Tzedakah Boxes are commonly translated as Charity Boxes. First of all, that is a mistranslation, an understandable one but still incorrect. The root of the Hebrew word Tzedakah is Tzedek meaning Justice. Judaism views giving to those who are less fortunate than you as a form of justice, not an act of charity. Charity denotes a generous action done out of the kindness of one’s heart. Continue reading →
You’ve been invited out for a meal or two or even an entire Shabbat, Friday is drawing nearer and you suddenly realize that you have nothing to bring your hosts- what to do?! We recommend stocking up on a bunch of beautiful Judaica gifts which you can then whip out at your convenience. That way you’ll never have that last minute rush before Shabbat which usually ends in buying something over-priced, totally useless that screams last-minute.com. No, a bunch of withered flowers, calorific-laden desserts and boring bottles of wine don’t exactly broadcast originality. Continue reading →
Fashion Jewelry is also known as costume jewelry and is a popular form of jewelry around the world. Fashion Jewelry is made to complement a particular costume or garment and came into being in the 1930s, intended to be a cheap way of dressing up clothes and to be fashionable for a short period of time, outdate itself and then be repurchased to fit a new fashion style. Fashion Jewelry is mainly used in fashion, unlike fine jewelry which is regarded as collectibles, keepsakes or investments. For these reasons, Fashion Jewelry is generally made of less valuable materials.
“A land of wheat and barley and grapes and figs and pomegranates, and land of olive oil and dates.”
Seven agricultural products are listed in the Bible as being special to the Land of Israel. Although these species no longer dominate the diet of people living in Israel these species still characterize the local landscape and are widely used in the Israeli diet. In biblical times the species were the staple foods consumed by the people in the land. In modern times only wheat is a staple but the fact that these species continue to dominate the landscape accentuates a sense of continuity between Biblical Israel and Modern Israel. Continue reading →
Want to know more about Jewish holidays? Look no further- here’s a list of the main Jewish holidays, their dates in the Jewish calendar and a brief explanation about each one.
Ester Shahaf has a background in the theatrical arts with a degree from the University of Tel Aviv in Theater and Costume Design. Today, Ester creates and sells jewelry and Judaica from her hometown of Binyamina, Israel and enjoys resounding success both in Israel and abroad.Continue reading →
If one observes a religiously-observant Jewish family with children as they enter and exit their house, one may notice that family members touch the right-hand doorpost of the entrance to their house whenever they enter and exit the house and immediately after raise their fingertips to their lips. Little children will often request to be lifted up to the doorpost to kiss the skinny, oblong box that rests on it. For those unfamiliar with Judaism this site is certainly a strange one. Continue reading →
Buying jewelry is never an easy task because many factors go into the decision. When purchasing Jewish jewelry, the challenge is a little simpler because some pieces have traditions that limit the choices. Despite the traditions, jewelry selection can be a hard choice. A few simple tips make it easier to decide on the best item. Continue reading →
Much preparation goes into planning a Jewish wedding. It is steeped in ancient tradition and customs which vary among Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews, and those of varying levels of religious observance. As an example, the date of the wedding cannot take place on Shabbat which includes Friday night after sundown to Saturday night after sundown. There are several other dates that are out of the question also, and consulting a Jewish calendar is part of the planning process. The date is only one of the strict rules that accompany a Jewish marriage. Jewish law also dictates the selection of the brides wedding ring. Continue reading →
Hebrew inscriptions can be found on numerous Kabbalah jewelry accessories. Many of these writings consist of three letter combinations that are commonly referred to as the “72 Names of God.” They are a spiritual tool utilized by the Kabbalah to assist in stimulating constructive life changes. Every single one of the 72 Names of God has its own distinctive energetic frequency, acting as an instrument, if you will, for achievement, happiness and the like.
What is the Foundation of the 72 Names of God?
The roots of the 72 Names of God can be found in the Torah. As per the Kabbalah, the bible is coded with numerous layers within every single letter and word; in other words, there is the literal significance of the actual letters and words written, and then meaning hidden in the arrangements of said letters and words. The 72 Names of God are directly connected to the Hebrew alphabet and therefore, the ideas they stand for can be lost in translation when attempting to understand them in another language. The names are derived from Exodus 14:19-21.
The 72 Names – Examples and their Purpose
Each of the 72 Names of God has its own unique power and energy, whether it is promoting change with regards to fertility, health, love or another aspect of one’s life. Each three letter combination has great effectiveness and a lot of people wear numerous types of Kabbalah jewelry accessories inscribed with one or many of these names. They choose pieces that are symbolic to their own desires and needs. It is believed that just by looking at the letters, people are able to connect with their amazing frequencies.
The name “Aleph-Lamed-Dalet” can be found inscribed on an abundance of Kabbalah jewelry pieces. The Aleph-Lamed-Dalet arrangement is thought to thwart the evil eye by keeping negative energy away. Another combination, Samech-Aleph-Lamed, is utilized by the Kabbalah for affluence and success. Lastly, the sequence “Yod Lamed Yod” is believed to help people who want to recover lost hope and overcome the obstacles of despair as well as weariness. The 72 Names of God are indeed powerful inscriptions.