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Understanding easily what is Judaica
Judaica is defined as a term used in Jewish religious rituals or customs. It is an essential thing for Jews, referring to their rituals or ceremonial art. However, Judaica includes some striking objects to perform rituals and special events, e.g., Mitzvah, because this is Jewish for honoring God and his directive.
Judaica items
1. Kiddush Cup and it's meaning
Kiddush Cup is one of the most common Judaica items that should be present in a Jewish home. It’s being used in every major Jewish Festival, whether the events, Shabbat (Saturday), holiday, Brit Mila (circumcision), or weddings. A kiddush cup includes blessings over wine, which is part of the ritual. The Kiddush cup is used to bless the wine. The blessing on the wine is called kiddush.
In Hebrew, the word “kiddush” and the word “Kadosh” (holy) are from the same root. We bless the wine, and it is part of the sacredness of the Shabbat or the holiday. During the Shabbat and holiday, the wine is blessed three times, in the evening, the morning after, and at the end of the day. Usually, the kiddush cup is silver and is for kiddush only.
A glass made of silver conveys importance and respect for the consecration, although it is unnecessary, and one can certainly use a glass. There are large kiddush cups and other small cups for the kids in families with children to drink some wine or sweet grape juice.
Different styles of Kiddush cups
However, over time, the manifestation of styles has brought numerous options for buyers, ultimately during seasons of Jewish festivals, artisans and artists strive to craft something new with more attractive designs. You can now see an assortment of options, whether online or offline, in selling Judaica items. The makers try to represent Kiddush cups with something new.
2. Candlestick Holders
Candlesticks are designed to hold Shabbat or holiday candles. The Shabbat or holiday candles are usually lit at the Shabbat / holiday entrance before sunset. After lighting the candles, they should not be touched or moved.
The candlesticks are a classic and necessary Judaica item in every Jewish home. Even for non-religious Jews. Everyone lights candles on another occasion. Candlesticks are designed to hold Shabbat or holiday candles. The Shabbat or holiday candles are usually lit at the Shabbat / holiday entrance before sunset. After lighting the candles, they should not be touched or moved.
It is customary for the woman to light the Shabbat candles and bless them, though men can light Shabbat candles as well. After the blessing, it is customary to ask for a wish. At least two Shabbat candles are lit, and many families often light more candles, sometimes a pair for each family member or a pair of candles for each child. Of course, every pair of candles need a pair of candlesticks.
Different types of Candlestick holders
There are different types of candlesticks, and the variety is huge. The diversity is reflected in the candlesticks’ size, shape, number of nests, and the material they are made.
3. The Havdalah Spice Box
At the time of Havdalah, it is customary to smell natural perfumes, such as basil or clovesץ. Basil usually comes fresh and holds it in hand during the Havdalah. Still, the cloves are dried and stored in a small box used every Saturday or holiday for the Havdalah. While blessing the perfumes, shake the box to make it smell good and disperse in the air.
Different types of Havdalah spice boxes
It was traditionally made from wood and decorated ornately with distinctive designs. The Jewish spice box takes the flower shape completed with leaves, wooden petals, and stems. In the center of the petals’ ring, it consists of space for the spices.
4. Seder plate
An essential part of any Passover tradition, the Seder plate, has its unique theory. It’s rich with its iconic history, symbolism, and meaning.
What does the Seder plate represent?
Over time, plenty of modern, new twists or additions are getting to be seen in the Seder plate’s formation when we talk traditionally about the seder plate. It contains six main things: the karpas, shank bone, Chazeret and Maror, egg, and charoset.
Now, most seder plates have started to come with some painted figures for these six items. So it is based on the choice which one you want. However, describing these foods over the plate also has some significant reasons.
Six items importance on seder plates
Karpas – Usually, the vegetable that is utilized for Karpas is either celery or parsley. The Karpas is dipped into the saltwater at the beginning of the process of Seder and later eaten. Ultimately, it symbolizes the shedding of Jewish people’s tears during their slavery.
Beitzah (The egg) – It is not eaten, but it signifies something special. The seder plate refers to an individual’s sacrifice made during the Jewish festival, the Corban Chagiha.
Zeroah (The shank bone) – Usually, it is a lamb shank bone, which indicates the Korban Pesach. Although in the Bible, at the time of the exodus story, it is was first mentioned about the Pesach offering. In Jerusalem, Jews brought a lamb later at the seder time in the Temple, eating it as a Pesach offering.
