Hamsas in 5th and 6th grade!

Wednesday's classes were both productive and fun!

Third and fourth graders were hard at work with their Hebrew skills, practicing the letters that they already know and learning the various vowel sounds.  They colored papers to help them remember each of the vowel sounds and practiced making each sound.

Fifth graders worked with their sub, Mr. Fischer, to practice their Hebrew from their textbooks while the sixth graders completed their Hebrew script quiz.  Once these activities were done, the two classes joined together to create hamsas.  Mr. Holum shared information about hamsas and showed examples to the group with the projector.

What is a Hamas?  Excerpts from About.com:

A hamsa is an amulet shaped like a hand, with three extended fingers in the middle and a curved thumb or pinky finger on either side. It is thought to protect against the “evil eye” and is a popular motif in both Jewish and Middle Eastern jewelry.

Where Does the Hamsa Get its Name?

The name “hamsa” comes from the Hebrew word “hamesh,” which means five. “Hamsa” refers to the fact that there are five fingers on the talisman, though some also believe it represents the five books of the Torah. Sometimes it is called the Hand of Miriam, after Moses’ sister.

In Islam, the hamsa is called the Hand of Fatima, in honor of one of the daughters of the Prophet Mohammed. Some say that in Islamic tradition the five fingers represent the Five Pillars of Islam.

Symbolism of the Hamsa

Hamsas always have three extended middle fingers, but there is some variation to how the thumb and pinky fingers appear. Sometimes they are curved outwards as in the example shown above, other times they are just significantly shorter than the middle fingers. Whatever their shape, the thumb and pinky finger are always symmetrical.

In addition to being shaped like an oddly formed hand, many hamsas will have an eye displayed in the palm of the hand. The eye is thought to be a powerful talisman against the “evil eye.” The evil eye is a certain “look” that can cause bad luck for the person at whom it is directed. This “look” often originates with a person, though not always intentionally. Legends about the evil eye give both regular people and those with certain powers the ability to cast the evil eye. In the case of the average Joe, envy is most often cited as the unintentional source of the evil eye.

Other symbols that can appear on the hamsa include fish and Hebrew words. Fish are thought to be immune to the evil eye and are also symbols of good luck. Going along with the luck theme, “mazel” – meaning “luck” in Hebrew – is a word that is sometimes inscribed on the amulet. 

Popular ways to hear the hamsa include as part of a jewelry design or on a key chain. It can also be displayed in your home as a decorative element. However it is displayed, the amulet is thought to bring good luck and happiness.

Fifth and sixth graders working on their art project:

Seventh graders visited the library, began their study of the Holocaust, reviewed the homework on Lech Lacha, and praticed their prayer reading.

-Miss Nancy Kahrimanis