Once upon a time, when people were invited to weddings, they brought modest but personal wedding gifts, gifts that tried to give value to the young couple’s life in addition to financial value. There were gifts like books (for these religious Jews, there were holy books), necessary housewares, furniture, sacred vessels for holding religious ceremonies throughout the year.
I know very well that seemingly those days have passed from the world. Nowadays, most people will google how much it is customary to pay, put cash notes in an envelope or write a check, put it in a safe at the entrance to an event, or, worse, transfer in some payment app with a simple and impersonal greeting.
Why actually?
Is it impossible to connect things between money and a personal and useful gift?
Think about it; if you brought the couple a useful gift, you saved them the purchase of the item, they will use it for years and remember you for much longer than they will remember the cash you brought.
Weddings in all cultures and traditions are important occasions to celebrate the new life of the bride and the groom. If you belong to a traditional Jewish family, you must know how elaborate wedding ceremonies are in the Jewish community. Jewish people love and respect their culture, and they include Jewish music, food, and other traditions in all of their celebrations.
If you don’t belong to the Jewish community and you are invited to a Jewish wedding, it is essential to know about their cultures and traditions so that you can come up with the best gift ideas.
In this article, we have compiled a list of best gift ideas that are described as per the occasion and celebration. Before we unravel different wedding gift ideas, let’s know a bit about the famous Jewish wedding.
What is a Jewish wedding?
A traditional Jewish wedding consists of different rituals. Weddings are a significant part of Jewish culture, and Jewish people are pretty particular about the culture. The marriage symbolizes a union between husband and wife, and the wedding ceremony and other ceremonies surrounding the marriage are arranged as per the traditional Jewish culture
The wedding ceremony includes different aspects. It is woven from threads of biblical, historical, mystical, cultural, and legal perspectives. Thus, a traditional Jewish wedding has diverse cultures and rituals that signify different meanings.
The tradition of the wedding with the inclusion of all cultures and rituals dates back to more than 3800 years ago. As per the Jewish rules, the wedding day is the holiest and most auspicious day in a person’s life.
But the wedding also emphasizes the legal aspect of relation, and the wedding is said to be a regular commitment between husband and wife as per Jewish tradition.
In this article, we will get to know about different ceremonies and rituals associated with Jewish weddings and the best Jewish wedding gifts that you can give to a bride and groom. There are multiple Jewish gift ideas, and we will help you find the best Jewish wedding gifts. So, let’s dive deeper into the Jewish culture so that we can find the best wedding gifts for men and women.
Wedding gifts for groom
When you are attending a Jewish wedding, it is very important to get gifts that signify Jewish symbols and cultures. You can find a Jewish wedding store offering different types of gifts for the groom as well as the bride.
No matter if the groom is your family member or your friend, you have to give him something that can be memorable and close to his heart. Jewish people are pretty particular about their culture, especially if it comes to traditional or religious people, and thus, you have to be very detailed and creative when you are thinking about wedding gift ideas for the groom.
If the groom is a traditional man with all Jewish values intact, some of the best gift ideas can be Jewish holy books, star of David pendant, Talisman, and many more. If the groom is modern and not too traditional, you can look for contemporary ideas like travel accessories, clothes, and even gift cards.
Thus, when thinking about Israeli wedding gifts, it is important to know the personality and preference of the groom to come up with the best Jewish wedding gifts.
Wedding gift for the bride
When it comes to Jewish wedding gifts for brides, multiple gift options are available. You can give rings, pendants, or any other jewelry item with the symbol of the evil eye, to keep her away from all kinds of evil and sadness. Most mothers give this to their daughters.
If you are a friend or family member of the bride, you can also come up with Jewish gifts for the home. Since the wedding starts at the beginning of a new residing place and new address, gift ideas for a home will help a Jewish bride to set up her new home
Some of the best home items to gift include candlesticks, dinner sets, and other things that can be used by the bride as well as the groom.
If you are the bride’s best friend, you can also give her some fun items like jewelry, clothes, rings, and other essential things that she may need to start her new life. You can visit a Jewish wedding store to get more ideas about gifts for brides.
What gifts can you bring to a Jewish wedding?
The choice of best Jewish wedding gifts depends on the occasion you are invited to. A Jewish wedding consists of different Jewish rituals and cultures. Thus, your choice should depend on the event you are invited to. Various traditions are followed before the wedding and after the wedding. Therefore, we are providing the best Jewish wedding gifts as per the occasion and the ceremony.
Let’s hunt the best gift for a Jewish couple.
Before the wedding
Ketubah
The Ketubah is a part of Jewish culture, and it is an essential ritual in a Jewish wedding. Once the groom places the ring on Bride’s finger, the Ketubah is read out aloud. A ketubah is a marriage contract, and it shows that the marriage between a man and a woman is more than a spiritual and physical union. Instead, Ketubah describes that marriage is a legal and moral commitment too.
