Israeli Artist Yair Emanuel Turns Jerusalem into a Vivid Landscape
Israel artist Yair Emanuel is one of the most well known of Jewish artists. Emanuel’s work is so popular that it can be seen all over Israel in souvenir shops or art More »
Magical Judaica books by Israeli artist Jack Jaget
Jewish artist Jack Jaget is a native American who now lives and works in Israel. Jack Jaget has become widely known for his artistic designs of Judaica books. Take a closer look More »
The Kiddush – the border between heaven and earth
One of the Jewish people’s most renowned customs is the Kiddush. The word “Kiddush” in Hebrew means “sanctification” and it signifies the act of sanctifying the Shabbat (or one of the holidays), More »
Marc Chagall’s 12 Tribes: a window to the moment of the Israelites’ creation
Marc Chagall’s magical touch didn’t exclude itself merely to his soulful paintings, but has manifested also in his stained glass windows, which are a masterwork of glass joined with color in perfect More »
Marc Chagall – Surrealism never seemed more realistic
Marc Chagall, the well acclaimed and exceptional Jewish artist, has managed to express what many before him never dreamt of: He stretched the boundaries of reality and brought a sizzling world of More »
What Is a Car Mezuzah? A Modern Judaic Object
Recently, there are plenty of synagogues and Jewish shops selling a new modern Judaic object – a car Mezuzah. Plenty of Jewish people are starting to admire the various shapes and materials of car Mezuzahs that are being sold. However, what exactly is a car Mezuzah? To know what it is, you first need to understand what is a Mezuzah.
Before we talk about a Car Mezuzah…
A Mezuzah s affixed to door posts in Jewish homes. Originally, a Mezuzah is a roll of parchment which had been inscribed by hand with particular verses from the Torah, and is hung on door homes by the Jews. Hence, the origin of its name. There are however certain rules about the production of a Mezuzah. It needs to be inscribed on Kosher source of parchment, written by a trained Sofer Stam(inscriber), using a black inedible ink with a special quill, which contains to verses from the Torah, specifically the Shema (Deuteronomy 6: 4 -9) and the Vehaya (Deuteronomy 11: 13 – 21).
Israeli Artist Yair Emanuel Turns Jerusalem into a Vivid Landscape
Israel artist Yair Emanuel is one of the most well known of Jewish artists. Emanuel’s work is so popular that it can be seen all over Israel in souvenir shops or art galleries. The Israeli native Judaica artist studied and graduated from the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design. Emanuel lives and works in Jerusalem. Emanuel was born on Kibbutz Sha’alvim and grew up in Jerusalem in an Orthodox home. As he grew up he took on a more liberal approach to Judaism. His variances in study and beliefs have influenced his own unique style of art centered on Jewish art.
Yair Emanuel and his unique artistic approach to Judaic art
Emanuel incorporates traditional motifs with modern artistic designs. Emanuel is able to skillfully craft together ancient Jewish scriptural stories with his own love of oriental art. Emanuel combines a vivid color scheme with a mixture of Old and New scope ideas. He is able to combine these characteristics skillfully and emphasizing on the balance and flow of a piece. He designs and crafts all of his pieces in his Jerusalem studio.
Jerusaem Challah Cover by Yair Emanuel
Yair Emanuel specializes in the formation and creation of his own original, hand crafted Judaica (of or relating to Jewish life and customs) products primarily incorporates the techniques of painting on silk. He also utilizes hand embroidery, raw-silk applique and painting on wood. Emanuel’s work is well thought of in Israel. In fact, he is considered to be the premier artisof Israel. Purchasing a piece of this Jewish artist’s work is like bringing a piece of Israel home.
Jerusalem Havdallah Set
Emanuel employs a great deal of staff at his studio. Many of his staff members are new immigrants to Jerusalem. He also employs the mentally disabled at his establishment. Emanuel also donates a portion of his studio’s profits to charity. If you are a fan of his work and are ever in Jerusalem, you can see his studio up close and personally. Emanuel will show you how he puts together his creations. You will see the hand crafted production of the various pieces. Emanuel’s newest art work can only be seen at his studio, you might even catch a glimpse of his newly finished work before it is posted or offered anywhere online.
