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 Star of David Society
The Star of David Society, of United Jewish Communities and the Federations
of North America, is a national elite recognition program that honors outstanding philanthropists.
A star among stars
You demonstrate the highest level of involvement in the Jewish Community. Your generous contributions provide for
the needs of the Jewish poor, assist the elderly, rescue Jews in need around the world, and fight anti-Semitism.
Through giving, you teach important values of leadership and responsibility to your family, friends, and community.
This exemplary participation places you among the most distinguished of philanthropists.
An illuminating commitment
Your commitment to the Jewish people is a sacred covenant. The Star of David Society is a network of outstanding
Jewish philanthropists like you, whose commitment extends beyond the present. They share a vision for the Jewish
community's future, one that is secured through permanent gifts. Their legacies help Jewish people, no matter where
they are, for years to come.
Star of David Society participants lead by doing. They set charitable examples for their families, children and
grandchildren, and for the community. Their deeds inspire others to match their generosity. The national federation
system acknowledges these achievements through special Star of David Society events and publications.
Future
Join the ranks of philanthropic leaders whose charitable commitments ensure
the Jewish community's future. An outstanding donation invites participation in the Star of David Society.
A Perpetual Annual Community Endowment or Lion of Judah Endowment gift [an endowment fund that perpetuates a federation
donor's annual campaign gift] of $200,000, or other permanent endowments of $500,000 or more enables you to be
there whenever help is needed. You can provide unrestricted funds to help meet future community needs; or to provide
permanent resources to aid identified programs, projects, agencies, organizations, or initiatives that are of particular
interest to you and your family.
The same generous act that provides your Jewish community with a contribution this year ensures that the community
or a charitable interest of your choice receives a contribution on your behalf every year, throughout your lifetime
and beyond.
Maintain your place among the most eminent of people. Establish an endowment. Inspire others. Contact your endowment
professional to select options best suited for your needs and philanthropic desires.
Why the Star of David?
 From
the Holocaust to the Israeli flag, what is the deeper meaning of this six-pointed Jewish symbol?
In modern times, the Star of David has become a premier Jewish symbol. This six-pointed star (hexagram), made of
two interlocking triangles, can be found on mezuzahs, menorahs, tallis bags, and kipot. Ambulances in Israel bear
the sign of the "Red Star of David," and the flag of Israel has a blue Star of David planted squarely
in the center.
What is the origin of this six-pointed symbol?
The six points symbolize G-d's rule over the universe in all six directions.
Through the Jewish people's long and often difficult history, we have come to the realization that our only hope
is to place our trust in G-d. The six points of the Star of David symbolize G-d's rule over the universe in all
six directions: north, south, east, west, up and down.
Originally, the Hebrew name Magen David -- literally "Shield of David" -- poetically referred to G-d.
It acknowledges that our military hero, King David, did not win by his own might, but by the support of the Almighty.
This is also alluded to in the third blessing after the Haftorah reading on Shabbat: "Blessed are you G-d,
Shield of David."
Various other explanations exist on the meaning behind the Star of David.
One idea is that a six-pointed star receives form and substance from its solid center. This inner core represents
the spiritual dimension, surrounded by the six universal directions. (A similar idea applies to Shabbat -- the
seventh day which gives balance and perspective to the six weekdays.)
In Kabbalah, the two triangles represent the dichotomies inherent in man.
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 G-d. The triangle
pointing "up" symbolizes our good deeds which go up to heaven, and then activate a flow of goodness back
down to the world, symbolized by the triangle pointing down.
A more practical theory is that during the Bar Kochba rebellion (first century), a new technology was developed
for shields using the inherent stability of the triangle. Behind the shield were two interlocking triangles, forming
a hexagonal pattern of support points. (Buckminster Fuller showed how strong triangle-based designs are with his
geodesics.)
One cynical suggestion is that the Star of David is an appropriate symbol for the internal strife that often afflicts
Jewish nation: two triangles pointing in opposite directions!
The Star of David was also a sad symbol of the Holocaust.
The Star of David was a sad symbol of the Holocaust, when the Nazis forced Jews to wear an identifying yellow
star. Actually, Jews were forced to wear special badges during the Middle Ages, both by Muslim and Christian authorities,
and even in Israel under the Ottoman Empire.
So whether it is a blue star waving proudly on a flag, or a gold star adorning a synagogue's entrance, the Star
of David stands as a reminder that for the Jewish people... in G-d we trust.
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To find out more about membership in this growing group of tzaddiks... contact
the Jacksonville Jewish Foundation
(904) 394-0720 |
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