The Ketubah describes the moral obligation of the husband towards his wife. Thus, the ceremony stipulates a legal contract between the husband and the wife. The details in the ketubah are filled in and signed in a separate room, on the eve of the wedding (or at noon, depending on when the wedding takes place) even before the start of the official marriage ceremony. Once the Ketubah is read aloud, it is given to the groom, who then gives it as a gift to his wife.
Since the ketubah is part of the Jewish marriage ceremony, the purchase of the ketubah must be made before the ceremony. For some couples, choosing the ketubah, like many other things related to the wedding ceremony, is a significant and symbolic event.
There are very simple Ketubahs provided by the rabbi who conducts the wedding ceremony, and there are very artistic and impressive Ketubahs. Each couple chooses according to their taste. We here seek to offer the more special Ketubahs, some at a low price and some expensive, rather than the standards provided by the rabbi since these are free anyway.
Jewish wedding breaking glasses
One of the most famous Jewish symbols, during the Chuppah ceremony, takes place after the Ketubah is read out loud, and the recitation of “seven benedictions” is concluded: Jewish wedding breaking glasses. The groom’s stomping on the wine glass to shatter it.
The ceremony reminds people of the destruction of the holy temple, which can’t be forgotten even on the day of maximum joy.
Wedding rings gift
In the traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, the groom must sanctify the choice of his heart, as his wife, by giving a ring and declaring: You are consecrated to me in this ring as the religion of Moses and Israel. Today the custom among many Jews is that the bride also gives a valuable ring to the groom and sanctifies him.
Usually, because of the importance of the rings to the Jewish wedding ceremony, the choice of ring is a very personal matter, and an absolute majority of brides and grooms will prefer to purchase the rings themselves and not receive them as a gift, even if the gift is given before the wedding.
And yet, if some are very close to the bride and groom and advise them and help them choose a suitable ring, here are some ideas. The most conservative ring is a gold ring with no additions but can it certainly be varied (can be made up of different metals and stones), as long as it has monetary value. According to Jewish law, the ring must have an economic value.
Chuppah Canopy gift
Marriage in Judaism takes place in two stages: the kiddushin (or “engagement” in the Mishnah) and the wedding (Nisu’im). In the past (before the middle aga), the time between engagement and marriage was long (about a year), whereas, since the Middle Ages, it has been shortened to a few minutes.
The “seven benedictions,” which are described before, is part of the marriage part. The ceremony of Chuppah Canopy signifies that the husband will unite under one roof.
For this ceremony, you can give them gift items that can signify their marital bond and unique love for each other.
When arriving at the wedding ceremony
Gift for Home Decor
Marriage begins the journey of a new life, and thus, the best wedding gifts for Jewish couples can also be items that they can use for their new home. Some of the home decor items that you can give to the couple include:
Home blessing gift
You can give them a sculpture of a picture of seven blessed trees. The seven blessings are also read by friends and family members of the bride and groom. These blessings focus on joy, celebration, and the power of love. Thus, you can gift items that can provide them with happiness and celebration on the most auspicious occasion of their Life.
Hamsa gift
If you don’t know the Hamsa meaning, you need to research a bit, and it can be one of the best gift items for a Jewish couple on their wedding day. Hamsa can be one of the best religious wedding gifts for a Jewish couple. It is a Jewish symbol, and it holds significance for Jewish people.
The Hamsa can be displayed on any item you want. If you want to give this to the bride, you can give it in the form of a pendant, ring, or a necklace. You can also gift Hamsa as a home decor item. The Hamsa can be easily displayed on the wall as it is as important as the Star of David.
Mezuzah gift
Finding the perfect wedding gift can be pretty overwhelming. But Mezuzah can be one of the best gifts for newlyweds. Mezuzah is an important Jewish symbol, and you can find it in every Jewish home. Housewarming (Chanukat ha-Bayit) is an occasion for the hanging of Mezuzah.
Since marriage is regarded as the beginning of a new life, Mezuzah can be one of the best Jewish wedding gifts. The newlyweds can hang the Mezuzah on the front door of their home once they enter their home as a couple.
Since Jewish law requires a mezuzah at the entrance to any room or space (not toilets or showers), every Jewish home has several mezuzahs, and the larger the house, the more mezuzahs there are.
Hanging a mezuzah in front of the house is one of the Jewish laws that have survived vary widely among the vast majority of the Jewish public, including the secular public. Inside the mezuzah is a small scroll on which are written verses from the Bible
4 Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; 7 and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be for frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates.
