David’s Star (Magen David) on the Tombstones of the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague
David’s Star (Magen David) on the Tombstones of the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague

Summary/Abstract: This paper examines the history and meaning of the star of David as a Jewish symbol, especially on the tombstones of the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague. It shows that the star of David was used in connection with the names of David or Menahem (Mendl) in the 16th and 17th centuries, reflecting a messianic expectation of the arrival of the Messiah ben David. In the 18th century, the star of David became a general Jewish symbol, without any relation to the names of David or Menahem. The paper also provides a survey of the tombstones decorated with the star of David in the Prague cemetery.

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