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.

Tefilat HaDerech in Jewish jewelry

The Traveler's Prayer, known in Hebrew as Tefilat HaDerech, is a traditional Jewish prayer recited at the onset of a trip, long journey or a flight.

In this special prayer the traveler asks for divine protecting and safeguard. The traveler asks God to keep them safe from harm and dangers.
Interestingly, Tefilat HaDerech is written in plural: we ask God to keep "us" safe rather than "me". According to sacred sources, a traveler is often alone, far away from their friends and family, and so - exposed to dangers. The traveler says this prayer in plural as to join himself or herself with a large number of people.

Tefilat HaDerech unisex ring by Israeli studio, Golan Jewelry.

Many Jewish people who travel around the world keep a copy of the prayer within reach. Jewelry accessories with Tefilat HaDerech inscribed on them allow the wearer to carry the sacred words wherever they go. These pieces might also include other protective amulets as the Star of David or Hamsa hand. Tefilat HaDerech pendant or ring is often given as a gift to soldiers, businessmen and businesswomen and constant travelers. The pendant shown below is inscribed in silver using an innovative technology that allows high resolution. Both pendant and ring include the entire text of Tefilat HeDerech!

Tefilat HaDerech Onyx pendant














Tefilat HaDerech recited by IDF soldiers:



The translation of Tefilat HaDerech from Hebrew (Wikipedia):

"May it be Your will, LORD our God and the God of our ancestors, that You lead us toward peace, guide our footsteps toward peace, and make us reach our desired destination for life, gladness, and peace. May You rescue us from the hand of every foe, ambush along the way, and from all manner of punishments that assemble to come to earth. May You send blessing in our handiwork, and grant us grace, kindness, and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us. May You hear the sound of our humble request because You are God Who hears prayer requests. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who hears prayer".

Jewish gifts blog wishes you many safe journeys, take care!

Israel in 2009 Eurovision – There must be Another Way - Israel sings for Peace

Israeli singer, Achinoam Nini, who is internationally known as Noa, has recently collaborated with Israeli-Arab singer Mira Awad. Together they will represent Israel in the annual European Songs Contest, 2009 Eurovision in Moscow.

Noa has become internationally known as the performer of the theme song of Oscar-wining film Life is Beautiful.

As Noa has told the press, witnessing the last conflict in Gaza, she decided to bring some hope back to the Israelis and Palestinians. And so Noa contacted Mira Awad and offered a duet. This fantastic song"There Must be Another Way" (Your Eyes) is the result of this unusual artistic collaboration. The song was written by Noa and Mira and Israeli musician, Gil Dor.



In this context, I want to introduce you to this special piece by Israeli Judaica designers. I call this item the peace or Shalom pendant. As you can see, this Star of David pendant beautifully shaped as a dove (the golden part), the eternal symbol of peace. This unique piece is also made according to Kabbalist method: the blending of five metals (gold, silver, lead, tin and copper) when Jupiter rules the moon, is believed to draw divine protection to the bearer.

Good luck to Israel in the Eurovision contest which will take place in the 16.5.2009, let us keep our fingers crossed. I'll keep you updated.

To read more about the duo in Haaretz.com click here

Priestly blessing at the Western Wall - Passover, Israel

Every year in Hol HaMoed, thousands of people gather at the Western Wall in the ancient city of Jerusalem to hear the Priestly blessing, also known by its Hebrew name, Birkat HaKohanim. Watch this special and moving ceremony at the footage above. I'm sure that you will not forget these sights and sounds .

Birkat Hakohanim can only recited by the Kohens, who are decedents of Aaron and his sons. The Kohens were the high priests in the Sinai desert. Following God's commandment, Aaron and his sons blessed the Israelites with this powerful blessing that says:

The Lord bless thee and keep thee, The Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace" (Book of Numbers, 6:24-26).

Since the six days war in 1967, in which the Western Wall was liberated by the state of Israel, it has become a tradition to make a pilgrimage to the Wall three times a year: Sukkot, Passover and Shavuot.

The blessing is considered by many to have a mystical power. Great Jewish scholars have explained that the power of the blessing derives from the explicit reference to one of God's sacred names. The blessing of the Kohanim is thus believed to provide divine protection. Many pieces of Jewish jewelry are inscribed with this blessing. This Star of David pendant, which is one of my favorite Jewish jewelry pieces, brings together two powerful blessings: Shema Yisrael and the initials of Birkat Hakohanim. You can get this beautiful pendant here.