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 »
Bar Mitzvah gifts – what would be an appropriate choice?
If you’ve ever been invited to a Bar Mitzvah you would probably know that this is a very significant event. In Hebrew, Bar Mitzvah literally means Son of commandment. When a boy turns 13, according to the Jewish law, he becomes a responsible man. Given the significance of the event in the life of a Jewish family, it is common to give the celebrant a gift to commemorate the special day. What would be appropriate Bar Mitzvah gifts? Judaica art has become a great source of uniquely designed Bar Mitzvah gifts. Here we bring you a few suggestions for original and affordable gifts for a Bar Mitzvah celebration. The gifts shown the images below can be found at Most Original – .Handmade Bar Mitzvah Gifts Online!
Bar Mitzvah is a coming of age event. According to the Jewish law, the 13 year old boy is now ready to observe God’s commandments. At this age, the boy has developed moral consciousness and social awareness and is ready to take an active part in religious and social life. A few weeks prior the Bar Mitzvah, the Jewish boy starts to learn how to read from the Torah and wears Tefillin.
Bar Mitzvah is generally associated with the service during which the young Jewish person is called to read from the Torah. At the service, the whole family gathers in the synagogue (in Israel, the service can take place at the Wailing Wall) to mark this festive event, the Bar Mitzvah celebrant is performing what is called in Hebrew Aliya laTora – rising to the Torah. In many Jewish families, when the Jewish young man concludes his service, the excited family and friends shower him with candies and sweets.
According to the custom, after this ceremony, a big party is thrown by the family and friends. Bar mitzvah gifts are usually given at the Bar Mitzvah celebration, after the synagogue ceremony.
The immediate family usually gives the boy religious objects such as Tefilin, prayer books and other books with religious content. Judaica designers, such as Jack Jaget, have created many artistic editions of the Bible, Siddur, Book of Psalms and other books that are sacred in Judaism and will come in handy to the person for years to come. It is also customary that the father gives his son his first Jewish prayer shawl (Tallit).
Illustrated bible by Jewish artist Jack Jaget
For friends and acquaintances, regular birthday gifts will do like CDs, iPODs mobile phone accessories and books. Others would prefer to give the celebrant savings bonds, usually given in multiples of 18. This number is significant in Jewish tradition: In Gematria, the word Chai which means Life in Hebrew equals to the number 18. However, many people prefer gifts that are connected to the religious significance of the event. Most popular Bar Mitzvah gifts are items of religious nature such as Torah pointer, Tzedakah box, Teffilin bag or a decorative Hanukkah Menorah.
Other popular Bar Mitzvah gifts are jewelry accessories with religious or cultural significance. In this group, the most popular items are Star of David pendants. The Star of David (Magen David in Hebrew) is one of the most significant emblems in the Jewish tradition and thought to protect the ones who wear it around their necks. You can also find unique Jewelry designs with Hebrew inscriptions of famous blessings and prayers, such as Shema Yisrael which is the most famous and significant Jewish prayer, or quotations from the book of Psalms. Another famous prayer inscribed on many jewelry accessories is Tefillat HaDerch (Traveler’s Prayer), which is believed to draw divine protection to its bearer. Finally, you can find pendants which include a micro copy of the Book of Psalms, one of the most sacred and poetic Jewish texts, which the bearer can keep close to his heart anywhere he goes.
Handmade Shema Yisrael bracelet
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!
Women’s Silver Bracelets: A Beautiful Enhancement to Your Aura
Whether we want to believe it or not, we all have an aura – a field of light that surrounds our body and reflects our energy. Some say that, with consistent meditation, concentration exercises, and careful observation, we can learn to see our own aura and that of others. Others claim that the colours we like, are a fair indication of the dominant colour of our aura.
If we take this idea as a guide, we can use our preference for certain colours to enhance the dominant colors in our own aura. One way to do this is to wear clothing, or jewellery, that contains these colours. We think that women have a special advantage, as they can wear gorgeous silver bracelets with gemstones that augment the aura. Moreover, each aura colour has a complementary auric colour – that is, the colour we will see if we stare at the first colour long enough. What this means, ladies, is that we can mix and match the gemstone colours we wear in our silver bracelets. Did you think we’d leave you without suggestions for silver bracelets with gemstones that will bring out your colour aura qualities? Not a chance!
The colour red is usually associated with energy, and can be taken to mean that the person wearing red loves physical activity, and is passionate. The aura colour of red is turquoise. At first this may seem an odd combination, but note how stunning a silver bracelet with both garnet and turquoise gemstones can look. Or, if you can’t find this unusual combination on one silver bracelet, wear two silver bracelets, each with the gemstone of your choice.
The aura of yellow is what the ancients perceived to be a halo – you can see it in images of Jesus, the saints and Buddha, for example, who are usually depicted with a halo, or aura, of yellow-gold around their heads. It won’t surprise you, then, to learn that silver bracelets with yellow gemstones like the citrine reflect that colour’s properties of joy and happiness, of a free and magnanimous spirit, and of a higher level of inner peace. Yellow’s auric colour is violet, which also radiates spirituality and a positive outlook on life. So how about pairing the bewitching amethyst with citrine in several silver bracelets?
