Category Archives: Jewish Gifts
What is Purim and How It is Celebrated by Kids?
Purim is a Holiday that Celebrates the Salvation of Jews in Ancient Persia
Purim is one of the most pleasant Jewish holidays. Purim is celebrated on the 14th of Adar, this date is according to the lunar calendar. This year, Purim falls on March 8th 2012, according to the solar calendar.
Story of Purim in Short
In the 4th century, there was a Minister in the Persian Empire named Haman. He hated the Jews and decreed that on the 13th of Adar, all the Jews were to be destroyed.
However, Haman and the King didn’t know that Esther, the young new Queen of Persia, was Jewish. Esther’s uncle Mordechai discovered Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews and told Esther about it.
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!.
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.
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.
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 sufferings of the Israelites and to celebrate the miracles that God brought to them in Egypt.
A Seder plate usually has six designated spots, each is dedicated to a traditional food that has symbolic significance in relation to the Passover holiday.
Seder Plate by Israeli Judaica Artist Shraga Landsman
The Seder plate usually has six designated spots. In these spots, we place traditional foods that have a symbolic significance.
What are these six dishes? This your check list for the Seder:
Maror (מרור) and Chazeret (חזרת)- two kinds of bitter herbs that symbolize the harsh lives of the enslaved Israelites in Egypt.
Charoset (חרוסת)- a sweet brown mixture that resembles the clay used by the Israelites during construction work for Pharaoh.
Karpas (כרפס) – a vegetable, usually parsley, dipped in salt water- a metaphor to the bitter tears of the enslaved Hebrews in Egypt.
Zroa (זרוע) – usually a chicken wing – a reminder of the sacrifice that was offered to God in the sacred Temple in Jerusalem.
A Roasted egg (Bietza ביצה) – There are many theories for what the egg stands for. According to one theory, eating a roasted egg is a sign of mourning and grief. The roasted egg is also thought to be eaten as a reminder of the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Maror maror on the wall, what is the most delicious of them all?
Let’s admit it, Passover’s traditional foods may not be a celebration of the senses, but the Seder plate can definitely be a celebration for the eye!
Placed at the center of the festive table, the Seder plate is usually one of the most impressive items in the Judaica collection.
Both decorative and practical, the Seder plate has become a popular gift for Jewish people all across the world. The Seder plate adds festivity and color to the table on a holiday that celebrates the most important gift of all – freedom.
Israeli Judaica artists design original Seder plates in many sorts of styles and shapes. These artists skillfully combine modern influences with traditional motifs.
Where to buy a Seder plate by Israeli artists?
Discover Israel’s leading Judaica artists who specialize in Seder Plate designs at Canaan Online.
A wide selection of Seder plates is also avaiable at Judaica Store
Havdalah Set: What does it Include?
Performed by millions of Jews around the word the Havdalah service marks the beginning of a new week. Havdalah set is a wonderful Judaica object that is often decorates Jewish homes. Before buying an Havdalah set you should know what it should include.
Havdalah set includes the three following objects:
A candle holder
A small dish or a glass
Spice box
Havdalah sets are made from a wide range of materials, such as silver or glass, and designed in various sizes and styles.
Since the Havdalah set is a visible article in the Jewish home, it has become a popular gift for many occasions which is both practical and decorative. Many designers have turned this ritual article into works of arts, you might be surprised you with their colorful designs and the joy project.
One of my favorite Havdalah set was designed by Israeli Judaica artist, Yair Emanual who brings his joyful spirit to historical Jewish motifs, such as the landscape of Jerusalem. How lovely!
Jewish Wedding Gifts: Ani LeDodi-inspired Gifts and Other Unique Gift Ideas
Jewish wedding is a very special ceremony. The bride and groom share a sacred mutual promise under a big canopy – the Chuppah. The Jewish wedding signifies the sanctity of marriage and the eternal union between a man and a woman. The Chuppah is the symbol of the home that the new couple will build together.
If you’ve been invited to a Jewish wedding and wondering what would be a suitable gift, here are several ideas for unique Jewish gifts by Israeli artists.
Under the Chuppah the happy bride and groom share a mutual promise by saying to each other: “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” or as pronounced in Hebrew -Ani LeDodi VeDodi Li (Song of Songs: 3:6). Song of Songs is believed to have been written by King Solomon. This psalm is traditionally interpreted as the divine love that God has given to the people of Israel. The people of Israel are seen as the wife, the beloved, and God in the one who blesses His beloved with eternal love. This promise also embodies the sacred relationship between a husband and wife in Jewish tradition.
Today, I would like to bring you several Ani LeDodi gift ideas that are perfect for anniversaries and Jewish weddings. Several of the most popular Jewish wedding gifts are ornamental objects that have symbolic significance. A great idea for Jewish wedding gifts are pieces that feature the Ani Ledodi blessing in Hebrew or in English. One example is a glass stand alone or a Tzadaka box inscribed with the famous words.
This is a beautiful Hamsa hand by one of my favorite Israeli artists, Yossi Steinberg.
Judaica articles are very popular Jewish weddings gifts as they are both practical and decorative and have religious context. Shabbat candlesticks, Mezuzah cases and Hanukkah menorah are very appropriate gifts for Jewish wedding.
Contemporary Judaica gifts
Judaica articles are very popular Jewish weddings gifts as they are both practical and decorative and have religious context. Shabbat candlesticks, Mezuzah cases and Hanukkah menorah are very appropriate gifts for Jewish wedding.
Contemporary Israeli Art also makes a wonderful source for Jewish wedding gifts, such as this Hamsa hand by Israeli artist David Gerstein. Gerstein has become internationally known for his unique pop art sculptures. You can check out these items at Your Store for Unique Gifts!.