Charoset – Charoset is a substance like a paste, generally made with a fruit mixture, wine spices, and nuts. It symbolizes to represent the Israelites mortar that they used during their slavery to build edifices for the Egyptians. As with the bitterness of some other seder plate offerings in its sweet taste, it is a popular substance among those attending evening shows.
These items are the centerpiece of the Seder plate that is also a famous ritual of Jewish cultures. Like the candlestick holder, the Seder plate can be found in every Jewish home, and it is an important item in the Judaica world.
5. Challa cover
However, the challah cover must be large so that bread can’t get to see through the sides, and also, it must be thick enough so that the bread loaves can’t become visible through the fabric.
Meaning of Challah Cover
So, mainly a challah cover is a particular cloth that also comes in various styles and uses to cover challah (two braided loaves) entirely. At the event of Yom Tov (holiday) meal or the beginning of Shabbat, these loaves of bread, along with challah cover, are set out on the table.
Different styles of Challa cover
Whereas with decorative designs, it is also brought into use for ceremonial events. Its existence serves both symbolic function and a halakhic. Over time, along with challah bread, the challah bread’s cover has also started to come in numerous styles. Now you can find the challah bread according to your own choice.
Not only challah bread cover, but challah bread plate is also a striking Judaica artwork that also enlists into the most popular item in Judaica collection. With designs, these things represent the Jewish religion.
6. Mezuzah case
Mezuzah belongs from ancient times, and its origin belongs to the Torah. It is a beautiful plus intricate Jewish object meant to mark the Jewish homes’ doorposts. Mezuzah includes two parts; the mezuzah parchment, also known as Klaf, and the mezuzah case.
Brief about Mezuzah case
Besides, you can also see delicate mezuzah cases in some decorative forms. For instance, as they can create with the multiplicity of materials that often vary from simple Mezuzah cases made of plastic to the masterpieces of those cases made from glass, sterling silver, wood, and stone, etc.
The purpose of Mezuzah
When the Klaf has been done, the parchment will be put into a Mezuzah case by rolling it up. Plus, it is also required that it shouldn’t be fully sealed, though, because at least once or twice every seven years, parchments will be inspected with the concern to know their harm or defects.
How to hand Mezuzah?
The mezuzah case is placed on top of the right side, with the top of the mezuzah at an angle towards the room’s inside. It is customary to keep Mezuzah at every doorway except for bathrooms and small closures.
Different types of Mezuzah
There are countless different types of Mezuzahs. The Klaf is always the same, but the Mezuzah can be very different. There is the usual standard type, made of plain plastic; there are metal Mezuzahs, wooden Mezuzahs, and wood and glass combinations.
Many Jews believe that the Mezuzah guarding the house and bringing good luck, so they are investing in the Mezuzah and check the Klaf from time to time to see that the card’s parchment has not been blurred or deleted.
7. Star of David
Star of David or you can spell ‘Magen David,’ is a Jewish symbol that identifies their identity. This symbol has a star-like appearance having six sides. However, the star with five-point sides is considered for decoration purposes or considered a magical sign and has nothing to do with the Jewish symbol.
What does the star of David signify?
In the middle ages, the Star of David didn’t belong to any particular religion; indeed, it was founded in medieval cathedrals. Although, the word Megan David signifies ‘God as the guard of David’ in Jewish liturgy.
In the Star of David (Magen David), the double triangle symbol represents both the dimensions’ connection of God, Israel, and Torah.
The soul’s external level connects to the G-D external expression via learning the Torah esoteric parts; through the application and study of the Kabbalah teachings, the essence of the soul unites with the essence of GOD. The Star of David consists of seven compartments that are as follows.
- Hod (Splendor),
- Chesed (Kindness),
- Gevurah (Severity),
- Netzach (Perseverance),
- Tiferet (Harmony),
- Malchut (Royalty) & Yesod (Foundation)
Why is it important for Jews?
In Jewish culture, it is also a belief that David’s star also symbolizes the merging of female and male and is considered to be the elements of fire and water.
8. Dreidel
The Dreidel was a trendy game for kids, but you could say it lost a bit of its glamour in the age of the internet and smartphones. Still, it remains one of the distinct symbols of Chanukah.
