Thursday, October 8, 2009

Hebrew speaking dictionary - a great find to anyone who learns Hebrew


If you're interested in learning Hebrew, or knows someone who does, here's a perfect gift for you- Hebrew speaking dictionary. Thanks to modern technology, this product can totally change your learning experience.

Hebrew, the sacred language of the bible, is meaningful to every Jewish person. Looking back 60 years ago, it is astonishing to think that Hebrew wasn't used on a daily basis until 1948, when Israel was established. Many Jewish American today learn Hebrew to strengthen the bond with their heritage and the state of Israel.


This dictionary is produced with this audience in mind. The Hebrew speaking dictionary uses a human voice that allows you to hear how the word is pronounced in Hebrew.

With this Hebrew speaking dictionary it will be easier for you to speak and read Hebrew.

The dictionary contains a two-way dictionary in Hebrew and English, and other benefits: an organizer, diary, alarm clock, telephone and address book. This product is only available on the internet, you can click on the image tto purchase the item in special price at Israel catalog.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Tzuki Design – Humor and spirituality come together in Jewish art



Did you know that Judaica items can be cheerful? The products by Tzuki design Israel are sure to elevate your spirit. Tzuki Design was established by two talented Israeli artists, Orna Cohen Hazam and Shay Peled. Their colorful artworks that are handcrafted in Israel humorously celebrate the Jewish tradition.

Not only do they add joyful spirit to the Jewish holiday by creating delightful Judaic artworks, Cohen Hazam and Peled provide various elderly organizations in Israel with different types of therapeutic work.
The works of the Israeli due is sold in galleries, museum shops and boutiques throughout the world.

Judaica artworks by Tzuki Design make wonderful and original gift ideas for almost any occasion, and they are sure to put a smile on the recipient's face. Here are several examples of their unique works: take a look and answer this- aren't they irressitable?

In the image above: Shabbat Candlesticks by Tzuki Design.

Hanukkah Menorah by Tzuki Design

Monday, September 14, 2009

Rosh HaShanah 2009 - Rosh Hashanah basket from Israel


Rosh Hashanah is just around the corner! This year we celebrate Rosh Hashanah, one of the most celebrated Jewish holidays, on September 18, 2009. In Rosh Hashanah we greet each other with "shana tova ve-metukah –which means in free translation - for a good and sweet year. It is a tradition to eat sweetened food on Rosh Hashanah, especially honey. One of the nicest things you can do on Rosh Hashanah is sending your friends or family Rosh Hashanah basket, filled with sweet things. Who doesn't like to get a basket with honey or chocolate inside? This year you can order Rosh Hashanah basket, filled with Israeli goods with free delivery in the USA.

Support Israel – buy Israeli made products!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

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:


Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Jerusalem comes to life - Israeli artist Yair Emanuel


Today I would like you to meet an extraordinary Israeli Judaica artist who lives and works in Jerusalem. Emanuel is a graduate of Israel's prestigious Academy of Art and Design. Yair Emanuel's stylish works are hand-painted in vivid colors that immediately capture the eye. Inspired by ancient motifs, Yair Emanuel mixes traditional with modern design, while adding his own imagination to create his unmistakable signature look.

Emanuel's unique works include Shabbat candlesticks, Seder Plates, Hanukkah menorahs, hand-embroidered Tallits and much more. Emanuel's Works make some of the mosty popular giffs from Israel. What I especially like about Yair Emanuel's works is the fact that they truely reflect the atmosphere of Jerusalem. Anyone who has ever been to the holy city will know what I'm talking about. With Emanuel's magic touch, the sights of jerusalem magically come to life. You just can't stay indifferent to his works, Each of Emanuel's religious object will make a colorful addition to any interior.

Jerusaem hand-painted Hanukkah menorah by Yair Emanuel.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Ani LeDodi VeDodi Li – special blessing makes special Jewish wedding gifts


The Jewish wedding ceremony takes place under a big canopy, called in Hebrew Chuppah. Under the Chuppah the happy bride and groom share a mutual promise by saying to each other: "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine" or as pronounced in Hebrew -Ani LeDodi VeDodi Li (Song of Songs: 3:6). Song of Songs is believed to have been written by King Solomon. This psalm is traditionally interpreted as the divine love that God has given to the people of Israel. The people of Israel are seen as the wife, the beloved, and God in the one who blesses His beloved with eternal love. This promise also embodies the sacred relationship between a husband and wife in Jewish tradition.

Today, I would like to bring you several Ani LeDodi gift ideas that are perfect for anniversaries and Jewish weddings. Several of the most popular Jewish wedding gifts are ornamental objects that have symbolic significance. Judaica articles are very popular Jewish weddings gifts as they are both practical and decorative and have religious context. Shabbat candlesticks, Mezuzah cases and Hanukkah menorah are very appropriate gifts for Jewish wedding. A special gift jewelry such as a pendant or necklace inscribed with Ani LeDodi for the bride is another special gift idea. Below, Ani LeDodi Mezuzah by Israeli artist Yossi Steinberg, who has also designed the magnificent candlesticks above.
















Ani LeDodi pendant by Ester Shahaf with Hebrew inscription from the Song of Songs


Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Hebrew music makes a wonderful gift – it's food for the soul 365 days a year.

Hebrew music has a strong appeal to many Jewish people around the world. Hebrew is an ancient language as well as sacred, and it has a very unique sound to it. The use of Hebrew in music is more common these days. Looking back 60 years ago, it is astonishing to think that Hebrew wasn't used on a daily basis until Israel was established.

Popular Hebrew music often originates in Israel who has exported lots of talented male and female singers.

I have chosen to introduce you to Hebrew music that gives voice to the unique cultural diversity in Israel. Popular Hebrew music today includes western and eastern influences, often accompanied by traditional hymns and prayers. A great example would be The Idan Raichel Project . Today Idan Raichel and his fellow singers tour America and around the world. Watch the interview with Idan Raichel project.

The Idan Raichel Project is an example to how extremely different cultures merge together in Israel, and to how much soulful Hebrew music can be. Many of the artists who sing in these two projects are Israeli immigrants: Hebrew is their second language, they have learned it as they emigrated to Israel or in Hebrew school in their mother countries.





Gaya is an Israeli music group of Israeli newcomers from Africa, both East and West. Gaya's hit song "Yachad" which means together, has literally become a national anthem. Click here to listen to it, I assure you won't be able to resist their energies!
The famous and catchy chorus translates to: together, heart to heart, we will open our hearts and see the light in the sky, we will open our hearts to love".

This moving music expresses pain and optimism at the same time. Hebrew music unfolds the amazing story of Jewish people who have returned to Israel after two thousands years with many difficulties and lots of hope and dreams.