Kelly Rennie, age 12, of Clarkdale, Ariz., for his question:

WHY DOES THE STAR OF ISRAEL HAVE SIX POINTS?

A six pointed star, actually made up of two triangles that interlace to form a star, is called the Star of David. It is the universal symbol of Judaism.

You'll find the Star of David, also called the Shield of David, on the Israel flag, in synagogues and on almost all emblems of Jewish organizations.

The Star of David is actually an ancient figure. Scholars are not able to tell exactly where the symbol came from. It is believed to have first appeared on a Jewish holy seal in 600 B.C. in Sidon. First written mention is found in a Hebrew manuscript that is dated in the 1500s.