13 And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto My commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, 14 that I will give the rain of your land in its season, the former rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. 15 And I will give grass in thy fields for thy cattle, and thou shalt eat and be satisfied. 16 Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; 17 and the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and He shut up the heaven, so that there shall be no rain, and the ground shall not yield her fruit; and ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you. 18 Therefore shall ye lay up these My words in your heart and in your soul; and ye shall bind them for a sign upon your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes. 19 And ye shall teach them your children, talking of them, when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 20 And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates; 21 that your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, upon the land which the LORD swore unto your fathers to give them, as the days of the heavens above the earth.
The mezuzah consists of two parts, the mezuzah case and the substrate on which are written the verses inside the mezuzah. The scroll is rolled up and wrapped, is inside the mezuzah, and so what is visible is only the mezuzah case, the unmistakable hallmark of any Jewish home.
According to Jewish tradition, the mezuzah protects the house. One of the typical Jewish customs is to inspect the mezuzah of the house in case of disaster. If it is discovered that there is a defect in the verses that appear on the scroll, even if one letter is deleted, replace the scroll with a new scroll.
There are countless types of mezuzahs, ranging from the simplest ones made of plastic and the most common and more artistic mezuzahs that are made from different raw materials like wood, glass, metal, and their various combinations.
Gift for kitchen
A kitchen is always a challenge for newlyweds and longtime couples because of the amount of equipment required and the utensils. It is probably the most useful room in any home and probably also the most equipped, especially for cooking and baking enthusiasts.
For a religious or traditional Jewish family, the kitchen is an even more significant challenge because of the need to separate meat and milk, as required by Jewish law. Not every Jewish family separates in the same way. Religious families who are careful to separate hold different sets of utensils for meat and milk, plates, cups, and cutlery, which requires efficient and easy storage solutions.
In the context of this article, we will, of course, focus on kitchen gifts related to the Jewish world, such as baking accessories, kiddush cups, items intended for Jewish holidays, and more. Some of the gifts have low cost and therefore will not be suitable as a gift for a Jewish wedding as a separate item but as part of a set of several items
For Jewish festivals
Numerous Jewish festivals provide an excellent opportunity to choose an original gift that can match the wedding time if it occurs before one of the Jewish holidays. Thus, no matter if it’s the traditional Jewish festival or you require Jewish Bridal shower gifts, Jewish 50th wedding Anniversary gifts, you can look at the below-mentioned items at the time of need for a gift item.
Chanukah Menorah (Chanukiyah) gift
Chanukah is the festival of light for Jewish People. Hanukkah symbolizes the victory of good over evil, the victory of freedom over bondage and slavery. The holiday has many symbols such as a spinning top, a donut stuffed with jam, songs and above all the menorah or in Hebrew: Chanukiyah.
The Chanukiyah is similar to the famous Jewish symbol (symbol of the State of Israel), the menorah. Still, there is one significant difference, the menorah has seven branches, and the Chanukiyah has nine branches. During the seven-day Hanukkah holiday, the menorah candles are lit. On the first day, one candle is lit; every day, another candle is added until on the eve of the last holiday, eight candles are lit. The extra candle is an accompanying candle with which the candles are lit every day.
You can make this occasion for your loved ones by giving them something beautiful and unique. Some of the best gift options for Chanukah are Chanukiya, Menorah, unique candles including oil candles, related jewelry with menorah symbol or tree of life sculpture, and many more. Thus, make every moment beautiful by purchasing gifts.
Apple and honey ceramic plate set gift for Rosh Hashana (Jewish new year)
A ceramic plate for Rosh Hashanah can be very suitable for the holiday dinner. When everyone is sitting at the holiday table, several different foods are greeted, symbolizing something different. For example, an apple and honey, wish you a sweet year.
Pomegranate seeds welcome to our good deeds, next year, as many as pomegranate seeds. The plate will not be practical to put all kinds of food in, but it is very decorative, symbolic and will be unique for the evening. Symbolism, especially the one that has an educational effect on children, is significant in the Jewish tradition
Seder plate gift for Passover
Lel Haseder is probably one of the most famous Jewish events in the world. It is a ceremony held on the first evening of Passover, which commemorates the exodus of the Jewish People from Egypt more than three thousand years ago.
The ceremony includes the recitation of the Passover Haggadah and a festive meal. Preparations for Passover include a wave of shopping for kitchen utensils, clothes, and food, so a relevant gift for the eve of the holiday could be the right thing at the right time.
Thus, every Jewish household has a Seder plate, and if you are confused about the best Jewish wedding gifts, the Seder plate can be a good option. It serves as a centerpiece on the occasion of the seder table. The Seder plate typically includes six items, each describing a part of the Passover story.
Gifts for Shabbat
Shabbat is a critical part of the Jewish culture, and it has a long history and tradition. It is a weekly 24-hour observance of form just before the sundown on Friday to completion of nightfall. This day is described as a day of physical and spiritual delight.
