Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) – A Day of Self Reflection and Repentance
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement is considered to be one of the holiest holidays in the Jewish tradition. Yom Kippur ends the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and More »
So what is the Passover Seder Plate?
The Seder plate is the central object at the Passover table. Since Passover is about commemorating the story of Exodus, many Jewish symbols are used to demonstrate the More »
Rosh Hashanah – The Jewish New Year and Its Significance
Rosh Hashanah is the holiday that marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Jewish calendar. Rosh Hashanah is the time of the year when we praise the creation of More »
Hanukkah – A celebration of lights!
The fight against oppression.
The Jewish people have struggled throughout history to preserve their religion as a nation. More than 2000 years ago, king Antiochus, the leader of the Greek Empire, occupied the More »
All You Need to Know about Havdalah Service
Say “Farewell” to Shabbat Havdalah style
The Havdalah service marks the beginning of a new week. In Hebrew Havdalah literally means “to make distinction” – it is a mitzvah to symbolically separate regular More »
Top 10 Modern Mezuzah Cases that Make Unique Jewish Gifts
A modern Mezuzah – not what you had in mind!
Modern Judaic artworks make a wonderful source of unique Jewish gifts that carry symbolic significance. Contemporary Jewish artists skillfully deliver an ancient Jewish heritage while adding a modern twist and their own imagination. One of the most popular Judaica objects is the Mezuzah. Online Judaica stores offer you a broad selection of decorative Mezuzah cases to match your personal style. Here I will bring you unique modern Mezuzahs, all handmade in Israel by renowned Israeli artists.
1. Mezuzah Case by Agayof - Agayof has quickly gained a name of himself as one of the most intriguing names in the field of modern Judaica. Made from metal, Agayof’s piece carries the ultimate modern touch. The size is 1 x 6 inches. Find more details at this Judaica Store.
2. Arched Mezuzah by Ester Shahaf- Ester Shahar lives and works in Binyamina, a small and picturesque town in Israel, where she creates her remarkable Judaic artworks. This arched Mezuzah case is one of her most unique art works. The piece is sold by Most Original – Handmade Judaica Online!.
Popular Jewish Charms for Luck and Protection
Jewish charms have been used by Jewish men and women all across the world for many generations. Jewish charms include several prominent motifs that are believed to draw blessing and protection to the bearer. One of the most popular Jewish crams is the Hamsa hand which features many kinds of Jewish jewelry accessories. There is a wide selection of Jewish charms available on the web. Today, contemporary artists give ne interpretations to ancient Jewish charms and turn them into fashionable items that also have symbolic significance. Here we would like to introduce you with several prominent Jewish charms.
Star of David – a famous Jewish symbol and one of the most popular Jewish Charms
The Star of David or Magen David is probably the most significant Jewish symbol and also one of the most popular Jewish charms. Star of David means in Hebrew a shield or protector, which might refers to possible origin of the sign. According to tradition, the six pointed star came from King David’s shield. King David’s shield was used by King David and his warriors in battlefield, leading his army to great victories. The shape of the hexagram is also believed by many cultures to draw positive energies, and sometimes you can see non-Jews who wear Star of David pendants.
To this day, many people believe that wearing the Star of David on one’s neck or wrists draws divine protection to the bearer. The Star of David is also one of the most ancient Jewish charms. Although Star of David has become known in the last century, The use of the Star of David as a protective Jewish charm dates back to as early as the Middle Ages. In many ancient cultures, six or five pointed star has been thought to possess powerful energies and has been used to fight off evil spirits and other negative energies. In the field of Jewish jewelry, Star of David necklaces are common Jewish charms worn by Jewish men and women around the world.
Funny, Smart and Jewish! Interesting Facts about Mayim Bialik
You probably remember Mayim Bialik as Jewish actress for her role as Blossom, a successful sitcom back in the 90s. Mayim Bialik has made a big comeback recently thanks to her role as Amy Farrah Fowler, the female equivalent to Jim Parsons’ Sheldon Cooper on the hit TV series, The Big Bang Theory. Here are some other facts about the actress you may not have known about.
– Mayim Bialik’s grandparents immigrated to the United States in the 1930s from Poland and Czechoslovakia/Hungry. She, herself, was born in San Diego, and raised in Reform Judaism. Mayim Bialik is currently involved in Conservadox Judaism.
Interesting Facts about Mayim Bialik
– Bialik’s given name means “water” in Hebrew.
– Bialik’s first film role was in the horror movie, Pumpkinhead, starring Lance Henriksen. Other early roles included guest spots on the TV show The Facts of Life and Beauty and the Beast.
– Bialik’s first recurring role was three appearances on MacGuyver as the character Lisa Woodman.