Dreidle game function
However, the Dreidel game has its own importance- the game is played something in which you spin the top and expect where and how it will land. But today, how the game is played, it’s ultimately different from its origin.
On the four sides of the Dreidle, you’ll be seeing – Noon (נ), Gimel (ג), Hey (ה) and Pai (פ) for the Hebrew phrase “A big miracle happened here” that forms an acronym, that is, the Chanukah miracle, the victory of the Jews over the Greek Empire and the little oil-tin miracle that was supposed to light the Temple Menorah for one day and light it for eight days, until they produced new oil.
Different types of Dreidels
There are many types of spinning tops. The old raccoons we used to play with as kids were made of wood. Later, plastic soybeans began to appear. Finally, the electronic spinning tops appeared with lights and music.
9. Tree of life
The symbol, Tree of life, is an important thing used by several mythologies, theologies, and philosophies. Although, it points towards the connection between earth, the underworld, and heaven. However, numerous murals manifest it with their view.
What does the Tree of life represent?
The Tree of life is a term you can see in the Hebrew Bible, briefly mentioned. The Tree of life is first described in verse 9 of chapter 2 in the Book of Genesis. However, the symbol tree of life is also famous worldwide because of the significant meaning that makes it well-accepted among various religions and cultures. Besides, the symbol represents multiple-meanings:
· A connection to everything
· Ancestry, Family, and Fertility
· Growth and Strength
· Individuality
· Immortality and Rebirth
· Peace
The Tree of Life symbolizes a term that nourishes and sustains life in Judaism. It is presented in a way that God planted that stands in between the fruitful garden center. The Jews people like to display the painting of the Tree of life on the walls of their house.
10. Hamsa Hand
Today people have started to come up with the Hamsa symbol in their fashion trends, and you’ll be seeing a hand-like structure that people wear as a bracelet in their hands or as a necklace. It is mainly the wall hanging designed with colorful beads and adorned with happiness, blessings for love, prosperity, health, and luck.
Hamsa’s symbol is believed to be the hand of God that has its history from ancient times. The symbol is considered to be very divine since it guards us against negative forces. Whereas, as a symbol of protection and luck, it’s also becoming a popular decorative item throughout Jewish jewelry and art.
What is the importance of the Hamsa Symbol?
Hamsa Hand Meaning - Judaism
The Hamsa hand in Judaism represents the Torah’s five holy books.
Hamsa Hand facing up
Wearing Hamsa Hand facing upward not only protects us from evil or negative forces but also stops us from being negative or harm others.
Hamsa Hand facing down
The Hamsa hand facing downward represents abundance and good fortune. Specifically, it is being worn by people to bring happiness to their life.
11. Evil Eye
In the Hebrew language, the evil eye is also denoted as Ayin Hara that refers to the type of energy that is dangerous and harmful, which originates from the inside of a human that is against someone.
It is a strong belief in Jewish culture that wearing evil eye jewelry protects us from all those negative forces. Like numerous other symbols, the evil eye is also represented with various theories among diverse cultures and customs.
How evil eye jewelry works?
As everyone is familiar with that evil eye brings sorrow and bad fortune, and to come out from this problem, they felt the need for something that could guard them against these evil or negative energies.
As a result, ancient Jewish communities developed some ornaments displayed with eye icons in them. These eye icons are believed to protect them from all things that frighten a person. Along with this, you can also wear a pendant or bracelet with an eye symbol if you also want to protect yourself from evil powers.
A lot of styles are also coming into the market that you can wear according to your outfit. But wearing this eye icon will always remind you of its importance, the history that makes people wear this.
However, different customs and different religions have their own theory behind wearing an evil eye icon. But Jewish culture defines exactly what it is. If you also want to protect your family from the evil eye, you should have this.
12. Chai Symbol
Chai’s symbol refers to ‘Life.’ For instance, the word ‘Chai’ symbolizes life’s importance. People adorn the word ‘Chai’ as a style icon in their jewelry. But if we split the phrase, Chai, it is made with Chet (ח) and Yud (י) into two parts.
Significance of the symbol of Chai
The Symbol of Chai has a vital role in Jewish life; besides, it symbolizes ancient times. Mainly the symbol ‘Chai’ represents good luck and speaks about life. Moreover, in Judaism, giving Chai’ as a gift is considered the best that no one refuses, whether they receive or give.
