Mezuzahs are a slim case with a prayer scroll rolled into it which can be found on the doorposts of traditional Jewish homes.
Generally, the Mezuzah is placed on the left doorposts – so when you exit a room the Mezuzah will be on the post to your left. The scroll is written on a special paper and handwritten in a specific style of writing

Some people will only place a Mezuzah on the post of doors that lead outside. However, traditionally you would place a Mezuzah on each room in the house except for the washroom.

Symbolism of the Mezuzah

The mitzvah is in the scroll rolled into the Mezuzah casing which contains a prayer called the “Shema” (Deut. 11:13-21). On the back of the scroll has G-d’s name written on it and on the Mezuzah case has the first letter of G-d’s name on it. There are different theories as to why we keep Mezuzot on the door posts. The most widely accepted is that G-d commands, in Deut 6:4-9, that the Jewish people remember his words and keep the Shema prayer close – both in mind and heart. So the Mezuzah is a symbolic representation of this agreement with God.

Some believe that the prayer in the scroll has an effect on the health and general well-being of the people living within the house. In this case it takes on the form of the symbolic protection and blessings from God. In the event the scroll is faded or damaged in any way, then it is believed that this can have a negative impact on the people living in the house. To prevent this, people regularly have the scrolls checked.

Every time you walk through a door, you are supposed to touch the Mezuzah and kiss the fingers that touched it. This action symbolizes love and respect for God.

When you move, you are supposed to remove the Mezuzah from the door posts. The reason for this is that you don’t know who is moving in after you and if they will treat it with respect or not.

Mezuzahs and Judaica art

Mezuzahs are available in a wide range of styles and designs from traditional, Judaica or modern. They also range in cost based on the designer, where it was made and so on.

Arched Mezuzah by Ester Shahaf, sold by Most Original – Handmade Judaica Online!

Mezuzah cases make for a great gift – especially if someone has just moved in to a new home, or if you are visiting on a holiday. There is no problem to transfer a scroll from one case to another – it’s completely kosher.  In World of Judaica you can find this Mezuzah and many others in a wide range of prices (from 1to a few hundred $)

You might also be interested to learn more about Car Mezuzahs.

Due to Hanukkah’s proximity to Christmas, it has become a popular custom in western societies to give Hanukkah gifts to those who celebrate this special holiday. Today, many non-Jews give Hanukkah gifts to their Jewish friends to show your solidarity with this wonderful holiday.

Why do we celebrate Hanukkah?

A few thousand years ago, a small but determined Jewish army fought the Greek empire who occupied the land of Israel. The leader of the Greek army, Antiochus, tried to force the Jews to abandon their religious faith. The Maccabbees have miraculously defeated the big and equipped Greek army, and re-dedicated of the holy temple in Jerusalem. To the Maccabbee’s great dismay, there was only a small jug of oil left for the lamp in the temple -enough for one day. To everyone’s surprise, the small jug of oil kept the Menorah lit for eight whole days. We kindle the Hanukkah menorah for eight successive days to commemorate this miracle.

Popular Hanukkah gifts

You might ask yourself what are the most popular Hanukkah gifts? Which Hanukkah gifts can I give that will be appropriate for the occasion that is still unique? The web offers an overwhelming selection of Hanukkah gifts, all you have to do is to choose the right gift for you. We will try to provide you with the answers to these questions and useful tips.

Hanukkah menorah is the most popular of all Hanukkah gifts and one of the most popular Judaica gifts.  The menorah is one of the best known symbols in Judaism.

Hanukkah is observed by the kindling of the lights of the special Hanukkah menorah also known as Hannukyah, for eight successive days.

There is an wide selection of Hanukkah menorahs on the web,  from the simplest designs to the most sophisticated designs. The prices range accordingly from a few dollars to more expensive ones which are designed by Judaica artists. Many Judaica designers have created menorahs in various shapes and styles. Before purchasing a Hanukkah menorah, you should ask yourself: who am I buying this menorah for and what style would they prefer, traditional or modern?

If you are interested in unique Hanukkah gifts, there are many Hanukkah menorahs by Judaica designers that are beautiful, original and yet affordable. You can find Hanukkah menorahs is the most unusual designs, such as Hanukkah menorah shaped as dreidels, and much more. If you choose to bring a menorah as a gift for special occasion, make sure that the menorah is impressive, elegant and made from fine materials.

Thanks to Hanukkah’s joyful spirit, many Hanukkah gifts are fit for children. Another popular and fun Hanukkah gift is the Dreidel. Children really enjoy spinning and play with them during the holiday. Dreidels are inscribed with four Hebrew letters that stand for “a great miracle happened there”, bringing our attention to Hanukkah’s great miracles. Several Judaica artists, such as Israeli designer, Iris Braunstein Shemesh, have turned this traditional game into a piece of art.

And food is always good!

