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!

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

Celebrating Jewish feminism with Tallits for women

As I have reported on my Jewish news blog, The Optimistc Jew, there is now a first female African-American rabbi. According to Times, Alysa Stanton, 45, will become America's first female African-American rabbi in two months from now. Today she has completed seven years of rabbinical training at Hebrew Union College. Stanton will serve as the rabbi of Congregation Bayt Shalom, a synagogue in Greenville, N.C. Well, this is a big step for Jewish feminism. To celebrate that, I've decided to bring you here several Tallits (Jewish prayer shawl) that are specially designed for women. Tallit is usually worn inside synagogues and during the morning services.

on the image above- Tallit for women- Miriam and Deborah

As you might know, there is a strong disagreement in the orthodox community whether women should be allowed to wear a Tallit. In reform and conservative communities, by contrast, Tallit is worn by women as often as by men.

Different Jewish scholars have argued that wearing a Tallit by a woman is a sign of
vanity. However, many rabbis today permit this practice. Today, even in modern orthodox communities more and more women proudly wear their Tallits. No one can stop ongoing social changes.

Tallits for women often include biblical motifs that signify the significance of women in the bible. Miriam, Moses and Aaron's sister, took an active part in the story of Exodus and provided an infinite source of water for the Israelites in the Sinai desert (today this is celebrated through the use of a new ritual article- Miriam's Cup) . Deborah the prophetess was the only female leader of the Israelites.

These Tallits for women are designed by Israeli judaica artists, Yair Emanuel - one of the most distinctive artists who live and work in Israel today. Emanuel's artistic designs of colorful Tallits make great gifts for Jewish women that is both practical and symbolic.

Tallit for Women by Yair Emanuel- Miriam's drum

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.