Jewish wedding gifts – Judaica artworks are a wonderful source of unique gifts for Jewish weddings
Many people around the world wonder what would be appropriate Jewish wedding gifts. There are many kinds of possible gifts that would be suitable for Jewish weddings. One of the most popular options for Jewish wedding gifts is Jewish-themed gifts. In the last few decades, Jewish art has become a wonderful source of uniquely designed Jewish gifts. Here we bring you several ideas for original and affordable gifts for a Jewish wedding. We hope his brief guide could help you pick the perfect Jewish wedding gift you are looking for.
What so special about the Jewish wedding ceremony?
If you have ever been to a Jewish wedding, then you probably know that a Jewish wedding is a very special ceremony with many traditions. The service takes place under a big canopy- known as the Chuppah. The Chuppah represents the home that the new couple will build together. Before the service begins under the Chuppah, the bride and groom sign the Ketuba. Signing the Ketuba signifies the Jewish perception of matrimony -as sacred contract between a man and a woman. Under the Chuppah stand the bride and groom with parents of both sides with the rabbi who performs the sacred ceremony of matrimony. There are many Jewish wedding customs which take place during the service, which might differ from one Jewish community to the next. Among Sephardic Jew s, it is also customary that the bride purchases a new Tallit for the groom. According to Jewish law, the bride has to wed with a ring that must worth more than a dime.
Then, wine is poured into a glass and the bride and groom drink after the rabbi recites a blessing. According to the tradition of Ashkenazi Jews, after the drinking of the first glass, a second glass of wine is poured by the rabbi and the Seven Blessings, also known as Sheva Brachot, are recited. At the peak of the ceremony, the groom takes the wedding ring in his hand and in front of witnesses (there hast to be a minyan) declares to the bride: “You are betrothed unto me with this ring, according to the law of Moses and Israel.” The bride and groom share a mutual and sacred promise by saying to each other Ani Le-Dodi Ve-Dodi Li, which means “I am my beloved and my beloved is mine”. Finally, the groom smashes the glass with his feet as the audience cheers.
What are the most popular Jewish weddings gifts?
Many of the guests choose to bring wedding bonds, usually in multiples of 18, a spiritual number in Judaism. The number 18 equals the Hebrew word Chai (meaning life). It is also customary to bring the young couple gifts of domestic use, such as kitchenware, barbecue grills, etc.
Others prefer to give ritual objects. Religious objects are very popular Jewish weddings gifts. In this group you can find many kinds of gifts that signify the union of the Jewish man and woman. A Mezuzah case, for example, is a wonderful way to celebrate a new home. Judaica artists have created a wide selection of unique mezuzah cases in various styles and shapes. Shabbat candlesticks also make popular Jewish weddings gifts. Religious objects for Jewish holidays are also popular Jewish wedding gifts, especially Chanukah menorahs and Passover Seder plates. These ppopular Judaica items celebrate the liberation of the Jewish people and their deep connection to the Jewish heritage.
Many people like to bring gifts that are associated with the Jewish wedding customs. In this group of Jewish wedding gifts, you can find Ani LeDodi gifts. This psalm Ani LeDodi, or I am my beloved’s, taken from the Song of Songs, is traditionally interpreted as the divine love that God has given to the people of Israel. The people of Israel are seen as the wife, the beloved, and God is the one who gives His eternal love. This mutual love also represent the sacred relationship between a husband and wife in Jewish tradition. Judaica artists such as Yossi Steinberg, have creates special designs featuring Ani LeDodi blessing. Yossi Steinberg’s Ani LeDodi gifts collection includes Ani LeDodi Shbbat candlesticks, Chanukah menorah and a mezuzah case.
Ani LeDodi gifts are perfect for anniversaries and Jewish weddings. There are also many Jewish jewelry accessories that are inscribed with Ani Ledodi in Hebrew that would make symbolic gifts for the bride.
Silver or gold pendant for the bride is also a wonderful gift with symbolic significance. Contemporary Judaica artists have created a huge selection of extraordinary Jewish jewelry accessories that could be wonderful Jewish weddings gifts. A gift featuring the Seven blessings, which is another central theme in Jewish weddings is a very unique gift idea, which represents the seven blessings that are recited at the wedding. There are many Jewish jewelry accessories featuring the seven blessings, as seven blessing bracelets and necklaces by Israeli designer Adina Plaestelina or seven blessing ring by HaAri jewelry.
Star of David pendants also make popular Jewish wedding gifts for the bride.
In this group of Jewish wedding gifts You can also find delicate Jewelry designs with Hebrew inscriptions, such as Shema Israel prayer, which is the best known Jewish prayer, or quotations from the book of Psalms. Another blessing is inscribed on many Jewish jewelry accessories is the daughters’ blessing: “ May God make you as Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah“. In Jewish tradition, this is the way fathers bless their daughters every Saturday night and on Yom Kippur after reciting the prayers. Under the Chuppah this blessing is traditionally said to the bride by her father. Pieces of jewelry inscribed with this blessing make original gifts for the bride on her wedding day.
Another good idea would me modern Israeli art. We find Gerstein’s artworks simply irresistible.
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