Evil Eye (Middle East)
Middle East
A blue glass bead charm that reflects the envious gaze before it can cause harm.
Middle East
11 charms from this country
Israel is home to several of the world's most potent and widely exported amulet traditions. The hamsa (hamesh) — the open hand said to protect against the evil eye — is used equally by Jewish and Arab Israelis, with five fingers representing the five books of Moses for Jews or the five pillars of Islam for Muslims. The Star of David (Magen David) became the definitive symbol of Jewish identity and is worn on pendants, mezuzot, and jewelry as a mark of faith and protection.
The mezuzah — a scroll containing the Shema prayer in a decorated case — is affixed to every doorpost of a Jewish home, fulfilling a biblical commandment and protecting those within. The red Kabbalah string tied around the left wrist, originally from Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem, is believed to ward off the evil eye and has been popularized globally. The chai symbol (meaning 'life') and the fish (a traditional Hebrew symbol) are among the most popular Jewish lucky charms.
Middle East
A blue glass bead charm that reflects the envious gaze before it can cause harm.
Middle East
An open palm amulet warding off the evil eye across Middle Eastern and North African cultures.
Israel
The six-pointed star that became Judaism's most recognized symbol, now carried as both identity marker and protective charm.
Israel
The Jewish version of the Hamsa hand, inscribed with Hebrew prayers and the Shema to protect against the evil eye.
Middle East / North Africa
The sacred number five made physical — a numeral-shaped amulet protecting against the five-fingered evil eye.
Israel
Crystallized salt from the world's saltiest sea, carried for its healing, purifying, and protective mineral power.
Israel
The seven-branched candelabrum, Judaism's oldest symbol of divine light and the endurance of faith against darkness.
Israel
A scroll of Torah verses in a decorative case affixed to doorposts, transforming Jewish homes into sanctuaries.
Israel
The Hebrew word for 'life' worn as the most personal and meaningful of all Jewish lucky charms.
Israel
A fruit overflowing with seeds like righteous deeds, a Jewish symbol of abundance, wisdom, and the high holidays.
Israel
A crimson thread tied seven times around the left wrist after visiting Rachel's Tomb, believed to ward off the evil eye.