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 »
The Talmud- a treasure of inspiring stories
The Talmud has been mistaken by many to be a mere Halachic source, dedicated to an in depth study of the Jewish laws and to the ping-pong like debates revolving unusual incidents such as “How will a man who got stuck in the desert and forgot what day it is know when Shabbat is due”. Even though these debates can be fascinating even for those who are not tightly observant of the Jewish laws, they usually seem as passages that concern only the strictly religious people and irrelevant to anyone else.
The Talmud – Much more than a Halachic text
In recent years people in Israel and also abroad began to discover the Talmud anew, finding there striking wisdom, intense drama, heart warming moments and also entertaining humor. Many people who has just started diving in the Talmud say that once they laid their eyes on a single Talmudic story for the first time, the wish to read and learn more increased and kept increasing with each new story they studied. Talmudic courses in the university have also expanded and now offer the students courses that focus only on the non-Halachic parts, which represent the beliefs, theological themes and educational lessons of the time.
We’d like to present you with one story of this kind, which will hopefully be your own entering gate to the Talmud’s unceasing magic. [ More to come. . .]
Ilfa and Rabi Yochanan
Ilfa and Rabi Yochanan learned Torah in great poverty. When their condition became unbearable they said: “Let’s engage in some business so that we will abide the Torah verse “There shall be no poor amongst you” (Deutronomy, 15:4).They went afterward to sit under a rickety wall and eat some bread. Then came two angels. Rabi Yochanan heard one of them telling the other: “Let’s cast this wall over them and kill them, for they chose to leave the life of the next world (studying the Torah) , in order to pursue material earthly life.”
The other angel said: “Let them be. One of them is meant to succeed greatly.”
Rabi Yochanan heard it all whereas Ilfa didn’t.
Rabbi Yochanan asked Ilfa: “Have you heard anything?”
“No” Ilfa answered.
Rabi Yochanan thought to himself “If I heard it and Ilfa didn’t, it means that it is me who is going to succeed”
Then he said to Ilfa: “I shall return home [to the 'yeshiva'], and fulfill there the verse, “There will not cease to be paupers [poor people] amongst you.” [--> notice this is the exact opposite of the first verse mentioned above]
Rabi Yochanan returned, Ilfa didn’t. By the time Ilfa has returned from his business journies, Rabi Yochanan had become the head of the Yeshiva.
The students said to Ilfa: “If you continued learning here, you could have been the head of the Yeshiva.”
Ilfa then climbed and hung on a tall ship’s mast.
Ilfa said: “If there is someone who can ask me anything of Rabi Chiya or Rabi Oshiya’s studying that I wouldn’t be able to answer, I shall throw myself from this mast and drown.”
An old man came, and asked a question [...] Ilfa answered correctly.
[for those of you who can read Hebrew, you can download the source here]
Some guiding questions for the story:
~ Why did Rabi Yochanan return after hearing the angels’ conversation?
~ Why did he choose another verse to fulfill when he spoke to Ilfa of his wish to return to the Yeshiva?
~ After reading the whole story – who do you think the angels talked about? Is there really only one who succeeds in the story? If both are successful, what does it teach us of the ability of man to change his fate?
~ What does it mean that Ilfa answered correctly in the end of the story? What two ways of life does this story approve?
– feel free to discuss it on our comments box!
The Steinsaltz Talmud edition:
Rav Steinsalz did the unbelievable and translated the whole Talmud, which is written mostly in the Aramaic language, to Hebrew. This monumental effort allows even those who are not enrolled in a yeshiva studying Aramaic on a daily basis to understand and study the Talmud, which until now remained unreachable for all the others, closed between the four walls of the Yeshiva.
Steinsalz has finished translating and clarifying the Talmud this year after dedicating half his life to this extremely important work. If you enjoy stories of great wisdom, you should get yourself a copy of the Steinsalz Talmud edition. You can either buy a separate tractate (Ta’anit, Ketubot etc.) or you can buy the whole set, which is a true asset to every Jewish home. The Talmud has been taught and studied for thousands of years and is a rich source of knowledge and inspiration which will never go to waste and will also pass on to your future generations.
