You've seen it a million times before. It's the most Jewish Symbol you can think of. But have you ever wondered why the Star of David is a Jewish symbol and what it represents?
The hexagram figure of the Star of David is believed to be the symbol that King David's valiant warriors had emblazoned upon their shields. Its profound symbolism was just as meaningful thousands of years ago as it is to us today.
The hexagram is made up of two triangles, superimposed one atop the other. These triangles represent a set of triplets that form the inseparable foundation of all of Judaism.
Our Kaballists explain that the first triangle represents the Jewish People, who are divided into three parts: Kohanim (Priests), Levites, and Israelites.
The second triangle represents the Torah which is also divided into three parts: The written law (five books of Moses), the Oral Law (the Mishna and the Talmud) and the Secret Law (Kaballah). All three were taught by G-d to Moses on Mount Sinai and the sum of theses comprise the complete Torah.
The Star of David merges these two triangles to serve as an everlasting reminder to us that the Jewish Nation is as indivisible as the Torah that G-d gave us.
Despite the strong temptation to do so, writing off a fellow Jew for being a Trump/Hillary (take your pick) supporter or for being pro/anti a two state solution is antithetical to the essence of who we are. Breaking off a part of us is to break us off entirely. Agree to disagree but never hate your brother. United we stand and divided we fall.
Similarly, many Jews like to believe that only the five books of Moses are G-d given and everything else is but an "invention of the rabbis." Once again, the Star of David reminds us that the essence of Judaism is the unified people of Israel together with the unified Torah of Israel. All of the Jews plus all of the Torah, makes us who we are.
Tragically, there are those who will risk all to defend the People of Israel or the Land of Israel but care little for the Torah of Israel. On the flip side, there are those who will fight to the last drop of blood to stand up for the status of the Torah, not recognizing the many brethren whom they ignore or, worse yet, trample in their raging piety.
We are proud to proclaim that our community is not only engaged solely in spiritual pursuits and deepening our awareness and knowledge of Torah, but we have also gone to great lengths to care not just for the Torah of Israel but for the People of Israel too. Our recent Trump International Chabad Golf Classic tournaments have successfully sponsored the college education of almost five IDF Commandos each spending four years in college. One such scholarship recipient has flown in from Israel especially to spend a meaningful and inspirational Shabbos with us at Chabad.
The Soldiers of King David were blessed with extraordinary Divine Protection. Very few of them ever fell in battle. The brilliant leadership of their fearless teacher was to instill the visual reminder before their eyes always, that the Torah of Israel and the Nation of Israel are indivisible. Let us too learn from the timeless lesson of King David to inspire us to live as wholesome Jews today as well.