Traveling Hamsa

May you who journey with the Traveling Hamsa reach your destination(s) in safety, health and success.

My mission is to travel far and wide and visit

• Jewish places (e.g. synagogues, Israel, neighborhoods, Jewish homes, NYC, etc.);
• Jewish events (e.g. a wedding, holiday event, sukkah, bar mitzvah, bris, etc.); and/or
• A diversity of people and places, Jewish and non-Jewish alike.

  I love having my picture taken wherever and with whomever I go. If you don't know of any Jewish places or events in your area, you may be able to find some with some investigation, or just take me on to a cache in another place, preferrably in a city or large town.

What's a Hamsa?
For centuries the Hamsa (Hamesh in Hebrew) has been used by the superstitious as a symbol of good luck. The Hamsa represents God's protective hand, and it shields its owner from the curse of the evil eye.

What's on the front?
With the hitchhiking thumb on the front, this Hamsa clearly wants to travel. The Hebrew words are "L'briyoot v'hatzlichah", a wish for your health and success.

What's on the back?
On the back is an abbreviated form of the Jewish Traveler's Prayer (T'filat HaDerech). Here is a loose translation: May it be Your will, Lord our God and God of our ancestors, to lead us on the way of peace, so that You will bring us happily to our destination safe and sound. Save us from danger on the way. Give us good grace, kindness and favor both in Your eyes and in the eyes of all we may meet. Hear our prayer for you are God who listens to the heart's supplication. Praised are you, Lord, who hears our prayers.