Category Archives: Jewish jewelry
Birkat Kohanim in Contemporary Jewish Art
Birkat Kohanim is one of the most ancient Jewish prayers, also known as the Priestly Blessing or Nesiat Kapaim is a powerful Jewish prayer recited by Kohanim or Cohens. In the Jewish tradition, Birkat Kohanim can only recited by the Kohanim.
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.
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“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.
Star of David Pendant: The Tale of Modern Jewish History in Jewelry
Wearing a Star of David pendant is much more than a fashion statement. The Star of David is one of the most important symbols in Judaism. Although it is not a religious symbol, the Star of David stands proudly at the core of the Jewish culture. The Star of David pendant is definitely one of the most popular Jewish jewelry accessories. Star of David pendants and necklaces are worn by men and women in Jewish communities all across the world.
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.
Kabbalah jewelry: Your radiant connection point between body and soul
The Kabbalah is the Jewish occult knowledge passed on for many generations. The last decade Kabbalah lessons have become more and more popular among people in Israel and all around the globe due to the unique wisdom that envelope them. Next to the increasing theoretical interest, another field that caught the masses’ attention is the meticulously made Kabbalah Jewelry. You might be thinking right now: what does Kabbalah have to do with Jewelry? The answer is: once the jewel is used as a special kind of amulet, the combination is actually very natural to begin with. Here are some examples for Kabbalah Jewelry that by definition mean much more than just pretty things we put on our bodies:
The Red String
The simplest and one of the most popular Kabbalah jewels is the red string: a red bracelet that protects its wearer against the evil eye. The custom of wearing a red string on our left wrist echoes a very ancient Jewish tradition connected with the red string that once surrounded the grave of Rachel, one of the biblical mothers who symbolizes maternal protection and care. It’s possible to make one ourselves or buy one which is attached to a small silver or gold Hamsa hand or fish, that are also used as a protective means against evil eye.
Kabbalah Jewelry featuring Hebrew letters
If you show your Kabbalic Jewel to your Hebrew speaking friends they will probably say they don’t understand it. The reason is that Kabbalah Jewelry pieces do not depict whole words but powerful initials of prayers and special ciphers that are believed to possess certain meaningful merits. The most renowned Kabbalic cipher system is the 72 names of God, which are 72 names, consisted of three letters each. Each name represents a different attribute of God, which the person who wears the jewel wants to intensify in his life. Here are some examples:
אלד (Alef Lamed Dalet): protects against evil eye and jealousy.
לאו (Lamed Alef Vav): Purifies and expels negative influence.
סאל (Samach Alef Lamed): Brings success and fortune, luck and financial satisfaction
עלמ (Ain Lamed Mem): Helps concentration, brings calmness and protects against fear and danger
כלי (Kaf Lamed Yod): Enhances fertility and creativity
Once you put the amulet on, its energy becomes one with you and guides you through your daily routines. Therefore, many people who look for jewels, whether they are Jewish or non Jewish, seek for energetic pieces that will also help their wearers improve their lives, purify their spiritual toxins and feel renewed and protected. Looking at the various Kabbalah Jewelry around, finding a spectacular jewel that also matches your inner process has never been easier. Good Luck!
Recommended places to find unique Kabbalah jewelry:
Most Original Red String Kabbalah Bracelets and More..
Judaica7 Judaica 7 – Red string & Kabbalah Products
Kabbalah72 a wide selection of handmade Kabbalah jewelry by HaAri Jewlery
Common Motifs in Jewish Jewelry Accessories
Are you intrigued with the Jewish jewelry and want to learn some details about it? Perhaps you need to find a gift for your Jewish friend and that you thought: why not give her a certain Jewish jewelry? But you know you can’t just pick any jewelry. If you have enough time, you should try learning what those so-called Jewish jewelry pieces are for, if there are certain types you can choose from and whether the symbols mean something or not. If you are really interested, there are various resources that you can check out in order to learn abut such pieces.
Certain Types of Jewish Jewelry accessories
If you are indeed looking for a Jewish jewelry accessory as a gift, you need to think about what the recipient may like. Is she fond of earrings? Does she prefer necklaces or pendants? Do you think Jewish rings will look good in her hands? Perhaps what she wants is a bracelet. If you know the person very well, you may have an idea about which type of Jewish jewelry she will most likely love to have. Why don’t you ask other folks who are close to her? They may have great recommendations for you.
