Shema Israel pendant from ancient Jewish times.

This impressive pendant has been crafted in precise detail based on an ancient Shema Israel amulet from Jewish antiquity.

The historical model for the Shema Israel pendant dates from around 330–638 AD, i.e. the Persian period and thus the time before the Islamic conquest. The inscription on the amulet is framed by a snake biting its tail, a so-called ouroboros.

The pendant is now in the possession of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, where it can be admired in the permanent exhibition. Link to the historiical model...

The large Shema Israel pendant, in Hebrew שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל, is very special for two reasons: Firstly, it is the oldest known Jewish amulet bearing these Bible verses, and secondly, it is not small and discreet in design, but large and clearly visible – it was meant to be seen and to attract attention as a piece of jewellery worn on the chest.

The Shema Israel pendant measures 5 x 3.7 cm. It is therefore roughly the same size as the historical original.

You can purchase the pendant in high-quality bronze or in genuine silver-plated.
Alternatively, you can also order it in 925 sterling silver (please note delivery time).

A solid leather cord, 1 m in length, is included.

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The Shema Israel pendant is engraved on the front with the first four verses of the Shema (Hear, O Israel; Deuteronomy 6:4-7). The first of these verses is interwoven with the first verse of Psalm 91, and the last is followed by Proverbs 18:10. However, as this is a piece of magical jewellery, the verses are not written in the usual way, but are uniquely intertwined. The inscription reads:

"Hear, O thou who dwellest, O Israel, in the protection of the Lord, the Most High, our God, and in the protection of the Lord Shaddai is one. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy might (Deut. 6:4; Ps. 91:1). Take to heart these instructions that I give you today. Imprint them on your children. Recite them when you are at home, when you lie down and when you rise up. (Deut. 6:5-7) A strong tower is the name of the Lord, to which a righteous man runs and is safe. (Prov. 18:10)".

These Bible verses are also found on other Jewish amulets, but the way they are combined here is unique. Unlike other amulets from the Byzantine period, this example does not contain any incantations, names of angels or the owner, nor does it specify the type of danger it is supposed to protect against.

Ancient Jewish amulets and Shema Israel pendants from ancient Israel are extremely rare. Often, the amulets of Jewish believers were rather discreet and worn in secret, with blessings sometimes written only on parchment or paper and hidden in a small capsule, rolled up and hidden from view.

The majority of Jews living in Israel 1,500 years ago seemed to prefer such amulets, but the influence of their Christian neighbours increasingly led the Jewish population to wear pendants and amulets openly and visibly as jewellery, to which magical protection was attributed.