The Hamsa is a palm-shaped amulet popular throughout the Middle East and North Africa. The Hamsa is often incorporated in jewelry and wall hangings, as a superstitious defense against the evil eye. The hamsa's path into Jewish culture, and its popularity particularly among the Sephardic Jewish community, can be traced through its use in Phoenicia. Five (hamesh in Hebrew) represents the five books of the Torah for Jews.
The renewed interest in Kabbalah and mystical Judaism is a factoring in bringing the hamsa pendant back into vogue. In Jewish mysticism, fish are a symbol of good luck, so many hamsas are also decorated with fish images. Sometimes hamsas are inscribed with Hebrew prayers, such as the Sh'ma, Birkat HaBayit (Blessing for the Home), or Tefilat HaDerech (Traveler's Prayer).