If we are to recommend where you shall begin, we advise you begin with Ta’anit tractate, which is sold in two volumes:
You are also free to choose any other tractate (‘Masechet’) or get all the volumes at once.
A great companion to the Talmud is Steinsaltz’s introduction book: “The Essential Talmud“, which will slide you in your Talmud experience very smoothly.
Now all you have to do is clear some space on your bookshelves… 
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.
Gerstein’s Face To Face
Rosh Hashanah gifts – a complete kit to pass the holiday with
Rosh Hashanah – a short background:
Rosh Hashanah is literally the head of the year. Whereas Christians celebrate on January 1st, the Jewish people mark the beginning of the new year by the Jewish calendar, on the first and second day of the first month called Tishrei. This day is believed to be the day of Adam’s creation and also the Day of Judgment, when God judges all creatures and sets each and every one’s fate for the year to come. However, as you probably know, despite of the great risk of being written in “the wrong book”, this day isn’t considered a gloomy, or fearful day at all – how come? The answer is given to us in the Talmud:
“What nation is like this one? It is accustomed in the world that when a man knows he is being judged, he wears black and wraps himself in black and grows a beard, since he does not know what his judgment shall be. Israel are not so, they wear white and wrap themselves in white and shave their beards and eat and drink and filled with joy, because they know that G-d is performing miracles on their account”.
Rosh Hashanah Customs:
During the month before Rosh Hashanah (Elul) people dedicate their prayers and thoughts to repentance and self scrutiny, wishing to mend their ways and start anew, having G-d’s blessing on their side. Many Jewish communities blow the Shofar (ram’s horn) every morning, to signify the need to wake up and change what’s wrong in our behavior and lives and needs to be dismissed. Before the beginning of the new year it is accustomed to perform a nullification of vows ceremony, where we are released from the vows and promises we obliged to keep this past year. The Rosh Hashanah Meal is a feast of positive symbols that are carrying blessings for the year to come. For instance, we eat apples dipped in honey and say “May the new year be good and sweet as honey” or we eat pomegranate and say “May our rights be as many as in the Rimon (pomegranate)”. Those who wish to perform the ceremony as their other Jewish brothers over the world should buy themselves a “Rosh Hashanah Mahzor”, which is a special prayer book for Rosh Hashana, which also includes the blessings of New Year’s Eve. Another interesting custom is the “Tashlikh”, which means “casting off”. During the first day of Rosh Hashanah the people go to a natural water source and throw pieces of bread or food in it, as a symbol of parting from the sins we have committed on the past year.
Connect to millions of Jews all around the world by preparing the following in advance:
(a) Get the prayer book for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur:
In order to be able to perform all the ceremonies and say all the blessings and prayers correctly you will need this book, which is going to accompany you your whole life. Each member of the family should have a book of his own, so that if you choose to go to the synagogue, each of you will be able to fit in easily.
If you would like to hear the prayers of Rosh Hashanah, in addition to Yom Kippur’s mesmerizing prayers, you can do so by purchasing this wonderful 11 cds pack, performed beautifully by highly appraised cantors from the great synagogue in Jerusalem. You can purchase this highly recommended pack here.
Hearing the Shofar’s sound is a mitzvah and every Jewish person has to hear it on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The Shofar’s impact is extremely powerful – its sounds penetrate even the thickest heart and shake our foundations, calling us to open our eyes and change everything we wished to change for a long time. Having a Shofar is not only a tribute to Jewish tradition, it’s also a way to enhance our spiritual growth.
there are relatively cheap and beautiful Shofars (or “shofarot”, if we stick to the Hebrew grammar), like this one here,
and there are also more expensive and more special ones, just like this Shofar here.
(c) Get yourself New Year’s greeting cards:
Before Rosh Hashanah, make sure you send all your close friends a heart warming card, wishing them a happy new year. There are many lovely greeting cards. You can buy a lovely 10 cards set here.
