Judaism as practiced and expressed through Judaica Arts and gift items is attracting the interest of more and more people. Those of Jewish ancestry who have strayed into other cultures and religions in their previous lives are turning back to their roots by acquiring Jewish-inspired arts and gifts to renew their devotion to Judaism.

1. Jewish Gifts and Judaica
Arts Attract Interest
By: Joy Schonberg
Judaism as practiced and expressed through Judaica arts and gift items is attracting the
interest of more and more people. Those of Jewish ancestry who have strayed into other
cultures and religions in their previous lives are turning back to their roots by acquiring
Jewish­inspired arts and gifts to renew their devotion to Judaism. Even non­Jewish people
are showing their fascination with Judaica arts and gifts as evidenced by the brisk sale of
these items in stores located in largely non­Jewish neighborhoods. This phenomenon
could be attributed to the religious renaissance that all the lawlessness and inequities in
the world have given rise to.

2. We see people from all social classes and cultures trying to learn more about Jewish life
and get connected to their forgotten heritage in a more intimate way. We even hear of
some Hollywood celebrities joining Jewish converts and returness to go deep into the study
of Kabbalah. Kabbalah is an ancient Jewish wisdom that reveals how the universe and life
work. Most of us at some point feel that fulfillment is elusive and there’s something missing
in our lives. Through the study of Kabbalah, we learn how to achieve fulfillment and serenity.
Each one of us desires fulfillment and joy which could explain the interest many are now
giving to Judaism and its promise of spiritual richness and deliverance. Apart from the
study of Kabbalah, worship in the oldest of all known religions is practiced with the aid of
synagogue items, Judaica arts and Jewish gifts.
The world of Judaica encompasses virtually all possible objects pertinent to Judaism. It
comprises mainly but not exclusively of articles that are inseparable parts of the religion,
such as the Judaica Tallit. This is the prayer shawl that Jewish men wear when they pray
according to their custom. Most Ashkenazi Jews wear the Tallit everyday once they get
married, while Sephardic Jews wear it daily long before they tie the know, usually once they
turn 13 years old at their Bar Mitzvahs.

3. Another Judaica object that is not only an intrinsic part of Judaism but also immensely
popular in Judaica stores is the Mezuzah. This is a scroll enclosed in an elaborately
designed case on which is written religious passages from a Jewish holy man. Hence, the
Mezuzah is mostly attached to doorposts of houses to signify the homeowner’s religiosity
and also to ward off evil. Some Mezuzah can cost a pretty penny depending on design and
make.
Decorative Mezuzahs are not the only example of fundamental religious items that Judaica
offers in an array of colors and styles. There is also the famous Kippah, known by its
Yiddish term Yamaka. This is the small skullcap Jewish men wear on their heads at all
times symbolic of their subjugation to God. Judaica stores offer Kippahs in many different
colors, sizes, shapes and materials.
Judaica offers anything from vital ritual items to antique jewelry of Jewish motif, Jewish art
and Judaica gifts. Jewish gifts are inexhaustible, with new items inundating the Judaica
market constantly.
Gift giving is a wonderful way to increase the sense of closeness between family and
friends. Gifts are given on countless occasions in Judaism; food packages on Purim, gifts
on Hannukah, milestone gifts for girls and boys reaching Bat and Bar Mitzvah, gifts for
newly married couples who are setting up their home, and so many more.
Apart from the pleasure of giving and receiving a gift, Jewish gifts and Judaica gifts have
an additional aspect of being deeply meaningful and often being items that are passed
from generation to generation, strengthening the chain of Judaism within the family.
Judaica items that are given as presents today become the heirlooms of tomorrow –
Kiddish Cups, Mezuzahs, Shabbat Candlesticks and Passover Seder Plates are all
examples of items that are passed on from father to son, from mother to daughter over the
generations, appreciated, cherished and admired.

4. Jewish Jewelry is a category of Jewish gifts that is developing and growing at an
astonishing speed. From traditional symbols, such as the Star of David and Chai symbols
to the more contemporary Kabbalah and Hamsa, Jewish Jewelry is a popular way for
Jewish people to display their Jewish pride and sense of unity. Rings, pendants, earrings,
pins and necklaces can be found in an array of styles in our Jewelry collections, made of a
variety of materials, silver, gold, ceramic, plastic resins and others.
For more information, please visit http://joyschonberg.com/.