Jewish Jewelry and G-D's Love

Love is an abstract concept-we feel it and know love deep within our hearts. Such is the love of G-d and G-d himself. We cannot see Him but we feel his love and his presence in the miracle of creation. We are overwhelmed by each breath we take, by the beauty of nature, by the smiles on our children's faces and by each time the sun sets and rises. All these are testaments of the divine wisdom and the divine love of G-d.

We are all called to reciprocate this love in our way. As Deut. 6:5 states "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might." Almost all Jewish rituals and prayers are directed towards loving the Creator. But while love is an abstract concept, we can have concrete symbols and representations of this love. A pendant made in accordance with the Star of David, for instance, can be a reminder of the Jewish core and essence, while a bracelet with a Hamsa hand charm can bring to mind the protection that G-d grants us.

These are just two examples of Jewish jewelry that can be staunch mnemonics of the love of G-d in our daily lives. Some people might think that jewelry are just objects. But if they are inscribed with prayers or formed in the shape of Jewish symbols, then they become more than mere accessories, baubles and trinkets. They become spiritual guides and personal prayers.

The gold Key of Love pendant, for instance, is based on a Shema Israel prayer that magnifies the love for G-d and the unity of his people. The three spheres of the pendant also call for the wearer to love G-d three times and to express this love through his heart, mind and soul.

Another example of Jewish jewelry as a reminder of G-d's love is the Ana Becoach ring. Beautifully created from 14K yellow gold, this ring is engraved with the Ana Becaoch prayer, which was written in the first century by Rabbi Nehonia, a Kabbalistic rabbi. Composed of seven lines, with six words in each line, the prayer is used for protection, healing and balance. Wearing the ring is a symbol of devotion and gratitude for the protection and love of G-d. It can also remind the wearer, that as long as he is under G-d's divine guidance, no harm shall befall him.

The Priestly Blessing amulet, on the other hand, is based on the blessing that G-d gave to Moses when he finished the Lord's temple in the desert. The blessing was said to protect Israel from evil. Like the Ana Becoach ring, the Priestly Blessing pendant can give the wearer protection. It is likewise a strong reminder of G-d's love and guidance. It can also remind the wearer that G-d is his sole refuge and sanctuary, that he can turn to G-d's love even during his darkest and most troubled times.

Jewish jewelry, such as pendants, rings and bracelets aren't mere accessories. They carry a deeper meaning in them. Like the examples mentioned above, Jewish jewelry are signs of an infinite love and can be special reminders to the wearer that everything he goes through in his life and everything he sees are only possible because of G-d's love.