04/20/2026
Outside of the Star of David/Seal of Solomon, probably the most common amuletic sigil is the “Chai.” This word, which has a gematria of 18, means “life” and it is believed to be life affirming, preserving, protective, and lucky. Chai consists of two letters, “Chet” and “Yud.” However, I have rarely, if ever, seen them properly written in the magical font known as “Ktav Ashuri.” While the Jews were in exile, some variations developed, but nearly all amulet-makers working in an observant Jewish tradition agree that Ktav Ashuri is the only official magical script to be used in the writing of holy or sacred text in the Torah, in mezuzot, teffilot, and other amulets.
This magical font makes use of tagin, which are crown-like serifs atop certain letters. In the Talmud, Rabbi Akiva tells us that there is mysticism of the exact way each letter is written but much mystical insight can be gained from learning about and using tagin.
While this charm has apotropaic properties, it is primarily used as a talisman to attract a healthy, prosperous life, filled with joy.
1 inch in diameter, these thick, weighty piece is almost 1/8 of an inch thick and made from polished brass with the printing on both the obverse and the reverse.
