Q: : Is there any special symbolism attached to stones?
A: : The Hebrew word for stone is "even," (short e). The even symbolizes the bond between the generations and the eternity of the Jewish People, as in the verse, "From there the shepherd of Even Israel." "Even" is also an acronym for "Av Ubanim," which means "father and sons." In addition, the even symbolizes the longing of the Jewish People for the Land of Israel, as in the verse, "Her servants desire her stones," as well as for the building of the Jewish Temple (from stones) on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and for the return of G-d's Holy Presence in our midst.