Getting Familiar with Common Symbols and Designs in Jewish Jewelry
Aside from learning the types of Jewish jewelry that are available and on sale, you can also try to get familiar with those designs or symbols of certain Jewish jewelries. There’s the popular Star of David symbol or motif, also known as Magen David. Magen David necklace is probably the most popular of all accessories in this niche but this design is also featured in several Jewish earrings. Another well-known motif is none other than the Hamsa hand. This is a popular belief in Judaism wherein the Hamsa hand is also being considered by the Jewish community as the Hand of Miriam, who happens to be the sister of Moses and Aaron. These are significant individuals in the Jewish religion. Other Jewish jewelry designs include Chai, The Book of Psalms, Mezuzah, Kabbalah, and Menorah.
Jewish Jewelry and Luck Charms
Jewish people have various motives on why they wear a certain Jewish jewelry. The most common reason is to show their faith. It is also because they honor and want to follow their tradition. Many also consider Jewish jewelry pieces as good luck charms. A Jewish jewelry can also be used for protection. For instance, a Jewish jewelry with the Hamsa hand as a motif is believed to have power against the “evil eye”. In certain beliefs including those of the Jews, the evil eye is when a person can afflict you with bad luck, illness and even death by just staring at you, most likely with a look full of hatred and envy. A very popular item among this group is the Kabbalah Red String, which is worn around the left wrists by millions men and women across the worlds.
Shema Yisrael in Jewish jewelry – carry the powerful prayer anywhere you go
Ask any Jewish person which Jewish prayer is the closest to their heart and they’ll surely say – Shema Yisrael. Shema Yisrael is undoubtedly the most renowned prayer in Judaism. By uttering these words, the believer expresses the foundation of the Jewish religion: the belief that the God of Israel is the only God.
The origins of the powerful prayer
Interestingly what is known as Shema is not exactly a prayer, but rather a confession, a declaration addressed to God proclaiming: ” Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is One”. “Shema” is usually used by extension to refer to the full version of the daily prayer but is best known for its first psalm. The full version of Shema Yisrael includes three paragraphs from the Torah: Deuteronomy 6:4–9, 11:13-21, and Numbers 15:37–41. These verses comprise the biblical commandants to say Shema Yisrael twice a day – before sunrise and shortly after nightfall- and affix a mezuzah to every doorpost. The verses that comprise Shema Yisrael are written on a scroll that must be kosher (written by a Sofer Stam according to Jewish law ) and this scroll is placed inside a mezuzah case.
Shema Yisrael and Rabbi Akiva Ben Yoseph
Rabbi Akiva , a virtuous man (A Tzadik ) lived in the second century was imprisoned by Tyrannus Rufus and painfully tortured – his flesh was being torn with irons tools. Even as he was suffering, Rabbi Akiva was reciting his prayers calmly. When asked by his tormenter whether he was a sorcerer since he seemed to be feeling no pain, Rabbi Akiba replied with no hesitation, “I am no sorcerer; but I rejoice at the opportunity now given to me to love my God with all my life.” Rabbi Akiva, who has become a legend, died on the Atonement Day reciting the Shema with his last breath . His last word was Echad – One in Hebrew (Talmud Brakhot).
According to the bible, every Jewish person is commanded to recite this prayer twice a day. Every child knows it and every parent must pass it to the children. Jewish women are not obligated to recite Shema. However, it is common practice among all Jews – women, men, and children – to do so. It must be because these words touch the soul of every Jewish believer.
Calling out the words Shema Yisrael has become an integral part of Jewish collective memory after the Holocaust. Hundred of thousands of Jews who were led to their death called out Shema Israel before the Nazis murdered them. That is another important aspect of the prayer, and some argue the most important: by saying Shema Yisrael the believer declares his unconditional faith even in the gravest of moments- we accept the fact the God who has brought the Good is the same God who brought the bad.
A Shema Yisrael pendant is a very popular Jewish jewelry accessory. Here is a special Shema Yisrael pendant designed by Israeli studio Adina Plastelina. Find it at Canaan Online.
If you prefer to carry the sacred blessing on your wrist there is a wide variety of beautiful Shema Yisrael bracelets. You can find this Italian leather bracelet at Handmade Judaica Online!