Everyone knows that green is the colour of springtime, but did you know that it is also the colour of healing? If you favour green, you may be telling the world you are a natural healer, or a natural gardener. Trumpet your peaceful, earthy nature with a silver bracelet with green aventurine or jade. What is your auric pair? Why, pink! So find a silver bracelet with some rose quartz, and you’ll have a fantastically fashionable combination on hand!
Orange and blue are complementary auric colours, with orange being the harbinger of creativity, self-expression, power and inspiration, and blue being the colour of balance and and tranquility. Amber or carnelian, together with blue topaz or tourmaline, on the same silver bracelet or on several silver bracelets, is a lovely combination. Trust us – we’ve seen it!
Last but hardly least; if you’re a fan of white, you’re in luck – for what could be finer than silver bracelets with pearls and white zircons?
Choose the silver bracelets you fancy according to your colour preference, and make your aura glow!
The Wailing Wall and its story
The Wailing Wall, also known as the Western Wall is a very sacred Jewish site in the Old City of Jerusalem. Jewish people from Israel and across the world visit this Wailing Wall while experiencing a wide range of emotions. Many Jews are moved just by standing close to the wall. Many believers conduct religious ceremonies next to the wall, such as Bar Mitzvah and Tefilat HaKohanim. Many believers write down their wishes on little notes and shove them between the bricks of the Wall.
The amazing story of the Waling Wall
The story of the wailing wall is a story of survival against all odds, very similarly to the historical narrative of the Jewish people.
According to the Bible, King Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago. This sacred temple was destroyed by the Babylonians leaving only the Wailing wall intact. Miraculously, after the second temple was built the Wailing Wall has survived the destruction of the second temple as well. Since then, the Wailing Wall has become a symbol for divine protection and hope of the Diaspora Jews to return to the land of Israel.
In 1967 War, the Wailing Wall was liberated by the IDF soldiers .
The Wailing Wall has been a great source of inspiration for many Israeli artists.
Wailing Wall in Jewish art
You can find vivid images of the Wailing wall in many of Israeli artist Yair Emanuel artworks.
Wailing Wall Challah Cover
You can also enjoy this beautiful paintings of the Wailing wall by artist Zina Roitman. Find more details at Judaica web store.
Jewish Symbols – Prominent Symbols in Jewish tradition
There are many motifs in Jewish tradition. Here we’ll introduce you to several prominent Jewish symbols in the Jewish religion and culture. Jewish symbols have grown out of the long history of the Jewish people. Jewish symbols have played big role in bonding the Jewish nation that has been scattered all around the world over the last two millenniums. The use of Jewish symbols has reaffirmed the collective identity of the Jewish people for many generations. The various ritual objects have enriched the cultural and social lives adding meaning to religious customs and the daily lives.
Jewish symbols – are they all religious?
So what are the most commonly known Jewish symbols and what do they stand for? In addition to holding religious significance, some Jewish symbols play a key role in Israel’s national identity. A great example is the Star of David, undoubtedly one of the most famous Jewish symbols. The bible tells us that David’s shield was in the shape of a star and was used to protect him in the battlefield.
Today, the Star of David is believed to protect the ones who wear it around their necks, the main reason why this famous symbol is featured in so many jewelry and accessories such as pendants and earrings. Since the Star of David decorates the national flag of the state of Israel, today it is understood that the Star of David has transcended its religious connotation and now symbolizes the deep connection between Israel and the Israeli people.
Star of David bracelet – Handmade Jewelry Online!
The Western Wall is definitely among the most commonly known Jewish symbols and contributes to the Israeli national identity. The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall or the Kotel, is one of most significant religious site for the Jewish people today.
King Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago. A few hundred years later, this sacred temple was destroyed by the Babylonians leaving only the western wall intact. Miraculously, the western wall has survived the destruction of the second temple as well. Since then, the Western Wall has become a symbol for divine protection and hope of the Jewish people to return to the land of Israel. In 1967, the Western Wall was liberated by the Israeli Defense Forces.
Among other Jewish symbols are religious objects used in the Jewish daily rituals. In the Jewish tradition, it is an important Mitzvah (commandment) inscribed in the Bible to affix a Mezuzah scroll to every door post in the Jewish home. Most of the Jews throughout the world, both religious and secular, follow this commandment. A Mezuzah case makes every Jewish home easy to recognize.
Other types of Jewish symbols include ritual objects used during the holidays such as the Hanukkah menorah. The Hanukkah menorah is lit on each of the eight days of Hanukkah as a way to commemorate the victory of the small Jewish army over the Greek empire that ruled the land of Israel and tried to force the Jews to abandon their faith two thousands years ago. The menorah has been a symbol of victory and freedom ever since. The menorah is also the symbol of the state of Israel.