The traditional-religious Shabbat is celebrated by illuminating candles, eating three Shabbat meals. public prayers in synagogue and Avoidance of doing any work, according to the definitions of Jewish law but even for secular Jews who do not keep Shabbat according to Jewish law, Shabbat is a very special day.
Since there are 52 Shabbats a year, any Jewish wedding gift for Shabbat will benefit any couple. If you bought something unique and original that would be to their liking, they would use it every Shabbat and remember you and your gift for many years to come.
Kidush cup gift
The Kiddush cups are another essential item that is available in every Jewish household. As per the Jewish tradition, the Kiddush cup is used by the Jewish people to drink wine after a short prayer at home before Shabbat dinner, the next morning after the prayer in the synagogue, and at the end of Shabbat or Jewish religious holiday. The prayer is called kiddush and is said when the kiddush cup is filled with wine.
The Kiddush cups are crafted in Gold, silver, or different ceramic material. The cups come in different shapes and sizes. Thus, one of the best gifts you can give to a Jewish person is a Kiddush cup.
Havdala set gift
The Havdalah set is intended for a short ceremony that is done every Saturday night to mark the line between the holy (Shabbat) and regular day. The ceremony includes lighting a large havdalah candle, smelling a pleasing aroma, and drinking wine. Therefore a candle holder is needed, a small fixture containing a plant with a good smell like basil or cloves.
Challa cover
A challah cover is one of the centerpieces of every Shabbat table. Thus, a personalized Challah cover can be the right gift item. You can get Challah covers with Yair Emannuel embroidered or Dorit Judaica challah covers.
Challah Board and silver Knife
The Challah Board and Silver knives are other centerpieces that are important for every Jewish household. When it comes to Challah Board and Silver knife, you can get sterling silver, wood, glass, or other mixed material Challah board and silver knife.
What gift should the mother of the bride give to the bride?
While the mothers don’t need to gift something to their daughters on their wedding, some of the best ideas per the Jewish custom can be rings that can be made up of Gold, silver, or any other precious elements. Some mothers also like to give personalized items and handmade Jewish symbols for their daughter. Thus, it depends on the personal relation of the mother and daughter what they want to gift.
Does the mother of the groom give the bride a gift?
Yes, the mother of the groom presents gifts for the bride on the wedding day. Mostly, she gives something that has been a part of the ancient culture. Else, it may be something that her mother-in-law left for her. Weddings in the Jewish community are seen as a symbol of a new beginning. Therefore, the mother-in-law can give anything she wants to her daughter in law.
FAQ
What is an appropriate gift for a Jewish wedding
Jewish people follow their culture and traditions pretty well. So, it can be an excellent gesture to give something that can be related to their culture. One standard gift that most people give is money in multiples of 18. Money in multiples of 18 is essential as it is numerically equal to the Hebrew word Chai. The name translates to Life in English. Besides cash, you can also gift jewelry, household items, and different Jewish Symbols to the couple.
What are the traditions of a Jewish wedding?
Some of the most important traditions of a Jewish wedding include Ketubah. It means a marriage contract. Then there is the breaking of the glass ceremony and the chuppah ceremony. In the latter, the groom presents a ring to the bride inside a canopy-like structure. Finally, there is the Yichud ceremony when the bride and groom spend some time alone. Jewish follow all their traditions and cultures pretty religiously. Therefore, in all Jewish weddings, you can find a long list of ceremonies on the wedding day.
How much do you give for an Israeli wedding?
n Israel, it is usually customary to bring money as a wedding gift to allow the young couple to start with a certain amount, and sometimes this will be enough to cover the cost of the wedding (which is not cheap at all in Israel).
There are all sorts of parameters that can affect, such as the location of the wedding, whether it is an expensive hall or courtyard, whether it is a first or second wedding, the degree of closeness to a couple, etc.
If the wedding is held in a ballroom or garden, it is customary to bring at least 250 shekels One, and if you are a couple, it is expected to fetch between 300 and 400 shekels. If it is a close friend and someone dear to your heart, the amount will, of course, be higher, but it all depends on your financial situation.
For a wedding of traditional or religious people, it is possible to bring an amount that is double 180 (the number 18 is the Hebrew, meaning life then every product of 18 has a meaning). If you have chosen not to bring money but a real gift, you will see in this article ideas for gifts for a Jewish wedding.
How much is a Jewish wedding?
The average cost incurred in an average Jewish wedding is somewhere around $30,000. The amount spent on a Jewish wedding is shared among the bride and groom’s parents. But, nowadays, in some of the cases, brides and grooms are financially independent, and thus, they can manage the finances on their own. But, parents want, they can contribute physically and financially for the wedding of their kids.
Weddings are one of the most encouraging and happy moments in a person’s life. The wedding tradition is especially important in the Jewish community. They celebrate all of their festivals and celebrations as per their ancient culture. Thus, if you are invited to a Jewish wedding, you must plan for a good gift idea.
