Sponsored by California Cryobank. Join Jaime Brody from Keshet along with the Provincetown Art Association and Museum for some creative crafts, including Hamsa/Hand of Fatima decorating, and casual conversation.

The word hamsa comes from the Arabic word for the number 5, for the 5 fingers of the hand: خمسة‎ khamsah. In Islam, the hamsa represents the hand of Fatima, Mohammed’s daughter. The five fingers also symbolize the five pillars of Islam. In Jewish tradition, the hamsa is called YAD HA’CHAMESH or the hand of Miriam, the sister of Moses. The five fingers also represent the five books of the Torah. Christians refer to the hamsa as the hand of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Thus, the open image of the right hand is a symbol of protection, blessings, and strength for the 3 major religions of the region.