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.

Give Someone a Luck Charm - Jewish Jewelry featuring the Hamsa Hand

If you're looking for a suitable gift for the upcoming holidays, a Hamsa hand necklace or a bracelet is a great idea. In the last few decades Hamsas have become very popular all around the world. The symbol has been adapted by various cultures including Islam and Judaism.
All around the world the Hamsa hand is basically used for the same purpose: to ward off the evil eye and bring good fortune.

Today, the Hamsa hand is one of the best known Jewish symbols. In Jewish tradition, the Hamsa Hand is associated with Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron.  It is called Hamesh in Hebrew, the hand of Miriam or the protected hand of God. In the Kabbalah the five stretched hand of the Hamsa hand are thought to represent the five books of the Torah.

The Hamsa hand thus, can be often seen on Kabbalah inspired jewelry. It should be noted
however, that the Hamsa hand is not a religious object.

Hamsa necklaces and bracelets become more and more popular since they bring symbolism and personal style. 

The shape of the Hamsa hand resembles of a hand with five fingers but unlike the human hand, the Hamsa Hand is symmetrical, with thumbs on both sides. Hamsa necklaces and bracelets often incorporate several motifs that are believed to ward off negative energies. Based on the Kabbalah teachings, certain symbols are considered to bring good luck and abundance such as images of fish and Hebrew inscriptions as the 72 Names of God.



Hamsa necklace or bracelet is a great gift for a family member or a good friend.

Here are my picks of Hamsa jewelry:

For women:

Hamsa necklace by Amaro Jewelry, sold by Canaan online.

Hamsa necklace by Adaya, sold by Amazon


For Men

Black Leather Hamsa bracelet, sold  Most Original - Unique Gifts Online!

72 Names of Gold Hamsa Pendant, sold by Most Original- Unique Gifts Online!

Jewish Gifts by Contemporary Israeli Artists

Hundred of thousands of Jewish immigrants live in Israel, a state that was established as a homeland for all Jews. They emigrated from all across the world. This cultural diversity finds its expression in the unique mix of elements found in the local art that includes oriental and western influences – a very common feature in Israeli gifts designs. Many Jews choose to purchase Israeli made products as a way to support the state of Israel and the Israeli people.

Israeli made gifts, like all Israeli products meet high quality standards. Many of them have unique features not available anywhere else. Purchasing Israeli products have a social value since it carries a strong impact on the Israeli economy and on Israel's ability to overcome many obstacles . The web provides you with an immediate access to an overwhelming selection of unique Jewish  gifts by the best names who currently work in Israel.

Israeli Jewelry Designers

Jewish jewelry , inspired by Jewish and Israeli symbolism, is a field in high demand within the niche of Israeli gifts, producing some of the most popular Israeli gifts for customers from all over the world. There are two major kinds of Jewish jewelry artists: fashion Jewish jewelry designers and symbolic jewelry designers. Fashion Jewish jewelry artists often like to stay in tune with the current fashion trends and their designs are by no means of strict religious affiliation. In this niche, we can find several of the most successful Israeli jewelry designers who work today.

One of the best known artists is Orna Lalo. Lalo, a Shenkar graduate, is known for her playful spirit and imaginative eye. Lalo's Jewelry collection can be easily recognized by Lalo's signature look. Lalo creates chic jewelry for women that have a playful sense of fashion. Her exceptional collections include colorful necklaces, several in retro style, earrings, and rings, all of which are handmade in Israel from natural materials. Lalo's items are sold by Canaan Online.

Adina Plastelina is a famous Israeli Studio design, well exemplifies how current fashion designers combine the old with nevou. This studio that is located in the old city of Jaffa, creates its innovative designs using an ancient technique - the Millefiori process. The Millefiori process, which literally means "a thousand flowers", is an ancient glasswork technique that produces distinctive polished patterns. Though originally applied on glassware,  Millefiori process is applied on polymer clay and silver. The result is most extraordinary colorful items with a lustrous appearance.

Other artists focus on jewelry that carries a symbolic significance by incorporating prominent Jewish motifs, such as the Star of David, Hamsa hand, the seven species that the land of Israel was blessed with and more. The Hamsa hand, also known in Jewish tradition as the Hand of Miriam or the protective hand of God is believed to protect against the evil eye and bless the ones who keep it with good fortune. Israeli Design studio, HaAri Jewelry gives a special attention to Kabbalist jewelry. Check their official site .

Many of the pendants in HaAri Jewelry's original designs are inscribed with Hebrew words from sacred Jewish and Kabbalist texts. A popular theme in Kabbalah inspired jewelry is the 72 names of God which is considered by Kabbalah as a tool that enhances positive changes in our lives.

One of God's 72 sacred names, Alef-Lamed-Dalet is believed, like the Hamsa hand, to ward off the evil eye.Another great example would be MIZZE Jewelry - Made for Luck who creates a wide variety of handmade jewelry for good fortune and blessings such as this Hamsa bracelet. Check their beautiful collection of Handmade Kabbalah Jewelry.


