MEDIA24, the same outlet that destroyed several of my articles and photography related to South African black Jazz history, also spiked a 2006 review of Farideh Zariv “Hand of Fatima” exhibition in the Bo Kaap. Zariv is an Iranian expat living in Australia, whose work poses important questions about a symbol that predates both Islam & Judaism.
The ‘Hand of Fatima’, also known as the Hamsa, is a symbol found in many Persian homes.
In the Jewish tradition it is called the Hand of Miriam and also Hand of Esther. I have one in my home with Hebrew inscriptions (see below). The Hamsa is an ancient, palm-shaped amulet used across the Middle East and North Africa to ward off the evil eye, offering protection, power, and blessings.
What strikes one as we witness current events unfolding is that we have two completely different outlooks or paradigms, the one envisions a world governed by the Abraham Accords in which nation-states recognise a commonality of existence — which for monotheists, is the ancestor known as Abraham. In the other, an opposing, malign vision, where there is only one religion, one outlook possible.
To date, our media has shown itself unable to engage on any of the grounds that today unite Saudi Arabia, the Gulf States, the USA and Israel. This as we see an unprecedented coalition emerge, after the events of the weekend in which Trump promised the people of Iran: “Help is on its way”.
Saudi Arabia announced yesterday it was entering the war after missiles were launched by Iran against the Gulf States including Bahrain, Kuwait, Dubai and Qatar.
Significance of the Symbol
The hamsa is a protective symbol believed to ward off the evil eye (עין הרע, ayin hara), bring good luck, blessings, health, and prosperity to the home. In Jewish contexts, it is commonly hung near the entrance (often on the wall facing the door) as a house blessing and protective charm. It blends folk tradition with Jewish elements. My version incorporates a popular variant of the Birkat HaBayit Hebrew prayer. Its decorative features — greenish ceramic/glazed material, roses, pearl-like dots, red gem accents, and ornate framing — make it a typical Jewish hamsa plaque found in Jewish homes, often given as a wedding, housewarming, or new home gift.
Translation of the Hebrew Text
The title at the top reads:
ברכת הבית
(Birkat HaBayit = “Blessing of the Home” or “Home Blessing”)
The main body is a poetic prayer/blessing for the household.
בזה הבית תשרה השכינה
בזה הבית תשרה הברכה
בזה הבית תשכון השכינה
יתברך זה הבית בברכת שמים
ויהיה שתול על פלגי מים
אהבה ורעות בו יתחברו
חדווה וששון בו ישררו
בריאות פרנסה והצלחה
אושר עושר וסמיכה
יפורד הבית בברכת ה’
ואל יפורד הבית הזה
עם כל בית ישראל
אמן
English Translation (line by line, fairly literal but natural):
- In this house may the Shechinah (Divine Presence) dwell
- In this house may the blessing dwell
- In this house may the Shechinah reside
- May this house be blessed with heavenly blessing
- And may it be like a tree planted by streams of water
- Love and friendship will unite in it
- Joy and gladness will rule in it
- Health, livelihood, and success
- Happiness, wealth, and support
- May the house be blessed with the Lord’s blessing
- And may this house not be separated
- Along with all the House of Israel
- Amen
This is a popular variant of the Birkat HaBayit prayer. The most widespread version begins with lines like “בזה השער לא יבוא צער…” (“Let no sorrow enter this gate…”), but mine belongs to a different common family of texts that emphasize the Shechinah (God’s immanent presence, often associated with the Female aspect of God) dwelling in the home, prosperity, joy, health, and family harmony. It draws inspiration from biblical imagery, such as Psalm 1 (“like a tree planted by streams of water”) and the idea of the home as a sanctuary where divine presence rests.
It’s a warm, protective invocation meant to infuse the home with peace, abundance, and spiritual blessing — very fitting for display in a Jewish household. As a family heirloom it is a beautiful and meaningful piece.