Mila Kunis: Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Jewish Actress
You might know a few things about the Jewish actress Mila Kunis. You know she’s best known for her roles as Jackie Burkhart on That ‘70s Show, and as the voice of Meg Griffin on Family Guy, as well as her recent film roles in Black Swan and Friends With Benefits ( plays alongside Justin Timberlake). You also know that she’s been dating fellow actor Macaulay Culkin since 2002. But here are some facts you may not have known about Mila Kunis.
Things you didn’t know about Mila Kunis
– Mila Kunis’ full name is Milena Markovna/Markivna Kunis.
– Mila Kunis is, in fact, Jewish. Her parents raised her in the faith as best they could, despite how religion was suppressed in the family’s native Soviet Union.
Jewish Jewelry – Symbolic Jewelry for Protection and Blessing
So why Jewish jewelry? Does the glitter of jewelry catch your eye? Do you also want to celebrate your heritage at the same time as looking stunning? Why not give Jewish Jewelry a try, beautifully crafted, timeless pieces that not only augment the wearer’s beauty but allow one to wear their heritage with pride. There are many Jewish Jewelry dealers both online and in traditional storefronts, providing outstanding prices and selection for pieces that can make the perfect gift.
Jewish Jewelry Accessories
When selecting a piece of jewelry, always remember what the recipient’s preferences are. Does the person enjoy gold, white gold or silver? Will the person want something more traditional or more stylish? When considering what to purchase, always keep in mind gender and age, the two most important factors when selecting jewelry. If you are unsure what your loved one may want, consult with the shop owner or their friends to find out what would be appropriate in the situation. Selecting the perfect gift will not only brighten the day of the recipient, but it will leave you looking like a hero.
Getting familiar with the common types of Jewish jewelry can leave you armed with information about a potential purchase before you even go into a store. One of the most popular pieces of Jewish jewelry is the Star of David motif. Star David necklace is probably the most popular of all type of Jewish jewelry and can be sometimes found in other forms as well.
Another popular style features the Hamsa Hand. The Hamsa hand is also known as the Hand of Miriam, who was the sister of Moses and Aaron. Other popular Jewish jewelry designs include Chai pendants, The Book of Psalms, Mezuzah pendants, Kabbalah jewelry, and Menorah pendants.
Luck Charms for Protection
When wearing a piece of jewelry, most people have a certain motivation or symbolic reason for adorning a piece. The most common reason that Jewish jewelry is worn is to show pride in the Jewish heritage and to mark a person’s faith. Many people also believe Jewish jewelry to be a good luck charm, warding off bad luck and evil. Another common use for these pieces is protection.
For example, the Hamsa Hand is believed to have power against the “evil eye”. According to belief, the “evil eye” is a look a person gives another that can afflict the recipient with bad luck, illness or even death. One of the more popular piece of Jewish jewelry (especially by Israeli jewelry designers) used for protection is the Kabbalah Red String, which is worn around the left wrists by millions of men and women around the world to stave off bad luck.
Hebrew Name Necklace: Unique Style and Reasonable Price Make Them Excellent Gifts, Whatever The Occasion
Ever considered buying a Hebrew name necklace for yourself or someone you know? If you’re non-Jewish and trying to find a present for a Jewish person, you might be wondering how to get them. There’s so much available… how do you choose? Consider purchasing them a necklace but not just any necklace… You want to find an elegant Hebrew name necklace that has a unique appeal to it.
Now, you can locate Hebrew name necklace in many places but, most especially, the Internet. Here, you have an array of sizes, designs and costs to choose from. Make sure to look at the various pieces of custom jewelry to find the one perfect for the person you’re looking to buy for and can fit in your budget.
Hebrew Jewelry: Why Should You Go With Hebrew Name Necklace
Quite a few Jewish folks, all around the world, wear Hebrew inscribed necklaces. These pieces of jewelry are inscribed with a number of things such as:
- Jewish Bible prayers
- Jewish Bible quotations
- Jewish Bible blessings
- Hebrew alphabet
- Number of other holy sources
Most Jewish folks have a strong connection to their roots and the language. After all, the Hebrew language is ancient and sacred, with a unique sound and look to it. It’s interesting when you look back more than 50 years that the Hebrew language wasn’t used on a regular basis; that is until Israel become established.
Hebrew letters are seen in various styles in writing. All Hebrew name necklaces will be designed specifically for the person you’re purchasing them for. The various styles, which come in gold or silver in Hebrew name necklace, include:
- Cursive
- Block letters
- Side designs
When you need a unique gift, the Hebrew necklace is the ideal choice. After all, it can be worn on any occasion, dressed down or up, as it’s needed. Often Israeli jewelry designs come with the Star of David and the wearer’s name.
And, with reasonable prices, you can purchase more than one (great for Hanukkah or other special occasions). Of course, other pendants and necklaces will have the person’s name and a style that personalizes it. It’s certainly an eye-catching piece that will get some attention when worn and seen, making other folks want one as well.
