Unique and Unusual Wedding Gifts
1/7/13 4:16 AM
Bar Mitzvah Judaica Gifts
1/14/13 4:47 AM
The Bar Mitzvah ceremony is Judaism's second most important ceremony for Jewish males, the first being ritual circumcision on the eighth day of life. While ritual circumcision, or Brit Mila, initiates a male Jewish child into the covenant of his people, the ceremony of Bar Mitzvah initiates a boy into manhood at age 13. Upon reaching this plateau, a young man obtains the rights of Jewish Manhood, including being counted in a Minyan or prayer group requiring at least 10 Jewish males to conduct formal Jewish prayer. It also allows a young man the honor of being called to the Torah, Judaism's most sacred text, and is a major milestone in his Jewish education and preparation towards all the responsibilities of an adult, including marriage and heading a family.
The origins of the formal Bar Mitzvah ceremony date back at least to the period of the Second Temple and though customs differ somewhat in various Jewish cultures, including European or Ashkenazi backgrounds verses Sephardic or Oriental cultures. The basic ceremony of being called up to the Torah for the first time, and reading portions from both this holy scroll and from the Haphtarah or supplemental readings based on the Torah, are more or less the same in all of Jewish tradition.
When a young man approaches age 13, he begins studying for this ceremony including learning special melodies or trope in order to chant the verses from the holy readings of the Torah and Haphtarah portions for the Shabbat that he is to become a Bar Mitzvah. In many Jewish cultures, this also includes the Thursday preceding Shabbat as this enables proud parents and relatives to take photographs of his chanting from the Torah, an act forbidden on Shabbat. In Israel, this event can be even more meaningful as it is often done before the Kotel or Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem. Some people living abroad consider this act to be of such importance that they actually travel to Israel in order for their child to be formally initiated into Jewish Manhood in front of Judaism's most sacred symbol: the last remaining portion of the Temple.
In American, non-orthodox congregations, the mothers and other female relatives of the Bar Mitzvah have a greater role in the religious part of the ceremony with the entire family often invited to join the young man on the Bimah or platform where the Rabbi and the Torah reader are located to receive a special rabbinical blessing on Shabbat. In some conservative and reform congregations, the mother is even given the same honor as her husband in being called up to the Torah. Upon finishing his Haphtarah reading the Bar Mitzvah is often bombarded with sweets being thrown at him by his family, guests, and by members of the congregation.
After the Rabbinical blessing, the Bar Mitzvah may give a small talk or sermon to thank those who prepared him for this special moment in his life, as well as express what this occasion means to him and his ascent into Jewish Manhood. The ceremony of becoming a Bar Mitzvah is truly a milestone in the life of every young Jewish male.
In addition to the religious element, this event is also accompanied by parties and even formal banquets for the young man, his family and friends. These parties can range from being simple family get-togethers to very elaborate affairs, costing thousand of dollars; with limitations only to the parent's (and grand parent's) pocketbooks.
In addition to receiving various religious articles such as books, prayer shawls or talitim and the leather tifillim worn daily by religious Jewish men in morning prayers, the young man also receives numerous Bar Mitzvah Gifts of both money and personal items which add to the excitement of the occasion. In recent years Bar Mitzvah gifts have included more Israeli made products like unique Hamsa Hands and Jewish jewelry handcrafted by leading Israeli artists.
Visit our Bar Mitzvah gifts section for some great gift ideas.
Christian Gifts Calendar
1/14/13 4:53 AM
As contrasted with the secular calendar year, beginning on January 1, according the Julian calendar, the Christian calendar year actually begins with the period of Advent. The month long Advent period begins in the fourth week of November and ends on Christmas Day, December 25th. This period, leading up to the Western calendar date of the birth of Jesus, is marked with a number of celebrations involving the use of the color purple in church decorations and regalia worn by priests and other church officials. Advent means "coming" and "arrival" and is supposed to note the correlations between Jesus' birth and his later death by crucifixion. Greenery, particularly evergreen and holly wreaths, are popular items given during this period, as well as potted holly and evergreen trees and shrubs. The period officially ends with Christmas, the most popular gift giving holiday during the Christian year. During Advent, gifts of ornamental jewelry of seasonal colors, including red, blue, green, and purple, are lovely ways to remember special friends and loved ones.
