Back to original Passover gifts - Afikoman undercover!

As you might know, the Passover ritual meal is quite long. So how do Jewish families keep the children interested in the story of Exodus?

We play a game!

At early stages of the seder, Matzah is broken into two pieces. One piece is covered and hidden. The broken Matzah,called the Afikoman, keeps children engaged in the Seder as they come to expect their “rasnom” for finding the Afikoman.
Several Israeli Judaica artists, such as Yair Emanuel, have created a wide variety of colorful Matzah and Afikoman covers to fit the humorous nature of this special custom.

You can find more Matzah and matching Afikoman covers here.

Is Adam Lambert…Jewish?

Everyone's wondering about American Idol finalist Adam Lambert, is he gay, is he not gay. Who cares? They should focus on the real important issue – is he Jewish?

In this footage, Adam Lambert sings Shir LaShalom (Song for Peace) in Hebrew with Israeli performers, as a tribute to Yizhak Rabin, our legendary Prime minister who was assassinated in 1995.

I'm really impressed with Adam Lambert's skills in Hebrew. Jewish or not, Adam is a gifted singer, I'm rooting for him (and Matt)!


I love you Adam!



This is a rocker pendant, just like Adam wore on American idol, if you want a touch of his style.

More Passover Gifts in original designs- Matzah Plates in Modern designs.

During the eight days of Passover, we are not allowed to eat bread. We avoid any kind of food made of flour, and eat a special flat of bread called Matzah (Matzo).

So what's behind this custom? When the Israelites escaped from the hand of Pharaoh in ancient Egypt, they didn't have enough time to let their bread rise. On Passover, we eat Matzos to commemorate the successful escape of the Hebrews from Egypt.

As part of Passover ritual meal, the Seder, matzos are placed on the table. The matzos are often placed in a special tray, known as Matzah plate. Matzah plates usually include prominent motifs in Jewish tradition, like the seven species that the land of Israel was blessed with.

This laser-cut Matzah plate by Judaica artist Dorit Klein is a wonderful example of how modern art is successfully combined with traditional motifs.

Celebrating Passover with Matzos! Or who wants to be a Matzo Man?

Listen to the Matzo Man song!

Passover gifts with a modern flavor

As my favorite holiday is just around the corner, I would like to bring you a selection of original Passover gifts. Seder Plates makes a great gift idea –the Seder plate is usually very decorative and also comes very handy in Passover.

Retelling the story of Exodus - that's what the Seder is all about! The Seder plate plays a significant role in Passover ritual meal. All of these traditional foods that are places within the Seder plate symbolize the sufferings of the Hebrew slaves in Egypt. The Seder Plate has five or six designated spots in which we place ceremonial foods.
Maror, for example, is a bitter green herb that is dipped in salty water and thus represents the tears of the Israelites.

Recent years have shown a growing popularity of original Judaica artworks, and so, Seder plates have become very common as a gift for holidays and festive occasions. Contemporary Judaica designers are interested in creating original Jewish gifts with a modern flavor. Judaica designers skillfully deliver ancient Jewish motifs with a modern interpretation, while adding a twist of their own imagination, and sometimes humor.

Many of the best known names in the field of Judaica art live and work in Israel. Israeli Judaica artists have contributed to the wide selection of designed Israeli gifts that carry the symbolism of both Jewish and Israeli culture.

You can check a wide selection of Israeli made Seder plates on Canaan Online or Judaism.com

Watch this footage to find out more about the use of the Seder plate on Passover dinner.

Happy Purim!

Today, everyone's in Israel celebrates the most fun Jewish holiday -Purim. Purim in Israel is a wonderful festival. As you can see in this footage, Israeli kids and youth are dressing up in all kinds of colorful customs: angels, Spiderman, and of course, the classic Queen Ester and Evil Haman.

So what would be appropraiate Jewish gifts for Purim?
Purim's gifts are all about fun. According to tradition, people give each other sweets and snacks ("mishloch manot" in Hebrew), make noise with groggers, and drink wine. All of those gifts are very popular and affordable.

I'd also like to introduce you to this lovely and artistic design of the book of Ester by Israeli artist, Anat Mayer. Read in purim, the book tells how Queen Ester in her great wisdom and wit saved the Jewish people from the hands of Haman a few thousands of years ago.

Passover's New Ritual Object– Miriam's Cup

In honor of the International Women's Day (March, 8), I'd like to introduce you to a modern ritual object that's enjoyed a growing popularity in recent years. In Passover, Miriam's Cup is placed on the Seder table beside Elijah's cup and is filled with water. This ritual represents Miriam's miraculous well that provided water to the Israelites in the Sinai desert. Miriam's Cup draws our attention to the significance of women in the Bible that otherwise might have been marginalized.


If you're looking for original and modern Jewish gifts, Miriam's Cup is a great idea. I find Miriam's Cup a wonderful addition to the festive Seder dinner that any woman would appreciate. Passover is a great time to celebrate freedom and equality!

You can purchase a colection  Miriam's Cup in Judaism.com.
If you'd like to read more about Miriam's Cup click here.