what does the jewish symbol of 2 superimposed triangles represent?

Answer 1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_of_David

Answer 2

"The Magen David (literally "Shield of David") has six-points, which symbolize that God rules over the universe and protects us from all six directions: North, South, East, West, Up and Down...
Thus, King David used this six-pointed symbol to signify that the Almighty shields him in war.

A more practical theory is that during the Bar Kochba rebellion (1st century), a new technology was developed for shields, which used the inherent stability of the triangle. Behind the shield were two interlocking triangles, forming a hexagonal pattern of support points...

In Kabbalah, the two triangles represent the dichotomies inherent in man: good vs. evil, spiritual vs. physical, etc. The two triangles may also represent the reciprocal relationship between the Jewish people and God. The triangle pointing up symbolizes our good deeds, which go up to heaven and activate a flow of goodness back down to the world, symbolized by the triangle pointing down.

Another idea is that a cube, which has six sides, receives form and substance from its solid center. This inner core represents the spiritual dimension, surrounded by the six universal directions. So too, we see this pattern in the six-pointed star with it's hexagonal center. By the way, the same idea applies to the Sabbath -- the seventh day which gives balance and perspective to the six weekdays...

So whether it is a blue star waving proudly on a flag, or a yellow star in a concentration camp, the Star of David stands as a reminder that for the Jewish people... in God we trust."

Answer 3

And all of these wonderful people answering "The star of David" can't see that they are begging the question, "what does the star of David represent?"

The male/female answer isn't a terrible one. But it goes beyond that. I would say that it also represents essential fire and water. Also the triangle is the strongest shape. Two superimposed
triangles would make for a very protective symbol. The six
points would indicate a relation with the sephira Tipheret--associated with beauty, love and (unbeknownst to the Jews),
Christ.

Answer 4

The Magen David (shield of David, or as it is more commonly known, the Star of David) is the symbol most commonly associated with Judaism today, but it is actually a relatively new Jewish symbol. It is supposed to represent the shape of King David's shield (or perhaps the emblem on it), but there is really no support for that claim in any early rabbinic literature. In fact, the symbol is so rare in early Jewish literature and artwork that art dealers suspect forgery if they find the symbol in early works.

Answer 5

"The evolution of the six-pointed Jewish star, the "Magen David," literally the "Shield of David." also known as the hexagram, or more rarely, Solomon's Seal, is long and complex. Although it is now the most common and universally recognized sign of Judaism and Jewish identity, both within and outside of the Jewish community, it has only achieved this status in the last two hundred years."
The hexagram, as two interlocking triangles, has a great many interpretations in history, usually associated with male and female, or good and evil and so forth. The web site below, from which I quoted above, gives a comprehensive and interesting explanation.

Answer 6

The Star of David, or Magen David, consists of 2 triangles. One points up to heaven, the other downwards to the earth. Many reasons have been given as to it's origin. The 6 corners point to the 6 directions, representing that God is everywhere.

Answer 7

Ah -- well the upturned triangle is actually a primitive phallic symbol. (Representing the Divine Masculine force behind all things.) The down-turned one is a primitive symbol for the womb. It represents the Divine Feminine, and Creating force behind all things. When they are superimposed over each other it simply represents the union of male and female forces that is behind all of Creation.

Answer 8

There was something in the Da Vinci code that explained it as combining symbols of male and female, but it currently represents the Jewish people.

When Christians relegated the Jews to ghettos, they were made to wear strange garb and the Star of David for identification. Jews are a people of tradition and continue to wear those items to remind ourselves of who we are. Most Jews still identify with the Star of David, and a few still wear clothing from their days in Poland.

Jews have been strangers in strange lands many, many times. We have vowed to never let it happen to any other people.

Answer 9

The true jewish symbol is the menorah. I have no idea why the star of david was put on the flag, probably because zionists liked it better and the rabbinics didn't have much of a say.

Answer 10

the star of david.....but the right side up triangle is also considered the symbol of a phallus (male) and the upside down triangle is considered the symbol of a challice (female) IE the the uniting of the male and female....just a thought:P

Answer 11

Historically, and perhaps according to legend, King David's Shield was shaped that way. That is why it is called The Star Of David.