Jeusalem Kiddush Cup : Welcome Shabbat with the Images of the Holy City

Friday evening in the Jewish home is a special time in which the entire family gathers around the table welcomes the Shabbat.  The ritual that sanctifies the Shabbat is known by its Hebrew name - the Kiddush, and is part of Kabbalah Shabbat.During the service blessings are recited over a cup of wine and a loaf of bread (Challah) .

Why to perform a Kiddush?
This service is meant to observe one of the requirements asked in the Ten Commandments that were given to us by God: to remember the Shabbat (“Shamor”) and acknowledge its uniqueness.  While blessing is recited by the head of the family, a wine is poured into a Kiddush cup. Following recitation of blessings, each member of the family at their turn drinks from the Kiddush cup.

According  the Jewish principle  any cup will do for Kiddush, even the simplest one. However, to honor the Shabbat, a goblet is often used. This is a Jewish principle commonly known as hiddur mitzvah which expresses the will to lovingly embrace religious practice. Blessing over a fine Kiddush cup thus serves as a way to glorify the Shabbat. Artistic Kiddush cups are given as gifts   for many Jewish occasions   such as  Jewish holidays, weddings and housewarmings.

Jerusalem Inspired Kiddush Cups

I've chosen to bring your here several Kiddush cups that include Jerusalem as a central motif. .  Whether Orthodox, Reform, Secular or outside of any religious definition, Jewish people from the wide spectrum of Jewish identities keep Jerusalem close to their heart .
Hundred thousands of Jews  come to Israel every year to visit the holy city of Jerusalem, Numerous holy sites, such as the Tower of David and the Wailing Wall is a source of inspiration to believers as well as Jewish artists. This magnificent Kiddush cup is carved with the beautiful images of Jerusalem on silver. You can find these items and more here: Judaica 7 - Kiddush Cups Products.

You can find beatiful Kiddush cup in a wide range of assorted materials and prices. Below is a hand painted wooden cup by Israeli artist Yair Emanuel.

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

Star of David in Kabbalah - 72 Names Pendant

 This beautiful pendant features the most prominent Jewish motif - the Star of David. As you can see in the image it is also inscribed with the 72 Names of God - a spiritual tool used by  Kabbalah to enhance positive changes in our lives. Together they create a powerful Jewish charm.

So what are the 72 Names according to Kabbalah?

 

The sacred names are comprised of 72 three-letter combinations from the book of Exodus from which the Kabbalah derives its answers to various aspects of life such as love and health. Each of the 72 names of God has its unique spiritual energy energy depending on the purpose. Aleph-Lamed-Dalet is a combination used to ward off the Evil Eye, Shin-Lamed-Heh is used to imbue love and relationship and so on.

 

 Star of David and Kabbalah

The Star of David is a popular motif in Kabbalah jewelry. The Star of David has been used as a protective amulet in many cultures across Europe. The Star of David had used in religious practices to fight demons and evil spirits. The shape of the six pointed star was the Star of David was believed to possess special supernatural qualities. Similarly, the Kabbalah practitioners used the Star of David as a tool to ward off negative energies. You can find this Kabbalah pendant at the Israeli gifts store.

 

 

Due to its special shape, the Star of David is believed to draw powerful energies that provide the wearer with blessing and protection.

Contemporary Israeli designers have created wide secetion of handcrafted Kabbalah jewelry accessories that incorporate the Star of David motif. 

 

 

Red String Hamsa Bracelet - what's all the fuss about?

Have you ever wondered why so many Jewish people (including non-Jews and many celebrities) wear red string bracelets? What's the use of the red string by the Kabbalah? Here's an article that provides some interesting answers about the spiritual qualities that are attributed this Jewish luck charm. Just click on the link!

Red String Hamsa Bracelet - All the luck You need

An Amazing wall hanging Hamsa by Israel artist Ester Shahaf

I think this amazing gift speaks for itself! This is one of Canaan-online best-sellers. The piece is handmade and signed by the artist, Ester Shahaf.

Ester Shahaf is one of the most productive Israeli Judaica artist. Ester Shahaf skillfully combines western and oriental influences to create her signature look. The Hamsa hand, which can easily be hung on a wall is meticulously hand-painted and decorated with Swarovski crystals, brass copper accent and beads.

This unique design includes two prominent Jewish motifs  The Hamsa hand, a traditional symbol against the evil eye and a dove - he ultimate symbol of peace. Together they two symbols create a wonderful Jewish amulet that will add warmth to any living room. 

meet Israeli designer Ori Niv

Ori Niv must be one of the most distinctive and productive Israeli designers. Ori creates his cool designs by using innovative techniques and lots of imagination.

Most of Ori Niv's works are made from laser-cut metal. Many of his works are not only decorative but also handy and fun to use. Among Ori's best-known works you can find the Saxophonist coin holder shown at the image,  astonishing bookends, toothpick holders and much more. Ori's decorative sculptures are sold across Israel.

You're invited to take a look at Ori's works at Canaan Online.

Jack Jaget's Magical Judaica books

If you're looking for truly extraordinary Jewish gifts, you must take a look at the artworks by Israeli artist, Jack Jaget.


Jack Jaget has become internationally known for his wonderful designs of Judaica books. Jaget is a graduate of Music and Art High School and the Cooper Union Art School of New York. Born in America, Jaget now lives and works in Israel. Jack Jaget has designed books for major publishing companies in the US, winning many prestigious awards, including Best 50 Books.
Jack Jaget's Judaica books include the Bible, book of Psalms Siddur and more. These designed editions make great gifts for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs.

Jakc Jaget's Judaica books are encased in handcrafted covers of precious woods, leather and gold-plated metals. Meticulously hand-painted with fine lacquers and gold leaf, these fine materials are treated to look as if they are from the middle ages. Jack Jaget's Judaica books often come with full-color illustrations.

Additionally, Jack Jaget's designs many kinds of religious articles including mezuzah cases, Tzedakah box and Torah pointers.

Check our more reviews on Israeli Judaica.