Jewish Gifts for Your Mother

Every mother appreciates a gift from her child. Moms don’t want their children to go out of their way to buy something overly pricey. What they prefer is for their child to get a gift that is simple yet heavy in symbolical meaning. This can be just about anything; just the fact that it came from you will make it sentimental. However, if you can get the gift personalized, then it will give it even more meaning and make it that much more cherishable.

Jewish gifts such as jewelry often make great gift ideas. Kabbalah jewelry is one accessory that you can get that will make a great present for Mother’s Day or just whenever you want to show your mother that you appreciate her.

Designed Kabbalah jewelry for women

Kabbalah jewelry can take on various shapes and forms. Bracelets, rings and necklaces are the most common, but there are also earrings, anklets and even hair pieces available that can be found in most Judaica shops.

Bracelets and necklaces are often the first choices that people consider when getting a jewelry gift. They are easy to wear and are easily visible, which makes them great when wearing them for fashion.

With the diverse selection of jewelry available, you can pick out the piece that would be perfect for your mother based on the type of band and charms that are included.

 Red String Kabbalah bracelet

A red thread is the most common band used in Kabbalah bracelets. This is symbolical of the red string that was tied around Rachel’s Tomb. Rachel herself was also a devoted mother to Joseph and Benjamin, so a bracelet with a red band would make a terrific present for your mother. If you prefer, there are also bands made from gold and silver chains. If you opt for a ring or a bracelet with a solid band, then you can get a message inscribed in Hebrew. The message can express what your mother means to you.

Handmade Kabbalah jewelry can also include pendants and lockets. This may come with a trinket that can be opened with a small photo stored inside. The outer portion of the trinket may take the form of the hamsa hand or the evil eye. It may also come as a solid piece of metal with the inscription of the 72 Names of God or a prayer.

Whenever you wish to honor your mother, give her a jewelry that carries with it a value that is priceless beyond words.

Elijah's Cup plays an imporant role in the Passover Seder Ritual

Elijah's cup has a symbolic significance in the Passover Seder ritual. During the Seder, there are four expressions to describe our redemption involving the Exodus from Egypt and the birth of the Jewish nation. This is why we have five cups of wine. The first means “I will take you out”, the second means “I will save you”, the third means “I will redeem you” and the fourth means “I will take you as a nation”.

The fifth cup is Elijah’s Cup and plays an important role in the Seder.

Filling Up Elijah's Cup 

As dictated by tradition, at the end of the Seder meal a cup of wine is poured. This is what is known as Elijah’s Cup. It is filled and placed in the open front door of the home at which time there are Psalm verses recited to ask G-d to take his wrath and rain it down upon the oppressors and persecutors of the Jewish peoples. According to legend, at that very moment the home is graced by Elijah’s presence. This is a very old part of the Jewish tradition and there are several meanings behind it.

One meaning is connected to the description of Passover found in the Torah. Passover night is a guarded night when long ago G-d wrapped himself around the Jews in protection. This was His protection from the plaque that killed the first born Egyptian babies and the night that His protection over His chosen people was most obvious. By opening our doors and placing the wine in the threshold, we are showing the trust we still have in him to provide us with protection.

By opening up our doors we are opening up our hearts and home to Elijah and allowing him in. We don’t just do this on the eve of Seder. We also hold his presence dear when our male children are circumcised. During this special ceremony Elijah testifies that the Jews are scrupulous in regard to the mitzvah of the circumcision and testifies that all the men who are present at the ceremony are circumcised as well. 

This is an exciting time for the Jewish children as they all gather around Elijah’s cup to see if maybe they can glance a ripple in the wine. Any sort of movement gives hope that the prophet has actually joined them. This is a fun game of pretend when you are a child, but Elijah’s role in history is nothing to joke about. His cup holds special meaning for the Jewish people and serves as an inspiration, giving a deeper meaning and focus to the Seder.

This Elijah's Cup can be purchased at Judaism.com.

Traditional and Modern Shabbat Candlesticks by Israeli Artists

Today, I'd like to show some unique designs of Shabbat Candlesticks by Israeli designers. Shabbat candlesticks make popular Jewish gifts since they are both decorative and practical..
Jewish people all around the world observe Shabbat by kindling lights and performing Kiddush service. And so, Shabbat candlesticks have become one of the most popular Judaica items.

Here I shall bring you Shabbat candlesticks in unique designs by Israeli designers . Israeli artists have created a wide selection of candlesticks in assorted materials and style. You can find these pieces at this Judaica Store.

Lighting Shabbat Candlesticks

The ritual of lighting Shabbat candles every Friday night before sunset, the Jewish family welcomes the Shabbat by lighting Shabbat candles. Two candles are traditionally lit to welcome the Shabbat. Around twenty minutes before the sun goes down, the mother or daughter says a quiet prayer while placing her hands over her eyes. In case there is no woman in the household, a man may light the candles.

The woman who recites the blessing covers her eyes so she would not enjoy the sacred candle light before blessing is completed. The blessing over the candles is: "Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Shabbat candles". According to tradition, as Shabbat comes in, the skies open up, and it is time for the woman who recites the blessing to make her deepest wishes.

 Why do we light Shabbat candles?

The act of lighting Shabbat candles represents the Creation of the Light. In lighting Shabbat candles we fulfill two Mitzvahs: to honor the Shabbat, and bring domestic peace and tranquility (Shlom Bayit).

Decorative Shabbat Candlesticks - beautify the Shabbat Since it is important Mitzvah to honor the Shabbat, it is appropriate to beautify the ritual with special candlesticks. Shabbat candlesticks are made from assorted materials and styles. Shabbat candlesticks can be made from metal, wood, crystal and more. Shabbat candlesticks come in various styles: traditional or modern, western or eastern. Shabbat candlesticks will often include prominent Jewish symbols as Jerusalem or the Star of David.

Jerusalem Shabbat Candlesticks

Decorative Shabbat candlesticks make popular gifts for many Jewish occasions. Contemporary Judaica designers have created a wide selection of Shabbat candlesticks to glorify the Shabbat. You can also find travel Shabbat candlesticks, specially designed to be carried anywhere you go.

Travel Shabbat candlesticks

Whatever style you prefer, Shabbat candlesticks make a perfect gift for festive occasions in the Jewish home – weddings, housewarming, Bar or Bat Mitzvah and Jewish holidays.

Modern Shabbbat Candlesticks by Israeli artist Agayof