 
Hamsa Hand designs make some of the most popular gifts by Israeli designers. This popular symbol is used as a decoration on many kinds of objects and in home and office spaces. Blessings for the home in Hebrew and in English are very popular Israeli gifts and so are amulets and even key rings. Other popular Israeli gifts are ritual objects: Shabbat Candlesticks, Tefilin, Tallit (Jewish prayer shawl), Torah Pointer and more.



Ritual objects make popular gifts for Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs and weddings. Check this beautiful mezuzah case by Israeli Judaica designer Danon:

Yair Emanual, for example, incorporates Jewish and Israeli motifs, as the breathtaking landscape of Jerusalem, in his wonderful, colorful designs that immediately capture the eye.  Best prices on Judaica 7.

Other ritual objects that give a great idea for useful gifts from Israel come from the Jewish holidays. On Rosh Hashana, common Israeli gifts are honey dishes or Rosh Hashana plates. On Hanukkah, many people like to give uniquely designed menorahs that are also very popular as weddings gifts. To celebrate the spring, Judaica designers have made a broad selection of Seder plates in many materials and styles. Indeed, Israeli Judaica artists make a great contribution to the wide selection of originally designed Israeli gifts for the various occasions in the Jewish home.

Top 10 Gift Ideas for Jewish Mum on Mother's Day

In honor of Mother's day, today I will bring you great gifts ideas for your one and only Jewish mother. Our Jewish mothers take good care of us all throughout the year, they always make sure we eat on time and keep warm even as we hit 30s and 40s.

 So here-follow a list of several great items that you just can't go wrong with. One more thing , however, even if you do pick a gift for your Jewish mum , do not forget  to also tell her that you love her. A gift card sometimes turns the gift into a perfect experience. 
1. Fashion jewelry by Israeli designers.  Two great option would be a necklace by Amaro jewelry. Irit Goffer Sasson , the head designer of Amaro is a successful business woman and a mother of three, has become a role model for women. Another option would be a butterfly pendant by Israeli jewelry design studio Adina Plastelina. Sold at Canaan-Online.
 
 2. Another great idea is a Hebrew name necklace. Hebrew name necklaces can be found online and vary in design, size, and cost.  You have various options at Israel Catalog  to find the necklace that is right for you.  There are numerous necklaces to choose from and different price ranges to fit every individual’s budget.  The site even has a clearance section for those looking for a great bargain.    

3. Dead Sea cosmetics - a wonderful gift to all women doming directly from Israel! The Dead Sea has become widely known for it benefits for the skin. Jewish web stores offer special sales that you might wanna check. There is a wide selection of products on Judsaica web store and Israel catalog.

4. Have a Little Faith: A True Story by Jewish author Mitch Albom who also wrote Tuesdays with Morry.  This is a witty, enjoyable and inspirational book.
   














5. Traveler' Prayer leather bracelet - Most Original offers this beautiful leather bracelet , inscribed with the text of Tefillat Haderech for keepsake and guard. Go to Handmade Jewelry Online!

6. Kosher cookbooks always make great addition to a Jewish kitchen. Here's a recommendation for a wonderful cookbook  - Quick & Kosher .













6. Hamsa sculpture by David Gerstein.  Contemporary Israeli art is a great source for original gifts. Check this beautiful Hamsa by renowned Israeli artist David Gerstein. Sold by Most Original Bronze & Ceramic Sculptures!

7. Be Lucky Bracelet a beautiful piece of jewelry by an aspiring studio named Beadart, sold by Judaica7.com,
8. Jerusalem Jewelry Box Yair Emanuel, a well known Israeli artist who is based in Jerusalem, has created an amazing series of handmade Jewelry boxes. Each box is hand-painted on both sides with beuatiful Jewish motifs as the ancient city of Jerusalem. The jewelry boxes are sold at lowest prices at Judaica7.
9. Anything by Ayala Bar will make any woman happy.

Check this beautiful necklace or unique bookmark. Amazon offers an exclusive collection. Each collection is limited.

10. Bookend by Israeli artist Or Niv. Sold at Canaan Online

Hanukkah menorah -traditional or modern?

How to choose Hanukkah menorah that best meets your needs?

If you are looking to buy a new menorah as a gift to someone or yourself, first you need to decide which style you prefer, traditional or modern.

Judiaca artists have created an overwhelming selection of Hanukkah menorahs in assorted materials and styles. Some designers and Judaica admirers prefer classic Hanukkah menorahs. Traditional Hanukkah menorahs usually include prominent Jewish motifs as the Star of David or the landscape of Jerusalem. The Israeli museum in Jerusalem has also created a replica of early 20th century Polish Hanukkah menorah which is truly remarkable. You can get many kinds of traditional Hanukkah menorah in affordable prices.

Another option would be contemporary designs. Contemporary Judaica artists have used their imagination to create Hanukkah menorahs in unusual and surprising designs. For example you can find Hanukkah menorah shaped as dreidels or a tree  - click here for more details. One of the most popular designs from the Israeli market is the Tzuki menorahs, in which family members stand as candleholders. Imagination has no limit!













