Discover the stories behind meaningful symbols—and find ways to bring gratitude, kindness and intention into everyday life. Choose a topic below, or begin with a “Start here” article.
These articles explore cultural traditions, personal beliefs and ideas about wellbeing. Descriptions of luck and protection reflect beliefs associated with these symbols; they do not establish that an object can prevent harm or guarantee an outcome.
Hamsa: Meaning & Traditions
Explore the symbolism of the hand, its place in Jewish culture, and its use in meaningful gifts.
- Start here: The Hamsa in Jewish tradition — An introduction to the hand symbol and the meanings associated with it.
- The Hamsa, good luck and the evil eye — Explore traditional beliefs about blessings and protection.
- Hamsa housewarming gifts — How the Hamsa is used to express wishes for a happy home.
Explore next: Red String: Meaning & Customs · Word Power Hamsa
Red String: Meaning & Customs
Learn about red string bracelets as symbols of connection, blessing and protection in folk traditions.
- Start here: Red string meaning and origins — An overview of the bracelet’s symbolism and its connections with Jewish tradition.
- Red string and the evil eye — Explore beliefs about the color red and symbolic protection.
- The red string as a folk talisman — A closer look at wearing customs and stories associated with the bracelet.
- Red string, luck and prosperity — Another perspective on the hopes and intentions represented by the bracelet.
Explore next: Hamsa: Meaning & Traditions · Mindset & Manifestation
Mazel & Luck
Discover the meaning of mazel and explore how beliefs about luck can influence our outlook.
- Start here: What does mazel mean? — Explore the word mazel and its associations with luck and fortune.
- Lucky charms and confidence — An article exploring possible psychological effects of meaningful objects.
- Believing in luck — A discussion of luck, confidence and performance.
- Birthdays and mazel — Explore a traditional perspective on birthdays and good fortune.
Explore next: Mindset & Manifestation · Celebration & Culture
Mindset & Manifestation
Explore articles about intentions, confidence and personal rituals. Approach claims about manifestation critically: beliefs and rituals are not guarantees of particular outcomes.
- Manifestation techniques and daily practices — An overview of practices described as manifestation, including routines and intention setting.
- Self-doubt, confidence and lucky charms — Explore the author’s approach to using symbolic objects and personal intentions.
- Red string and intention setting — A connection between bracelet traditions and personal rituals.
- Lucky charms, mindset and manifestation — An article discussing confidence and mindset; its broader claims require critical reading.
- How manifestation is explained — Explore the author’s account of thoughts, beliefs and actions.
Explore next: Red String: Meaning & Customs · Gratitude, Kindness & Recognition
Word Power Hamsa
Explore Mazel’s word-filled Hamsa design as a visual reminder of the qualities you want to bring into your day.
- Get the printable Mazel Hamsa — Find the printable design and ideas for displaying it.
- Explore the Word Power Hamsa — Read about the design and the intentions behind its words.
Explore next: Hamsa: Meaning & Traditions · Gratitude, Kindness & Recognition
Gratitude, Kindness & Recognition
Put meaningful intentions into everyday actions: appreciate someone, listen with care, or offer a small act of kindness.
- Start here: Strengthen connections through gratitude — Ideas for expressing appreciation in your relationships.
- Five ways to practice kindness — Explore listening, giving, volunteering and self-compassion.
- Everyday happiness practices — An older article with ideas for noticing and savoring positive moments.
- Empathy and caring for others — A reflection written during the pandemic about responding to other people’s needs.
- A kindness story: Flowers for COVID heroes — A story from the pandemic about expressing appreciation through flowers.
Explore next: Word Power Hamsa · Celebration & Culture
Celebration & Culture
Discover expressions of joy and shared celebration.
- Hava Nagila: Let’s rejoice — Explore the song and its words of celebration.
Explore next: Mazel & Luck · Gratitude, Kindness & Recognition