January is an important religious month for those belonging to Greek and Russian Orthodox churches; as well as to the Armenian church. The former two Christian faiths celebrate Christmas on or about January 6, according to the Gregorian calendar year. The Armenians celebrate the holiday near the end of January; usually on or about January 26th.
February is marked by many as the month when St. Valentines Day is celebrated on February 14th. St. Valentine is considered by many as the Patron Saint of Romance, and gifts of flowers, handmade jewelry, and especially candy and sweets are very popular in North America and Europe. As the heart is a very special symbol of Valentine's Day, jewelry and other items of this shape are very popular as well as diamond jewelry - especially engagement rings, as many marriage proposals are made on this occasion.
The month of February also has a week long joyous festival period usually known as Mardi Grass in the USA, and Carnival in South America and some southern European countries. During this period, which ends on the official beginning of the six week period of Lent, people dress in festive carnival garb and literally go "dancing in the streets". Gifts of festive foods and beverages, as well as all types of parties are popular during this festival period.
The more somber period of Lent, in which many Christians forsake the eating of meat, leads up to Easter, which commemorates the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Since Lent is an intensely religious period, especially the last two weeks before Easter, gifts of religious importance, including crucifixes and other jewelry items are ideal including Cross Jewelry. Easter itself also symbolizes spring and eternal renewal, and many people give gifts of candied eggs and other sweets, and even baby chickens, rabbits and other animals. Gifts of clothing are also important, and many Christians still traditionally dress up on Easter Sunday. The period of Holy Week leading up to Easter is a good time for giving religious jewelry and related items.
The Holy Day of Pentecost occurs on the 50th day after Easter. Pentecost is not overly celebrated as it occurs so soon after the Easter holiday season. Pentecost was originally an Old Testament holiday and though the Christian meaning is different, it does relate to the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. Red is a popular color for this holiday, so gifts with red, including jewelry, paintings and other mementos are appropriate gift ideas. Recent Christian interest in the Kabbalah makes "red string" and other Kabbalah Jewelry items good gift ideas.
The Autumn festivals of Tabernacles and Thanksgiving (in the USA) are good holidays to give gifts relating to the fall harvest. These gifts can include food parcels, paintings and pottery gift items. Though The American holiday of Thanksgiving is not really a Christian holiday, it does have much religious significance. The original celebrators of this holiday, the Puritans, were deeply religious people who considered their founding of Plymouth and other American colonies part of a Covenant with God. As with Tabernacles, gifts relating to the harvest and Autumn motifs are appropriate seasonal gifts.
Bat Mitzvah Judaica Gifts
1/14/13 5:08 AM
In Jewish tradition, a young girl becomes a Bat Mitzvah automatically at age 12, which is one year earlier that boys. This is because girls often reach puberty earlier than boys; and according to tradition, become obligated to observe all the customs and rituals designated to young women, including preparing themselves for their eventual role as wives and mothers. In Orthodox households, girls do not usually have religious rituals connected with being a Bat Mitzvah. While their male counterparts are inducted into their entry into manhood with religious rituals, including being called up to the Torah, religious girls mostly observe this event with family celebrations.
Orthodox Jewish traditions define definite roles for girls and later for women, which include keeping a kosher home and observing the Mitzvot, or religious and moral customs and laws. Once becoming a Bat Mitzvah, an Orthodox Jewish girl is expected to begin preparing herself for her household and family duties, including the observance of all the Jewish religious holidays, and of course Shabbat. Observance of the Shabbat, the Jewish day of prayer and rest is considered among religious Jews to be the most important holy of all days; and as stated in Chapter 2, verse 2 of the Book of Genesis: "And on the seventh day, God finished His work which He had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all the work He had made."
In less strict branches of Judaism, however, girls may have similar rituals as boys, including being called up to the Torah and fully participating in the religious service, including reading from the Torah and chanting the Haftorah (the biblical readings which were written after the Torah or Five Books of Moses). In fact, reaching the age of Bat Mitzvah may actually be the beginning of a girl's Jewish learning, and may induce her to continue her religious studies; even one day reaching the point of even becoming a Rabbi or Cantor in a Conservative or Reform congregation.
