexagram shot two weeks ago at a shop window in Hardewijk , Holland, by Dick Ben Dor. It seems like a Christmass decoration
Copyright: Dick Ben Dor

Window in Ijmuden, Holland

Holland Hexagram
Non-Jewish hexagram in a window in Ijmuden, Holland 

Shot two weeks ago by Dick Ben Dor
Copyright: Dick Ben Dor

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

World Convention of Jewish Youth

Star of David globe
Star of David and globe on an event cancel from 28/07/1958 made for World Convention of Jewish Youth in Jerusalem.
From Isareli Philatelic Federaton cancels catalog

The Eternal Jew

Anti-semitism jewish star
Red Jewish star on a Poster of Der ewige Jude ("The Eternal Jew") the most famous Nazi propaganda film 

Herzl’s Flag

7 stars of David Herzl
1896  Herzl's flag with the 7 stars aranged as a Star of Davi

It was proposed only on Herzl's diary and was never materialized.


Tuesday, December 18, 2007

German Six Pointed Stars

Common knowledge is that Germans forced Jews during Third Reich period to wear the six- pointed stars. It seems hard to believe that Germans used this symbol for themselves – it may even seem a scoop, but Terry G. Jordan found out series of six-pointed stars in Texas German graveyards (and wrote about them in his book: Texas Graveyards: A Cultural Legacy, University of Texas Press, 1984 ISBN 0292780702 p. 111):
selected six pointed hex signs derived from rubbings of Texas German
gravestones… double sechsstern Drudenfuss, New Braunfels old town cemetery,
Comal county, 1874.

(see the photo on p. 90 – it looks exactly like the Jewish Star of David)
In p. 112 he wrote:
Among the Pennsylvania Germans the term Hexefiess also meaning “witch’s foot” is
preferred the six-pointed variety, or hexagram. Is also. Along with the compass
star, called a sechsstern

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein

Avi Shafran wrote in the Jerusalem Post on Oct 16, 2007 an article titled Star Power where he Quotes an answer written by Rabbi Moshe Feinstein in 1968 (Igrot Moshe, Orach Chaim 3:15)
to the question: is the Magen David symbol appropriate as an adornment for religious items? 
-the Magen David is an ancient Jewish emblem, and is therefore entirely properly displayed in synagogues and on religious objects. 

Interesting patriotic Hat

Interesting patriotic Hat magen DavidHaifa designer Hayim Shyater took this photo of an advertisement where the Star of David gives the hat patriotic meaning and makes it interesting
Copyrights: Hayim Shtayer 2007

Star of David Chanukiyah

Hologram jewish star
Shimon Hameiri found this Chanukiyah in the market in such a bad shape that the vendor gave it to him for free. He restored it and added it to the Western Wall in a Hologram, were it looks so vivid that spectators want to take it out and hold it in their hands
Creation's name : "Holotrag – Star of David Chanukiyah.
Size:35 x 45 cm
Technique: Hologram with glass.
copyright: Shimon Hameiri 2007

Monday, December 17, 2007

Netanya Stamp

Netanya Stamp magen david
Maksim and Gabriel Shamir designed Natania Stamp in 1969. It shows Havazelet-Hasharon flower, which is probably another name to the rose of the valley, along with the Star of David . The rose and the Star of David appear together in many 1st century C.E. mosaics. So, from this special aspect, it looks like a continuation of a custom that was popular in the pre – exile era. In other words the message here for me is: we’re back!

Crescent Crown Star of David exhibition in Berne

In an exhibition on "the history of philately in Israel. Three symbols, three stages" That was held between 5 December 1997 and 1 February 1998 there were stamps depicting The crown, as an emblem of the British mandate, the Star of David, as the Jewish
emblem, and The crescent, symbolizing Ottoman rule up to 1918.

Stamp of disapproval

iraq-stamp-magen-davidCharlotte Halle wrote in Haartz on April 12, 2007 about stamp collector Lawrence Fisher from Ra'anana, Israel who collects stamps across the Arab world some carrying anti-Israel messages  like an Iraqi stamp issued in 1983 commemorating the "Aftermath of the Zionist Racist Aggression on Sabra and Shattela," depicting blood dripping from the Star of David and a fist with blood coming out of the ground… 

One Beer Free

One Beer Free Hexagram
Gideon from Israeli “collect” forum referred me to this hexagram on an Uruguayan brass token. caption:
five points star - vale un chopp gratis (one beer free)
David star - cerveceria montevideana /
The connection between the hexagram and the alcohol industry starts B.C.E. ie. Gibeon, Israel where it was found in wine jar handles...

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Sphinx Talisman

Sphinx Talisman Hexagram

I  already saw all kinds of designs introduced into this hexagonal frame that the hexagram contains, but this is the first time I see there a sphinx.

Photo is courtesy of A Speaking Soul (Aaron James) who published it on Flickr . Looks ancient, as an archaeological artifact...

Post Office Ceiling

Post Office Ceiling HexagramPhoto is courtesy of dM.nyc who published it on Flickr and who shot it inside the lobby of the James Farley Post Office in New York City. I can tell you that my post office in Jerusalem doesn't have such a luxurious ornamentation, maybe it takes 200 years since your first Independence Day, and maybe we don't like decorations...

Amulet From the Cairo Genizah

Amulet Cairo Genizah jewish star
Rabbi Moshe Gaster published in Rimon Milgroim, Berlin, 1923, no. 3, p. 27 a fragment from a 10th century amulet that was found in the Cairo Genizah with a row of Stars of David drawn on it.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Yagur Company

Yagur Company Magen David
Photo of Star of David in the flag of the Yagur Company of the Palmach is courtesy of Dita Perach From the Palmach Association and it is copied from the beautiful (Hebrew only) Palmach website

Palmach Company in Italy

Palmach Company in Italy magen david Photo of Star of David in the emblem of the Palmach Company in Italy (1946-47) is courtesy of Dita Perach From the Palmach Association and it is copied from the beautiful (Hebrew only) Palmach website

Cyprus camp Emblem

Cyprus camp Emblem Star of David
Photo of Star of David in the emblem of Shurat Hamaginim (Palmach secret organization in Cyprus camps) is courtesy of Dita Perach From the Palmach Association and it is copied from the beautiful (Hebrew only) Palmach website

Friday, December 14, 2007

Fire Brigade

Fire-Brigade jewish-star-logoHayim Shtayer took this photo of Israeli Fire Brigade sign, in the form of a white Star of David on the red background of the car, during Second Lebanon War in 2006.
Copyright: Hayim Shtayer 2007

Zionist Flag In Tel Aviv

Zionist Flag In Tel Aviv Magen DavidFrom designer Hayim Shtayer's important collection of Jewish New Year Cards. We see Stars of David on the Pre-Israeli flag and on the dress of the Daughter of Zion, on the background of the new city - Tel Aviv. The words on top are written in Yidish: panoramic view of Tel Aviv.