Could the Hamsa or Hand of Miriam have its roots in the ancient Essenes? The Essenses morphed after the fall of Jerusalem into the people of The Way or Nasarines. Nasir means Prince in Hebrew as Yahshuah was of Nazareth.

One view holds that the name 'Nazareth' is derived from one of the Hebrew words for 'branch', namely ne·ṣer, ‏נֵ֫צֶר‎,[b] and alludes to the prophetic, messianic words in Book of Isaiah 11:1: "from (Jesse's) roots a Branch [netzer] will bear fruit".[9] One view suggests this toponym might be an example of a tribal name used by resettling groups on their return from exile.[10] Alternatively, the name may derive from the verb na·ṣar, נָצַר, 'watch, guard, keep",[11] and understood either in the sense of 'watchtower' or 'guard place', implying the early town was perched on or near the brow of the hill, or, in the passive sense as 'preserved, protected' in reference to its secluded position Wiki.

Hamsa's are used for protection against the evil eye.