Question:
jews: a question about who can wear the Star of David?
anonymous
2009-06-09 20:16:57 UTC
okay this may seem like a really dumb question. First I should explain myself. I am thirteen years old and wish to convert to Judaism one day. I was wondering If it would seem disrespectful for me to wear a Star of David necklace? I read in another question that someone said they were offended my a non-jew wearing the star of david.

However in a way I think I am under a different circustance. Unlike the other person I know its meaning and I will be Jewish someday. Would you consider that to be different.

This question right here is the one that sounds dumb. Also it depends on if people think It wouldn't be offensive for me to wearone. I don't own a star or David necklace. I have swimteam and meets and things. And this might sound odd... considering this is coming from a non-jew but on the morning of the surgery I had I drew a little Jewish star on the inside of my arm. It made me feel more powerful. Kind of like G-d was with me and I had the power to be able to get through it. But sometime when I was asleep during the surgery, I had a weird dream consisting of the jewish Population getting mad at me for wearing a jewish star and not being Jewish.

anyway when I had my swim meet and when I had an exam yesterday I had the urge to write the sign on my arm or on my body or on a peice of paper to keep in my pocket. I know it sounds strange. but i didn't do it because i didn't want to offend anyone. So please can someone tell me if I am allowed to wear The Star of David. I mean I know that there isn't going ot be some police force checking to see if i have one on when im not supposed to but i want to be respectful.

Please remember that I am 13 and even though on Y!A that doesn't exclude me from being trolled... I think it counts for sometimthing. And the Star of David has a meaning for me. I guess how some christians feel about the cross. If that makes sense. I don't mean to offend anyone. Thank you for your answers!
Twenty answers:
Hadassah ✡
2009-06-09 20:26:30 UTC
I don't think it's wrong that you want to wear a Star of David it shows that you respect the religon and its people.



I myself have started wearing the Star of David in the form of earrings.



I too plan on converting to Judaism and am looking forward on the 2+ year preparation.





It is your choice to wear it as long as you treat the symbol with appropriate respect and not misuse it like wearing it with a cross or some other symbol.
Funny Bunny!
2009-06-10 06:57:09 UTC
Don't worry, you will not offend anyone. I don't even understand why you would think it would offend- or why the answer you read in another question thinks it is offensive to wear the Star of David.



If you want to wear one, wear it. Don't be afraid or worried about what other people might think. It is a free country, free world. No one can tell you what to do when it comes tor religion. Especially the Jewish religion.



S..... :)
anonymous
2009-06-09 20:46:27 UTC
I read your question and felt compelled to answer - even as I am not what you will consider a traditional jew - but I DO feel I belong with the people God has selected.



You'll be surprised to know this, but "not all of Israel are of Israel". This was said by a man who was a Doctor of the Torah and studied with one the most venarable Masters of the Torah, Gamaliel. This actually mean that "a jew" is "internally" a jew, and not just a person that wears a Star of David and follows certain 'traditions', but rather someone that cares what Jehovah - God of Israel - wants all of us to do and learn.



The Star of David sugests two mountains - which was used by God to represent a government (as the US, for instance), comming to each other to a point in common, one into the other. They are base-up (from heaven), and base-down, from the earth. That means that the Kingdom of David - that represented the God of Israel seated in His place of residence INSIDE the Temple that Solomon built, in the place called The Holy of Holies, where the Arc was located; inside this Arc you could find the Rod of Aaron, the Mana (bread used to feed them in the desert) and the Tablets of the 10 Commandments. The room was lit - without external windows - by the miracle of the light from God, the Shekinnah. Nobody could enter this place but the Holy Priest once a year. This Kingdom on earth was to encounter the Kingdom of Heaven, brought down by the Son of Jehovah, the Messiah born of a virgen made. You can read all this in the hebrew scriptures I suggest here:





Da 9:25, Daniel 9:24-25, Isa.7:14, Psa. 72:10, Jer. 31:15, Ho. 11:1, and there are many, many more.



I hope that whatever you learn, may glorify Jehovah, and yes, it's Ok to wear the Star if you so want, I would say. But who am I to tell you otherwise?
JanRenae
2009-06-10 17:34:52 UTC
As long as you wear it with respect, and don't do anything that would bring dishonor on the Jewish community, I see no reason why anyone would be offended. If you do something that would reflect poorly on them then I think it would be very offensive.
anonymous
2009-06-09 20:25:21 UTC
answer: I was advised not to wear the Magen David until I was nearly through my conversion period.



Suzy Q is incorrect. Non-Jews are discouraged from wearing it. If someone wears a cross and is an idiot or even a criminal, Christians get a bit miffed for giving Christians a bad name - same caution. She's not Jewish yet, but Yes, she will be welcomed with open arms, especially if she's honest and not attempting to play both sides of the fence and hedging bets by playing Jew but being a Christian.



There's nothing that says you can't have a Star of David drawn on a piece of paper and tucked in your clothing. Or wear a Magen David tucked inside your clothing.



No, you aren't being offensive, it's a legitimate question, especially for someone wanting to convert.
anonymous
2009-06-10 14:06:14 UTC
Just as long as it is a pendant, I see no problem Jews could have with it...



If on teh other hand you decided to wear a yellow star of david patch sewn onto your clothing, that would be offensive...
TrollHunter
2009-06-10 09:01:07 UTC
Hi Norah--I've read your other questions and know that you're sincere. I personally would not be offended at all if you wore a star of David. Best of luck on your journey!
bad tim
2009-06-10 14:02:02 UTC
a lot of pagans wear hexagrams, it's not unique to judaism. the symbol also appears in hinduism, and is especially significant to alchemists. if it's a symbol that comforts you, you should wear it regardless of what others think about it. when you approach a rabbi about converting, ask him or her if it's appropriate to wear while going thru the process and respect the rabbi's wishes.





edit for suzanne: your answers are often offensive to jews, so why should it occur to aravah that you're being sarcastic?
anonymous
2009-06-10 22:30:09 UTC
Wow people are touchy.