And, like Bar Mitzvah boys, becoming a Bat Mitzvah for girls is an excuse to invite all her friends and classmates for a get together or party! On such an occasion a Bat Mitzvah gift is traditionally given, either of religious significance, or simply anything that young 12 year olds would like, clothes especially. If you're looking for an original and unique way to combine the two, you can present the birthday girl with Jewish jewelry - both beautiful and meaningful on this occasion. Whatever the religious background, the milestone of becoming a Bat Mitzvah is becoming more meaningful in Jewish households, particularly as many Jewish girls become more interested in engaging in Jewish studies and their heritage.
Possible ideas for Bat Mitzvah gifts can include handmade jewelry, Star of David jewelry, Hamsa earrings, Bat Mitzvah jewelry boxes with Jewish themes, Shabbat candleholders, a beautiful Kabbalah bracelet, 24K Inscribed Shema Yisrael Necklace in Silver and other Judaica gifts.
Visit our Bat Mitzvah gifts section for some great gift ideas.
Hanukkah Menorah Gifts
1/14/13 5:13 AM
Candelabrum, the first Menorah referred to in the Bible is the seven-branched candlestick constructed for and used in the portable Temple set up by the Jewish people in the wilderness, after their Exodus from Egypt. The material used for fuel in that Menorah was pure olive oil and the high priest commanded to tend the Menorah on a daily basis, making sure it had an adequate supply of oil.
The Menorah of the Temple was constructed of pure gold. The Menorah is also the central symbol of "Hanukkah" the festival of lights, along with the beloved Dreidel. This Menorah consists of eight branches corresponding to the fact that Hanukkah is an eight day holiday. The fuel used is either wax candles or olive-oil, and blessings are recited praising the lord for giving us the "Mitzvah" of lighting the Hanukkah lamps and in commemoration of the miracles he performed for the Jewish people at the time of the original Hanukkah (in 165 B.C.E.).
The Hanukkah Menorah is also called a Chanukkiah, is the nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight days of the Hanukkah holiday. Hanukkah celebrates the success of the Jewish revolt against the Hellenistic Empire and the rededication of the Temple. The victors found only enough pure olive oil to light the Menorah for one day, but miraculously, the amount lasted for eight days until reserves were replenished.
In celebration of that miracle the Hanukkah Menorah has eight branches for candles (or oil lamps) that are all at the same level. The ninth branch in the Menorah (Shamash) is used to light the other eight, one for each day. The name Chanukkiah was created at the end of the 19th century in Jerusalem by Eliezer Ben Yehuda's wife, the reviver of the Hebrew language.
Some Hanukkah Menorahs and Dreidels available at MostOriginal.com:
Jewelry Gift Ideas For Easter
1/15/13 2:42 AM
Jewelry is the perfect gift for someone you hold dear. About a month before the Easter holidays, it’s time to start thinking of gifts for the special people in your life. Although the Easter holiday is primarily a Christian Holiday, it holds great significance for both Christians and non-Christians alike.
To Christians, the holiday is a celebration of salvation. A celebration of hope realized in the resurrection of the Savior of the world. To non-Christians it is an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. A chance to take a break from everyday life and just sit back and enjoy the company of those we love. It is an opportunity for all people who celebrate the holiday to express their feelings to the people they hold dear.
One of the best ways to express your feelings of affection is through jewelry. Since it is the Easter holiday, your gift would be even more special if it were jewelry specially designed for the occasion.
A crucifix is a great idea for both Christian and non-Christian friends or family. Christians wear the crucifix as a symbol of their devotion and a proclamation of their faith and religious beliefs. The crucifix is also fashionable amongst non-Christians as a fashion accessory.
There are various styles of the crucifix, from the more decorative crucifix to the simple crucifix. They are also made from a wide variety of materials. These include wood, copper, gold, silver and marble. It would be a good idea to find out the personal preferences of the person you plan to surprise to ensure that the gift is fitting.
There are various styles of the crucifix, from the more decorative crucifix to the simple crucifix. They are also made from a wide variety of materials. These include wood, copper, gold, silver and marble. It would be a good idea to find out the personal preferences of the person you plan to surprise to ensure that the gift is fitting.
