Jewish Art Today

Hanukkah brings pleasant moments to the Jewish family. Hanukkah commemorates the victories of our ancient heroes, known as the Maccabees. Hanukkah is celebrated with sparkling lights of the Hanukkah menorah, fun games and other Hanukkah gifts to commemorate the victory of the Maccabees who freed themselves from their oppressors.

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.