(d) Get your host a delicious gift basket:
One of the greatest ways to begin the new year is by giving. Purchase this freshly made gift basket, including exquisite wine and cake, and grant yourselves a joyful entrance!
Shana Tova!!!
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 at his works and you’ll be amazed!
Jack Jaget’s Judaica books : Middle Ages is back in fashion
Jaget is a graduate of Music and Art High School and the Cooper Union Art School of New York. Jack Jaget has designed books for major publishing companies in the US, winning many awards. One of the awards is the prestigious Best 50 Books.
Jack Jaget’s Judaica books are encased in handcrafted covers of precious woods, leather and gold-plated metals. Meticulously hand-painted with fine lacquers and gold leaf, these fine materials are treated to look as if they are from the middle ages. Jack Jaget’s Judaica books often come with full-color illustrations.
Jack Jaget – Judaica books and much more!
Jack Jaget’s Judaica books include the Bible, book of Psalms Siddur and more. Each is meticulously handmade at his studio. These designed editions make great gifts for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs.
Jack Jaget’s designs also cover a wide range of religious articles including Mezuzah cases, Tzedakah box and Torah pointers. You can find many of Jack Jaget’s artworks at Most Original- Handmade Judaica Online!.
honey dish – can make your year a little sweeter
A honey dish is a very popular Judaica item. The honey dish is placed on the cneter of the table during Rosh Hashanah festive dinner. A honey dish makes a wonderful addition to Rosh Hashanah ritual meal. Many Jewish people purchase a honey dish as a gift for their friends or themselves. Judaica artists have created a wide selection of honey dishes in assorted styles and materials to fit any personal style or needs.
Why do we eat honey on Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Jewish calendar. The festive meal held a t the Rosh Hashanah eve includes different kinds of symbolic foods. After reciting a blessing, we eat apples sweetened with honey and bless each other. “for good and sweet year (Le’shanah Tova Ve-metuka). Instead of dipping Challah in salt like we do on Shabbat service, we dip a piece of Challah in honey. The slice of Challah bread represents mannah, the sweetened bread that was sent to the Israelites by God to feed then on their journey to the land of Israel. On Rosh Hashanah we eat sugary foods such as apples, raisins. The honey plays the leading role in Rosh Hashanah menyue, since we believe that what we eat will reflect on the year to come. In old tradition, honey is also a sign for prosperity. And so, the sweet honey is a metaphor for our constant wish for a sweet, pleasant and prosperous year, and we bless: may our year be as sweet as honey.
Honey dish on Rosh Hashanah table
The sweet honey is often placed in a special tray known as honey dish. Honey dish is usually a plate with a removable bowl that allows the user to easily hand-wash for reuse. A honey dish usually has one or two designated spots, each is dedicated to a traditional food that has symbolic significance in relation to the Rosh Hashanah holiday. The foods that are placed are usually apples dipped in honey or pomegranate seeds. It is customary to eat ripened pomegranate seeds at festive dinners during Rosh Hashanah. Pomegranate seeds can be placed in one bowl, and apples and honey in the other.
Honey dish usually incorporates traditional Rosh Hashanah motifs such as the pomegranate. You can find many honey dishes shaped as a pomegranate or decorated with pomegranates drawings. The honey dish might also include appropriate Hebrew inscriptions, such as Shana Tova (happy New Year) or Shana Tova Vemetuka (happy and sweet year).
Both decorative and practical, the honey dish has become a popular gift for Jewish people all across the world. The honey dish adds festivity and color to the table on a holiday that celebrates the beginning of the year.
Israeli Judaica artists design original honey dishes in many sorts of styles and shapes. These artists skillfully combine modern influences with traditional motifs, and so, you can find honey dishes in metallic colors or more traditional designs.
Several Israeli’s leading Judaica artists who specialize in honey dish designs include Shraga Landesman, Annat Orlizki and Dorit Klien.
