JUDAISM & CHRISTIANITY
SYMBOLISM
Judaism and Christianity are two monotheistic, ethical religions which share a
part of their scriptures in common. Christianity and Judaism are eternally connected,
they have evolved into distinct religious traditions over time, who shares a profound
array of similarities that reflects their shared heritage and interconnectedness. The
image above symbolizes the significant commonalities that bind Judaism and
Christianity, emphasizing the values, beliefs, and historical ties that continue to shape
the religious landscape.
At the center of both Judaism and Christianity is the unwavering belief in the
existence of a single, omnipotent God. We acknowledge that God, being beyond
physical form, is being symbolized by a radiant beam of light, representing the
Supreme Divine Presence.
Christianity is recognized by the symbol of the crucifix, the principal symbol of
the Christian religion, recalling the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming
benefits of his Passion and death. The cross is thus a sign both of Christ himself and
of the faith of Christians. Whereas Judaism is symbolized by the Star of David the
connection between God, Israel, and the Torah. It embodies the relationship between
God and people or the seven virtues (kindness, severity, harmony, perseverance,
splendor, foundation, and royalty).
In both religions, the stories of creation are the same, primarily rooted in the
shared religious text, the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible). In Genesis, the Torah
describes a mighty flood that covered the entire Earth, wiping out almost all life. The
image of a dove holding an olive branch in its beak recalls this moment of
profound hope and joy, when Noah realized his many long months of living in a dark
cramped ark were behind him and life could begin again.
Observe the presence of a blue and red dove in the image above. The Red
Dove symbolizes Christianity. The red dove can represent the Holy Spirit, a
significant figure in Christianity often depicted as a dove, symbolizing peace,
inspiration, and guidance. The dove painted in blue is attributed to Judaism as it is
a color frequently associated with the sky and heaven. In Jewish tradition, blue has
symbolic ties to the divine and the ethereal. It represents the infinite and the
vastness of God's creation.
A pivotal figure in the history of both religions is Abraham, the patriarch who
forged a covenant with God. This covenant, documented in the sacred texts of both
traditions, established the promise of a great nation of descendants. Judaism views
itself as the continuation of this Abrahamic covenant, while Christianity extends it by
regarding Jesus, a descendant of Abraham, as the fulfillment of God's promise to
bless all nations through Abraham's offspring.
The Ten Commandments are a set of moral and ethical principles that are
foundational in both Judaism and Christianity. Although it is shared between
Judaism and Christianity, the interpretation and application of these commandments
can vary among different religious groups and denominations within each tradition.
The unity in their devotion to a shared divine entity transcends the variations
in their outward expressions of worship. For Jews standing is a common posture
for Jewish prayer, especially for the Amidah, a central and essential prayer in Jewish
liturgy. Standing is seen as a sign of reverence and readiness to engage with the
Divine. It's a way of showing respect and humility before God. At the same time
Christians kneels customarily when praying for it is seen as an outward expression
of humility and submission before God. By physically lowering oneself, Christians
symbolize their recognition of God's authority and their willingness to submit to His
will. Regardless of the way they pray or the customs they follow, their ultimate aim is
to connect with and honor the same supreme being.
The symbolism in Christianity and Judaism illuminates the rich tapestry of
shared history and values that bind these two ancient religions together. While they
may have evolved separately and developed unique theological doctrines, the
symbols they use serve as a testament to their common roots and the enduring
human quest for spiritual understanding. These symbols remind us that despite our
differences, there is much that unites us as individuals striving to make sense of the
world and our place in it. By recognizing and appreciating these shared symbols, we
can foster greater understanding and dialogue between faiths, ultimately promoting
a more inclusive and harmonious world for all.