As you might know, Special chocolate coins are imprinted during the holiday with Hanukkah’s symbols.One of the widely popular Hanukkah gifts that are given only during the eight days of the holiday, is a Hanukkah gift basket that includes a kosher wine and chocolate. It can also be filled with dreidels, chocolate coins or any other kinds of small and symbolic Hanukkah gifts.

Who are the Kohanim?

The Kohens or HaKohanim, were the high priests of the israelitesin the Sinai desert. People who are called Kohens or Cohens today are decedents of Aaron and his sons.  To this day, Kohens form a holy order and follow God’s commandments to protect them against ritual defilement. Kohens must follow certain rules that apply on their holy order.  To maintain ritual purity, for example, the Kohens must abstain from going to cemeteries.

Birkat Kohanim in the bible

As the book of Numbers tells us, Aaron and Moses were commended by God to deliver this blessing to the Israelites.
”
“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).

In contrast to the English translation, the Hebrew version of the bible includes the explicit name of God. Jewish scholars have argued the power of prayer is in the letters and words that form it. The Jewish scholar, Levi Ben Gershon, also known as Ralbag, discusses the importance of reciting Birkat Kohanim in no other language than Hebrew. In translation, argues the Ralbag the mystical power of the prayer held in the letters that comprise it might be lost.

Birkat Kohanim service

Anyone who has participated in Birkat Kohanim knows it is a very special service. The service is performed by Kohens. Before the service the Kohens perform Natilat Yadaim – they wash their hands, and also remove their shoes. The removal of the shoes is a symbol of the sacred work of the Kohanim at the sacred Temple where the priests used to walk barefoot.
The Kohens stand on the platform facing the ark, in front of the congregation and start to recite the prayer. While saying Birkat Kohanim, the Kohens cover their heads with their Tallitot. The cantor recites the three verses melodically. The Kohens repeat it after the cantor word by word and the congregation responds with “Amen”.

Birkat Kohanim is also known as Nesiat Kapayim

While reciting the prayer, the Kohens stretch their arms forward and spread out their hands. The hands are stretched in a special way, with fingers separated so as to have space between them. The Kohens cover their reached out hands with the Tallitot so no one can see their hands while the prayer is recited. That is why Birkat Kohanim is also known as Nesiat Kapayim – meaning the raising of the hands in Hebrew.

Birkat HaKoanim at the Wailing Wall

Since the six days war in 1967, in which the Wailing 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. Every year in Hol HaMoed, thousands of believers gather at the Wailing Wall in the ancient city of Jerusalem to hear  the prayer.

The Prayer in Jewish Art

This colorful piece comes from artist Linda Altshuler. This is  Ketubah that depicts the bestowing of the hands during Birkat Kohanim service (Size is 16X20″ for more details go to Judaism.com)

Birkat Kohanim in Hebrew jewelry

Since it is believed to have mystical power, Birkat Kohanim or its  initials of it are inscribed on many Jewish jewelry accessories.  Interestingly, archaeological findings suggest that Jewish amulets with Birkat Kohanim verses inscribed on theme have been used since the days of the First Temple. To this day, many Jewish men and women wear jewelry accessories with Birkat Kohanim inscribed on them. It is believed that carrying these sacred words can draw divine protection and blessing upon the wearer. Birkat Kohanim jewelry accessories are popular gifts to Cohens or anyone who is interested in spirituality and Jewish art.

Birkat Kohanim pendant, sold by Most Original – Handmade Judaica Online!

Why do people wear a Star of David pendant?

People choose to wear the Star of David for multiple reasons. There is one common belief that even attributes special power to the 6-pointed star. In the Jewish tradition, the Star of David pendant is believed to draw positive energies to those who wear it because of its special shape. Wearing the Star of David pendant is also a wonderful way for many Jewish people to express their faith and collective identity. The Star of David is a also a sign of connection to the Jewish nation and the state of Israel, as the Star of David decorates its national flag.

Most commonly, a Star of David pendant is given as a gift for Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, Jewish weddings, and other important or symbolic events. As a result of its growing popularity, many Jewish jewelry designers have created a wide selection of Star of David jewelry in assorted materials and styles, from the simplest to most intricate designs. Why has the Star of David pendant become such a popular Judaica item?

In this article, I would like to point out that the Star of David is worn by both religious and secular Jews all across the word who can relate to the symbolism of the sign. The Star of David signifies the historical journey that the Jewish nation has gone through in the last two hundred years, from constant persecution to national pride and empowerment.

The origins of the symbol

The Biblical origin of the Jewish Star – In Hebrew, Star of David is called Magen David, which means a shield or protector. The Hebrew name of the Jewish Star points to possible origin of the sign. According to tradition, the six pointed star came from King David’s shield. King David’s shield was used by King David and his warriors in battlefield, leading his army to great victories. These victories paved the way to the construction of the first temple by King David’s son, King Solomon. In the bible prophet Isaiah describes six qualities that God has blessed King David with: “the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD”(Isaiah, 11:2).

