Our "Shield of Judah" design is inspired by the true story of Judas Maccabaeus (AKA Judah the Hammer AKA Yehudah HaMakabi), an Israelite priest who led an army of rebels in waging brutal guerilla warfare against far superior Syrian-Greek occupation forces, liberating the Temple of Jerusalem and much of the Holy Land. Today, we remember this story as the basis of the Festival of Hanukkah.
Our bronze shield, encircled with the words "Maccabee Army," features a Magen David (commonly known as a Star of David, but which literally translates as "Shield of David"), surrounded by the Hebrew letters Mem, Kaf, Beit, Yud in Ancient Hebrew script. These letters form the word MaKaBI (מכבי), as well as an acrostic of the verse:
?מי כמוך באלים יי
"Who among the gods is like You, O Lord?" (Ex. 15:11)
This was part of the song sung by the Children of Israel at the edge of the sea when when God rescued them from the hand of Pharaoh and his legions, and it later became a rallying cry of the Maccabean rebels. Celebrate their spirit with the Shield of Judah!
Product specifications:
.: 100% Airlume combed and ringspun cotton (fiber content may vary for different colors)
.: Extra Light fabric (3.8 oz/yd² (110 g/m²))
.: Retail fit
.: Sewn in label
.: Runs true to size