If you're looking for something in between, I suggest you take a look at Ester Shahaf's menorahs.

Modern honey dish - a popular gift for Rosh Hashanah

A honey dish is a very popular gift for Rosh Hashanah. The honey dish is probably the most impressive item on Rosh Hashanah festive table. Many Jewish people purchase a honey dish as a gift for their friends or themselves during the Jewish holidays. U sing their imagination and creativity, contemporary Judaica artists have created a wide selection of honey dishes in various styles and materials to fit any personal style or needs.

The honey is a main ingredient in Rosh Hashanah menu, since we believe that what we eat will reflect on the year to come. According to tradition, the sweet honey is a way to bless ourselves a sweet year to come.

The sweet honey is usually placed in a special tray known as honey dish. A honey dish normally has one or two designated spots. In each spot you can place apples and honey or pomegranate seeds. Pomegranate seeds can be placed in one bowl, and apples and honey in the other.
Honey dish usually incorporates prominent Rosh Hashanah motifs such as the pomegranate. You can find many honey dishes shaped as a pomegranate or decorated with pomegranates. The honey dish might also include appropriate Hebrew blessings such as Shana Tova (happy New Year) or Shana Tova Vemetuka (happy and sweet year).

More honey dish designs in modern style by Israeli artist Shraga Landesman:

Modern Jewish Books – Jesse Kellerman's The Genius

I have to admit, I wasn't familiar with Jewish author Jesse Kellerman prior to reading The Genius. Having read the novel, I must say that Kellerman is one of the most intriguing Jewish authors today.

The Genius is an extraordinary piece in terms of writing, style, and plot.

Ethan Muller is a New York art dealer, young and ambitious. For Ethan, art is defined by its price tag. And who decides what art is? The art dealer. Indeed, Ethan is a self-centered, narcissistic protagonist. When Ethan receives a strange phone call telling him he must go to check a deserted art collection by an anonymous artist, he is astonished to discover a series of paintings that are extremely intense, psychotic even. At this point, Kellerman describes the drawings so vividly that you can literally feel their psychotic and compelling nature. The artist, Victor Cracke, disappears off the ground and no one knows of his whereabouts. Ethan starts to deal with the paintings as if they were his own. Soon enough, he begins to receive threatening letters. Ethan then receives another unexpected phone call from a retired NYPD cop who reveals to him a disturbing secret - an image of a boy in one of Cracke's paintings belongs to a victim of a serial pedophile rapist and murderer who was never caught.

Drawn into this wild realm, Ethan is about to discover buried secrets connected to his own family saga of the Jewish immigrant family that became rich and powerful.

Kellerman skillfully threads art, social criticism, and psycho-analysis with the history of Jewish immigrants bathed in romance and mystery. The Genius is a well-written modern (Jewish!) thriller that you will not be able to put down. This ambitious novel is a great gift for anyone who enjoys mystery books.

Do you read the Haggadah?... Duh!

I've run into this gallery of historical editions of Haggadah books in the Yale library online collection. According to wikipedia, the first printed editions of Haggadah were printed at the 15th century.

By reading the Haggadah in the Passover dinner, we retell the story of Exodus and celebrate the liberation of the Jewish people. As we are commanded by the bible, we must not forget the miracles that God performed in Egypt that saved the Israelites from enslavement by the hand of Pharaoh. The story of Exodus must be told to our children for generations to come - "You shall tell your children"

The people who gather around the Passover Seder table to read the Hagaddah take an active part of the retelling of the biblical story by singing traditional songs such as ma nishtana, eating ceremonial foods, and searching for the afikoman. This story has a great religious significant: following the escape from Egypt, in the Sinai desert, the Israelites received the Torah from the God of Israel.

Furthermore, the liberation of the Jewish people from their oppressors is a story that repeated itself again and again throughout History.

Now let us move on from historical Haggadah to a modern one: in the image above, a Haggadah book by Israeli Judaica designer, Jack Jaget, who has become known for his designed editions of the bible that are truly astonishing.

You can also find an online edition of the Haggadah.

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.

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.

Beautiful Caesarea!

I've just come back from a short trip to Caesarea , the famous seafront Israeli town built around archeological sites that date back to hundred of years BC. Caesarea is probably best known for it magnificent archeological sites.

There is a Judaica studio in Caesarea that operates by a husband and wife, Alice and Brian Bergner, who together create an amazing collection of collectible Jewish gifts. Their works include mezuzah cases, jewelry and home décor.

Anyone who takes a look at their works can feel how these two artists draw inspiration from their surroundings.

Some of my favorite works by this studio will be specially liked by anyone who enjoys Israel's ancient sites. This mezuzah case is a great example to these artists' magnificent ability to reflect the ancient atmosphere of Israeli historical sites as Jerusalem. Several mezuzah cases designed by Caesarea Arts studio are carved using real Jerusalem stone.