An ancient protective amulet: To this day, wearing the Star of David on one’s neck or wrists is believed to draw divine protection to the bearer. Many times Jewish jewelry accessories include other protective motifs in addition to the Star of David; some of the most popular include the Hamsa Hand and quotations from sacred sources. These motifs are extremely popular in Kabbalah inspired jewelry. The use of the Star of David as a protective amulet dates back to as early as the Middle Ages. In many cultures, six or five pointed star has been thought to possess powerful energies and has been used to fight off evil spirits and other negative energies.

The 19th century – the Jewish Star becomes a national symbol: By the end of the nineteenth century, the Jews of Prague used the star as a symbol of their community. More and more Jewish communities were doing the same, decorating synagogues with images of the Jewish star. A more dramatic change took place a few years later when it was adopted by the Zionist movement. The Star of David has since become so strongly identified with the Jewish community that it was used to mark the Jews out of other populations during the Nazi regime.

From a badge of shame to a symbol of collective pride and religious freedom: After World War Two the impossible has come true – a Jewish state was established on the land from which the Jewish people were expelled two thousand years ago. When Israel was established in 1948, the Star of David was included on its national flag. Post World War Two, the act of wearing a Star of David pendant marks the complete metamorphosis of the symbol; whereas the Nazis forced the Jews to wear the yellow badge on the chest in order the break the Jewish spirit, today, Jewish people everywhere wear the symbol proudly around their necks. In post World War Two era, many proud Jews have felt the need to show a sign of identification with their nation that has prevailed.

Wearing a Star of David pendant today

The Star of David is not a religious symbol, nor is it part of any commandment or a prayer, yet it has become a national symbol as it has told the history of the Jewish nation. The Star of David signifies the bond that has connected Diaspora Jews for more than two thousands years. With response to the growing demand, Judaica artists have designed a wide variety of Star of David jewelry and gave them the appropriate meaning. The artists take this historical motif and add a modern touch, making the Star of David stylish, creative, and as relevant as ever.

Star of David Pendant with Shema Yisrael inscribed in 24K gold, sold by Cannan Online

Star of David pendant with Tefillat Haderech, Handmade Jewelry Online! at Most Original.

The Jewish Prayer Shawl has special twined and knotted fringes and these fringes are commonly known today as Tzitzit. God has given the Jewish people, 613 commandments mitzvot. In Gematria, the word Tzizit equals 600. If you add the eight strands of the Tallit and the five knots, you sum up 613. The Tallit serves as a constant reminder of the 613 mitzvoth that God has given us in the Torah. Today you can find a wide range of Tallitot beautifully  designed by Jewish artists.

Wearing the Tallit Nowadays

Nowadays, it is customary to wear a Jewish prayer shawl during morning services and while inside the synagogue. You can see Jewish people wearing the Jewish payer shawl on Bar Mitzvahs and other special occasions. In many Jewish communities around the   world, it is customary that the groom wears a Tallit at his wedding day, under the Chuppah. In Israel, a Jewish prayer shawl is also worn by visitors to the Wailing Wall. When Birkat HaKohanim (Priestly blessing) is recited in the Wailing Wall, you can see a white wave created by the thousands of worshippers who are covered by Tallits.

The Tallit can be made from many kinds of materials and can come in any color. The Tallit has special fringes called tzizit that would go on top of the corners of the garment worn underneath. The Tallit must be wrapped around the shoulders in a special way. The Jewish prayer shawl is also made according to Jewish laws as instructed in holy sources.

Tallit is a traditional Bar Mitzvah gift

The Jewish prayer shawl is usually given as a gift. According to long Jewish tradition, a son is given his first Jewish prayer shawl as a gift from his fathers on his Bar Mitzvah. It is also very common to give Tallit as a gift on special occasions such as holidays, anniversaries and weddings.

Handmade Tallit by Israeli artist Yair Emanuel. Find this item and more at Canaan-Online.

In regard to women, according to traditional law, women are not obligated to wear Tallits. While there is disagreement in the orthodox community whether women should be allowed to wear a Tallit, in reform and conservative communities, a Jewish prayer shawl 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 have permitted this practice. Social changes seem to gradually take place in Jewish communities across the world. Today, even in modern orthodox communities more and more women proudly wear their Tallit. And so, Tallits have become popular Bat Mitzvah gifts as well as Bar Mitzvah.

Today it is customary to wear the Jewish Prayer Shawl in a variety of special designs. Here we bring you an innovative line of Jewish prayer shawls for men and women in a variety of styles to match your personal style and the occasion. Handmade in Israel by local artists, all Tallits are made with fine material according to the laws of tradition, for your perfect enjoyment.