There are several similarities between the ways in which Judaism and Christianity apply imagery and symbolism. The most common general symbol for each is, respectively, the Star of David and the Cross of Christ. The Star signifies the prophets, and the way in which they in turn represent the Messiah and the hope that he will bring. The Cross also signifies the Savior, but this is in a retrospective sense. Like the star, it also points forward to the reappearance of Jesus at the end of time. While the Star of David retrospectively symbolize the Old Testament prophets, it also points towards the future in terms of the Messiah that is to arrive.
             Christianity and Judaism also rely on symbolism within their ceremonies. For Christianity, rituals such as the Holy Communion also symbolize the central message of the faith. Christ gave his body and blood, which are symbolized by the water and wine used during the sacrament. The members of the church are seen as symbolic of the body of Christ, in that they are all part of the religion founded by Christ.
             In the Synagogue, the Rabbi is seen as representative of God on earth. Like the prophets of the Old Testament, he acts as God's mouthpiece to communicate with the congregation. The same is also believed in the Christian Church, with the slight difference that the Holy Spirit is believed to speak via the Minister or Pastor. Furthermore, in Christianity, the Spirit is believed to be available to all members of the congregation.
             The Synagogue and Church buildings themselves are also symbolic of the glory of God on earth, and are often referred to as "The House of God" by adherents to the respective religions. While the belief remains that God is present all over the world, the Synagogue and Church present believers with the opportunity to ground their faith in physical symbolism. In this way, the eternal is presented by the temporary.
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