The Star of David , known in
Hebrew as the Shield of
David or Magen David is a
generally recognized symbol
of Jewish identity and Judaism.
Its shape is that of a
hexagram, the compound of
two equilateral triangles.
One triangle represents the
ruling tribe of Judah and the
other the former ruling tribe of
Benjamin. It is also seen
as a dalet and yud, the two
letters assigned to Judah.
There are twelve Vav, or
"men," representing the twelve
tribes or patriarchs of Israel.
The hexagram has been in
use as a symbol of Judaism
since the 17th century. The
term "Shield of David" is also
used in the Siddur (Jewish
prayer book) as a title of the
God of Israel.
