It is quite rare today to find a Jewish home without Judaica gifts. There is a wide range of these articles which are used during the Jewish calendar year. From the weekly Sabbath to special holidays and even house decorations, these pieces are never out of date.
Perhaps the most used items are those associated with the Sabbath, as it is observed every week. These include Kiddush cups, candle holders, havdalah sets, special board and knife for the cutting of the challah and more. Another form of popular items are those used on holidays, from honey dishes on the Jewish New Year, Hanukah Menorahs and etrog cases to megilah cases etc.
Also, Jewish house decorations are common as well. Beautiful wall plaques, decorative “eshet chail” blessings, Mezuzah cases and finely designed House Blessings are just a few examples of these Judaica gifts.
Kiddush Cups
On the evening and morning of every Sabbath and Jewish holiday, it is commanded to sanctify the holy day by reciting a special blessing over a cup of wine. Although technically a regular cup can be used, is has been the custom for many generations to use designed goblet like cups called Kiddush cups. The most common materials used for the making of the cup are pewter and the more prestigious silver. Often, a silver cup is gold plated to ensure the bitter taste of the silver does not have any effect on the wine.
In some families, there is a custom to give the young children their own baby Kiddush cups, in order to connect them at a young age to their heritage.
Every Kiddush cup, whether with a stem or without one, usually has a matching Kiddush plate. Purchasing a lovely set of a cup and a plate makes for marvelous Judaica gifts.
Candle Holders
The tradition most likely to be associated with the Jewish woman is the lighting of the candles. This custom takes place at the beginning of every Sabbath and holiday adding a unique light to the home. Usually the multiple candles are placed in beautifully designed silver candle holders, although some are made of pewter.
These Judaica gifts come in various sizes, as the number of candles lit varies from one tradition to the next. The minimum number of candles to be lit is two, yet according to the Kabalah, a woman should light seven candles. In addition, many women are accustomed to lighting a candle for each member of the household.
Mezuzot
The Mezuzot are what distinguishes a Jewish home from a gentile home. Placed on the doorpost at the entrance of the house, the Mezuzah is believed to protect the entire house and its habitants from any harm. In recent generations, it has become custom to place a Mezuzah on every doorpost of every room in the house excluding bathrooms and walk in closets.
These Judaica gifts make for a perfect housewarming present, as they are much in need and conveniently come in a wide range of designs and sizes, to suite any and every style there is.
The Mezuzot are rectangular cases, holding within them parchments which have the first two chapters of the Shema Israel prayer on them. These parchments must be written by an expert scribe and have absolutely no mistakes.
Because the Mezuzah is holy and protects the home, there is a lovely custom to kiss it upon entering or exiting a room.
Jewish Holiday Specials
The Jewish calendar is filled with Holidays throughout the year. Each holiday has its own unique Judaica gifts.
The Jewish year starts with a series of holidays, spreading out across the first month. These include Rosh Hashanah, in which honey dishes and shofarot are used and Succcot when etrog cases are useful.
Throughout the first six months, there are two major famous holidays. First is Hanukah, filled with light and joy. On this holiday the Judaica gift most used is of course the Hanukah Menorah in which candles are lit daily for eight consecutive days. In addition, dreidles, or spinning tops, are also wonderful presents with which children play on these festive days.
The second holiday is the festive day of Purim. One of the Mitzvoth on this unique day is the reading of the Megilat Esther. Handsome megilah cases are great examples of these Jewish Holiday specials.
Perhaps the most known holiday is Passover, which takes place at the beginning of the spring season. At the start of this week long holiday, the Seder is performed. This special meal, in which the story of the redemption of the Jewish people from Egypt is told, is filled with various dishes which are placed on a special Seder plate. This plate can be quite large and prestigious, making for a fabulous Judaica gift.
Assorted Judaica Gifts
In addition to all the wonderful products previously mentioned, there are many assorted items, not lacking in beauty. A very popular gift idea for a house warming or a new business is the House Blessing or the Business Blessing. These special blessings are usually written on decorative plaques to be hung on walls to add an abundance of good to the home or business.
Other fantastic ideas for Judaica gifts include the Eshet Chail psalm, a special psalm which praises the woman of the household, Hamsa plaques or key chains, gorgeous Jerusalem wall decorations and much more.
In conclusion, although many of these products are passed from one generation to the next as family heirlooms, it is always a wonderful feeling to purchase new and often modern designed beautiful Judaica Gifts.