On the occasion of remembrance of loved ones or even on the different events’ celebration, the symbol Chai is well acceptable, gifting it to an individual or in the event of honoring him or her.
In Jewish jewelry, the Chai symbol is recognized to be very common. However, numerous items are adorned with this symbol that includes the Tree of life, cross sign, or evil eye worn as a bracelet or specific jewelry piece.
13. Pomegranate
If you have listened to the seven species of Israel, then Pomegranate is one of them. Yes, Pomegranate is one of the seven wheat, grapes, barley, figs, dates, and olives. You’ll see Pomegranate as a decorative item in most of the Jew’s homes.
About pomegranate symbol
Traditionally, the Pomegranate symbolizes love and fertility in Jewish culture. At the top of numerous Torah scrolls, you will often get to see the decorative ornamental covers called Rimonim (Hebrew word for Pomegranate) covered in pomegranates shape.
The Pomegranate is also one of those several symbolic foods and includes a ritual for Rosh Hashanah dinner. Traditionally, Jews say before the pomegranate seeds eating, “As the pomegranate is full of seeds, may we be as full of mitzvot (commandments).” On the Rosh Hashanah’s second night, many Jews use Pomegranate since it signifies blessings of a new fruit that people had not eaten for a long time.
Various decorative items come in the Pomegranate symbol that will always remind you of the importance of this precise species.
14. Ketubah
In Jewish cultures, the Ketubah is a significant marriage contract in which the law of the Jewish community says that the groom on his wedding day should provide Ketubah to his bride. There are some vital texts inscribed on it that also have started to come in numerous designs.
How is Ketubah a vital thing?
The Ketubah is mainly considered to protect the woman by establishing the financial obligations her in widowhood or divorce.
Besides the financial clauses, Ketubah’s text also outlines further obligations that the groom promises to the bride and traditional matrimonial rights, e.g., shelter, food, and clothing.
The Ketubah is a central and the most crucial part of the marriage ceremony of Jewish. You’ll see Ketubah in every Jewish married couple irrespective of their social status or background.
The authorities of rabbinic measured it fundamental to a Jewish marriage. During the marriage ceremony, traditionally, Ketubah is signed by two witnesses (anyone who belongs close to the couple) and then reads aloud in Aramaic.
Ketubah Design
Though, different Jewish communities now prefer designs and even shapes for their Ketubah. They try different themes for Ketubah according to the preferences of their localities. Also, Ketubah’s designs are so much in trend that now people are more opting for vivid designs that describe their traditions.
However, in recent years, people are now customizing Ketubah’s designs according to their own choices. They also started to hire artists on a commission base and ask them for their Ketubah’s specific design.
Ketubah designs not only add grace and beautify the inscribe of texts, but they also signify various customs and traditions that are followed in their rituals. Besides, it is also an essential fact that in these, the human figures are prohibited in Ketubah’s decoration; only the themes of plants and animals are delineated.
15. Chuppah
In every individual’s life, marriage marks a very significant event. Moreover, it is like a second life to them; besides, you can also call it the beginning of a family. Although there are numerous items included at the time of marriage, and one of them is Chuppah. It is present in every Jewish marriage. You can see it in every photo of the couple.
So what exactly is Chuppah?
Let’s reveal it, a Chuppah, also known as Chuppa, Chupah, huppah, or Chipe, is a canopy (shelter like structure) during the wedding ceremony under which a Jewish couple stands.
It includes a cloth or Talits Tat on some occasions. Besides, when it comes to the Chuppah’s importance and role, then the Chuppah symbolizes a home that a couple will assemble in the future. Over time, vivid styles with lavish decorations have now begun to incorporate this Chuppah that adds glory to a wedding ceremony. So overall, this is the deep-seated thing that is present in every marriage.
Final thoughts about what is Judaica
The Jews art, because of its marvelous origin, is getting widely popular among people worldwide. No doubt, what are the things that attract people towards Judaica because it is evident because of the vivid history and major significance of each Jewish item.
The Jewish religion on its own is very intricate. The various Judaica items can be a great way to experience Judaism without being Jewish, but only through tangible symbols and symbols. Apart from all the above Judaica collection, you’ll also get to see numerous Jewish artworks too. I hope this article helped you to answer what is Judaica!
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