Whatever the occasion, whoever the person, this is the time to do a little research on Hebrew necklaces. And, like other Jewish jewelry accessories, the Hebrew name necklaces are fun and unique to wear and show off the Jewish pride. And, because they’re so reasonably priced, you won’t want to stop at just ordering and buying one. Why not get a Hebrew name necklace for yourself?
Israel-Catalog offers a wide range of Israel silver jewelry, including personalized Israeli silver jewelry.
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) – A Day of Self Reflection and Repentance
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement is considered to be one of the holiest holidays in the Jewish tradition. Yom Kippur ends the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur that are called “Days of Awe” – ten days devoted to the examination and repentance of our sins.
Why do we fast on Yom Kippur?
As a sign of repentance, the Jews fast for 24 hours that include a total abstention of food and drink. Many Jewish people, both religious and secular, refrain from work, driving, our any other daily activity. Instead, they visit the synagogue to pray before G-d and hear the sound of the Shofar blown.
Self- examination
On this day, Jewish people reflect on their past mistakes in the context of their relationship with G-d. the Jews ask themselves, have I followed all G-d’s commandments?
Another important part of this self-examination is in the context of relationship with other people, especially family and friends. It is a time for major introspection: to ask yourself if you hurt someone’s feelings, or treated your colleagues or friends disrespectfully. Based on the Jewish tradition, we all make these mistakes because we’re human, but it’s what we do about it that counts in the eyes of God.
Time to forgive and be forgiven
Yom Kippur is time to make new resolutions, apologize to the ones you’ve hurt and forgive the ones who have hurt you.
“May you be inscribed in the Book of Life” goes the common blessing we give to others during this time.
To read more about Jewish holidays, click on the link.
During Yom Kippur it is a mitzvah to listen to the sound of the shofar inside the synagogue.
Rosh Hashanah Gift Giving
In the Jewish culture Rosh Hashanah is the holiday that celebrates the beginning of a New Year. It literally means “head of the year” in Hebrew. Rosh Hashanah is a celebration of everything good we have in our lives thanks to God. It is also a time to reflect on our good deeds and bad deeds from the year that is passing, and think about how we can improve ourselves in the New Year. The period between this holiday and the next, which is Yom Kippur, is a period of ten days at the end of which one gets judged for their past deeds and their attempt to change their ways.
Yom Kippur is a day of fasting where one gets the chance to look at themselves and their actions closely and decide what changes they need to make in order to be closer to God and to be a better person. It allows people the chance to learn from past actions.
Some Jewish people give gifts on this holiday as a way of welcoming the New Year. While it is not a mandatory custom to give gifts, it is usually perceived as a nice and welcomed gesture. Most people appreciate receiving a special gift to start their New Year with in a form of a religious or spiritual object they can use. It can also be a decorative ornament for their home. Some of the more popular gifts include plates – whether the plates relate to the custom of dipping the apple or bread in honey, or to the festive Rosh Hashanah meal itself.
More on Rosh Hashanah customs
The Rosh Hashanah holiday is celebrated in the fall and is a celebration of a new Jewish year. As with other Jewish holidays, Rosh Hashanah is based on the Jewish Lunar Calendar. The ten day period between Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur is the time to reflect on any actions that may have had a negative impact on others. It is also the time to think about strengthening one’s connection with God and the community.
This period is dedicated to healing and mending the relationship with God, oneself and others. The idea is for the Jewish person to be ready on Yom Kippur to start fresh and make amends with people that they may have wronged. During this time people wish each other a good year and also tell each other that they hope they are judged favorably in the Book of Life.
Hebrew Calendar – The Landscape of Israel
Honey dishes make sweet Rosh Hashanah gifts!
As a holiday Rosh Hashanah is very significant to the Jewish people. It is known for its elaborate festive meal that happens on the first night of the holiday. Usually the family gets together for a festive dinner to mark the beginning of the holiday with different foods, each symbolizing a positive aspect of the holiday and the New Year.
Jewish people pray over the food and eat apples and bread dipped in honey to symbolize the sweetness of the New Year and to wish upon everyone abundance and prosperity. Honey symbolizes sweetness but also wealth, both of which are welcomed in the New Year.
Pomegranate – much more than décor
It is customary for Jewish people to eat fresh fruit from Israel on Rosh Hashanah and the pomegranate is the most common fruit consumed during this time. The pomegranate is an important symbol of the New Year as it often symbolizes wealth and abundance of good things to come for the New Year. Jewish people pray over the fruit in hopes that this year they are able to do as many good deeds as the number of the seeds in the pomegranate. Because of the symbolic meaning this is a common theme that inspires Rosh Hashanah gifts. The fruit itself is beautiful because of its bright color and familiar shape, while creative designs add flair to plates and other gifts that people like to give and receive at Rosh Hashanah. You can find these items at the Judaica web store that offer a wide selection of Rosh_Hashanah gifts from Israel.