By all means wear the STar of David.
anonymous
2009-06-09 20:25:14 UTC
What? Like there aren't a lot of people wearing the cross who aren't necessarily Christian. Wear it if you want to.
anonymous
2009-06-09 20:21:22 UTC
The Star of David can be worn as jewelery,just like the cross can
anonymous
2009-06-09 20:23:55 UTC
You think you will be Jewish, but you have no way of knowing for sure. When I was your age I was planning on being a Catholic priest....now look at me!



As far as you knowing the "meaning" no one knows how or why the Star of David became a symbol of Judaism for certain.



As far as the star making you feel "more powerful".....mind of matter.
anonymous
2009-06-09 20:19:57 UTC
Wear whatever you like. To anyone but Jews, it's just another hexagram.
DS M
2009-06-10 20:05:30 UTC
***It made me feel more powerful. Kind of like G-d was with me and I had the power to be able to get through it. But sometime when I was asleep during the surgery, I had a weird dream consisting of the jewish Population getting mad at me for wearing a jewish star and not being Jewish.***



Wow! There is a great deal of theology and implications in these words



1. If you are thinking about the G-d of the scriptures, that was one type of Judaism. This G-d of Israel can be described as Ps 27



***1 A Psalm of David. HaShem is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? HaShem is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2

When evil-doers came upon me to eat up my flesh, even mine adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise up against me, even then will I be confident. 4 One thing have I asked of HaShem, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of HaShem all the days of my life, to behold the graciousness of HaShem, and to visit early in His temple. 5 For He concealeth me in His pavilion in the day of evil; He hideth me in the covert of His tent; He lifteth me up upon a rock. 6 And now shall my head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me; and I will offer in His tabernacle sacrifices with trumpet-sound; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto HaShem. http://www.hareidi.org/bible/Psalms27.htm#1



If this is the G-d you are thinking of, then understand that things have changed due to the history that has taken place since David was king. By contrast to king David, today's non-Messianic Jews spend more time today talking about:



1. Destruction of Jerusalem and Herod's Temple

2. The Spanish Inquisition and

3. The Holocaust.



As you know, David prophesied by the Holy Spirit, third person of the Trinity. In contrast, non-Messianic Jews don't believe Holy Spirit speaks to Jews today....as if the Creator of the Universe who made our brains, mouths and ears refuses to tell us why He made us personally.



Again, this is in contrast to King David who wrote Ps 139: 7 Whither shall I go from Thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there; if I make my bed in the nether-world, behold, Thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there would Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand would hold me. 11 And if I say: 'Surely the darkness shall envelop me, and the light about me shall be night'; 12

Even the darkness is not too dark for Thee, but the night shineth as the day; the darkness is even as the light. 13 For Thou hast made my reins; Thou hast knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I will give thanks unto Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My frame was not hidden from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see mine unformed substance, and in Thy book they were all written--even the days that were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. http://www.hareidi.org/bible/Psalms139.htm#1



So there is a form of Judaism which king David practiced which is full of the power of G-d which listens to the Holy Spirit. However, there are those that believe that the Holy Spirit no longer speaks to His people. The belief that the age of the Prophet has ended is widespread even though a place for Elijah, the prophet, each Passover.



I would not give much thought to drug induced dreams. Nor is there any scriptural reference about anything besides G-d having real power so I would not put too much weight on a star. It is more symbolic than anything else.



Hope this helps



Norah, I know 13 year olds and know the deep thoughts you can have and the anger / isolation many feel. What I have asked you to do is to think like an adult as you are wanting to join this conversation.



Just know that if G-d made you to like ice-cream and hate stewed spinach, you won't get to choose whether you like ice-cream and hate stewed spinach. And as long as you are in G-d's house as a child of G-d, you will need to do as your Father said regardless of what your friends say. G-d, like parents, doesn't let the created / children tell Him / them what is right or wrong. G-d / parents instruct the created / children what is right and wrong.



Power comes from someplace. If you find power in a star, a rock, or image, I would find out where the power was coming from as this idea runs counter to everything Jewish scriptures teaches.
anonymous
2009-06-09 20:24:09 UTC
You're 13 years old and you have this all figured out? Take some time to think before you do so. And no I don't think anyone cares if you wear that symbol but people might say you look weird.
raizel
2009-06-09 20:23:54 UTC
Anyone can wear a Star of David. There are many who say it is not of Jewish origin. Yes, you can wear the star. If someone is offended, then they are not very educated in their religion
Devoted1
2009-06-10 08:12:02 UTC
My father was a German immigrant to America in 1907 and brought a beautiful Star of David pendant with him. I wear it because it reminds me of both my dad, my Jewish heritage.



D1
Suzanne: army of One
2009-06-09 20:20:53 UTC
General rule of thumb: if you call yourself a "Messianic Jew," THEN they are offended; but if you wear the symbol because you love and support the Jews, then you are welcomed with open arms.



EDIT: Aravah, evidently you are unable to realize that my answer was sarcastic.
anonymous
2009-06-09 20:23:37 UTC
Just wear it. Someone somewhere would be offended by anything. Ignore them.





Though it would be wise to not offend God. And, hint: His son is very very important to Him.
Amos C
2009-06-09 20:21:36 UTC
everyone who wishes to wear it can


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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