Yair Emanuel’s unique Judaica artworks include Shabbat candlesticks, Challah Covers, Hanukkah menorahs, hand-embroidered Tallits and much more. Emanuel’s works make some of the most popular Jewish gifts sold today. What is really captivating in Yair Emanuel’s works is the fact that they truly reflect the ancient and holy atmosphere of Jerusalem, which can only be conveyed through art. With Emanuel’s magic touch, the sights of Jerusalem magically come to life.
You can find a wide range of Jewish gifts by Yair Emanuel at this Israeli based Judaica store Judaica 7 .
Yair Emanuel’s Hanukkah menorah
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.
Renowned Jewish Artist Turns Struggling Economy into Opportunity to Help Repair the World
When Bruce David first put his artistic creativity onto paper in 1979, it was not the insights or knowledge of a trained art student or seasoned professional that guided his hand. Even to this day, David confesses that his father was talked into helping him with his drawing projects, so that he could pass art classes in his early years. It wasn’t until his dedicated wife gave him a pad of paper and some colored pencils that the creative inspiration began to flow. “An artist is the last thing I thought I would be,” David admits, “I truly feel fortunate to have been given such a wonderful gift.” Using this “gift,” Bruce David has been creating colorful and dynamic, unique, biblical, storytelling pictures, filled with hidden multi-dimensional symbolism for over 30 years. And his efforts have proven successful. Receiving educational awards and international acclaim, Bruce David’s art has found its way into the hearts and homes of communities around the world, as one of the leading Jewish artists of our time. When McGraw Hill publishers chose one living and one deceased Jewish artist to represent Judaism in one of their college textbooks, Bruce David was highlighted alongside of Marc Chagall. Addtionally, Hallmark Cards has used (and sold out of) multiple series of cards, utilizing David’s dynamic designs.
During the past 3 decades, Bruce David has strived to create meaningful art, which both reflects the beautiful and relevant aspects of Judaism, as well as serves as educational and inspirational tool for its viewers. “I want people to look at my art and develop an appreciation for Judaism and Israel. My hope is that it will help others increase their conscious awareness of who and what they are, and what it means to be Jewish,” he said. Working side-by-side with his wife, Diane, David has been developing an educational curriculum to use his art in an enlightening manner. It was not until this past spring, when his son graduated from college that his dreams began to manifest. Graduating from Indiana University with a business degree, David’s son, Joshua, agreed to rise to the challenge of turning those dreams into a reality. Over the course of the past 9 months, they have already been to San Francisco for a 2 month exhibit in the Fall, started a non-profit organization to support Jewish education, and are ready to launch their new user-friendly website (davidart.com). Working together, the father-son team has started a program to assist students and young professionals across the country in supplementing their cost of living. The New S.O.N.G. (Supporting Our Next Generations) Mitzvah Project allows individuals, schools, and organizations to support their fundraising and financial needs, by sharing Bruce David’s art in communities across the nation. “By supporting our next generation of Jewish students, we are not only helping them attain financial stability, thereby supporting their own efforts, but we are also spreading the important and relevant aspects of Judaism that benefit our world as a whole.”
Aside from trying to help our next generation financially and ideologically, David and his son have established a non-profit organization that will utilize David’s art for Jewish educational programming. The recently established non-profit, “Light of the Nations” (LOTNexperience.org) provides communities around the country with contemporary educational programming, through art, music, and uniquely crafted interactive experiences, allowing participants to experience Judaism through the senses. When asked about the programs, David’s son responded that, “our programs are designed to share the spirit, beauty, importance, and modern-day relevance of Judaism and its universally-oriented ideology. Our experiential art, music, meditation, discussion, and action-based programs engage participants in interactive experiences, designed to offer unique opportunities for individuals to reconnect with their Jewish identity and culture.” Though still in formation, Light of the Nations has achieved 501(c)(3) status, begun their fund raising efforts, and is already taking reservations for their day and weekend programming, beginning in 2011. Light of the Nations, temporarily has information on Bruce David’s website, but also has launched a new website of their own – LOTNexperience.org. For more information, take a look at Bruce David’s new website: davidart.com