Saints are venerated by both Christians and non-Christians. People are fascinated by the exemplary lives of the saints and the traditions that surround them. Many people, Christian and non-Christian, wear medals and charms with symbols of saints on them for protection or as a sign of devotion to the cause the saint represents. A saint medal makes a great gift for Easter. Medals come in all shapes and sizes. They can be incorporated in charm bracelets or as the center piece of a necklace. They can also be made up as earrings. This is a versatile gift.
Easter bunny bracelets and earrings are a great gift for young children. There are also bracelets that incorporate the story of the life of Jesus Christ while on earth. Others tell the story of Easter i.e. the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
There are many jewelry pieces to choose from when selecting a gift for Easter. It is important that you investigate the personal preferences and beliefs of the people you plan to surprise with jewelry to ensure that the gift is well appreciated.
Some Easter gift ideas available at MostOriginal.com:
The Original Kabbalah Red String - Get it Here!
2/24/13 3:31 AM
As you may have seen lately the Kabbalah Red String has been worn by many people the world over regardless of religion. We are proud to offer one of the largest selection of Kabbalah jewelry and of course the Original Red String Kabbalah bracelet, that is the authentic Red Kabbalah String from the Kabbalah Center in Israel. We invite you to find out about the Red String technology and the story behind it.
About the Kabbalah Red String
Long ago, the ancient Kabbalah scholars revealed a powerful technology of protection. Its purpose is twofold: to protect us from the envious looks of others, and to help us eliminate feelings of jealousy and resentment in ourselves. The technology is the Red String: a strand of Red wool worn around the left wrist.
The teachings of Kabbalah do not include prohibitions or commandments. Instead, the kabbalah speak of positive and negative energies. The negative energies of jealousy and envy emanate through the eyes—which gave rise to the very vivid and very ancient term, the Evil Eye.
The Evil Eye is part of the wisdom history of all humanity. It was spoken of by Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. It was written of in the Bible. It has been accorded fear and respect by kings, queens, and conquerors throughout the ages. The ancient Greek seafarers painted eyes on the prows of their ships as protection against this power. The Romans called it "Oculus Malus". To the Scots it was "Droch Shuil". Kabbalah scholars refer to it as "Ayin Harah". According to the Kabbalah, this form of negative energy can affect our lives and well-being. It can hold us back from achieving our destinies and it can also cause us to lose what we have already achieved.
How the Kabbalah Red String Works
Worn around the left wrist, the Kabbalah Red String works in the same way as the vaccines of modern medicine. When we receive a vaccination against a disease, a weakened strain of the illness is integrated into the vaccine. Spiritual immunizations are based on a similar principle. Kabbalah teaches that colors have specific frequencies and energies. Red, for example, is the color of danger. By binding a Red String to ourselves in a very specific manner, we shield ourselves against the dangerous negativity that might be directed our way, a spiritual vaccine against the destructive forces of the Evil Eye.
The color Red is one part of the technology. The rest begins in Israel, where a length of Red String is wound around the tomb of Rachel, the Matriarch of the Bible. Rachel is considered by Kabbalah scholars to be the mother of the world, and her greatest desire is to defend all of her children from evil. Throughout her life, Rachel acted as the protector of all humankind. According to Kabbalah, the burial sites of the righteous are a portal to the energy they created in their lifetimes. The Red String is brought to Rachel’s tomb where it is infused with her force of protection, for no power is stronger than a mother’s natural protective love. Each and every Red String from the Kabbalah Center must undergo this process in order to be considered an authentic form of protection against the Evil Eye.
Wearing the Kabbalah Red String
The Red String is individually sized and worn around the left wrist. The left side of the body has been identified by Kabbalah scholars as the area where energy enters. The left arm and hand pertain to the concept of receiving; the right arm and hand embody the power of imparting. Negative forces, therefore, enter the body through the left side. By wearing the Red String on the left wrist, negative energies are intercepted at the precise point of entry. The string is tied in a carefully prescribed sequence of seven knots, each of which symbolizes a separate spiritual dimension that infuses our reality.
Have someone you love and trust tie the Red String to your left wrist. First, have them tie the string closely around your wrist with a simple knot. Repeat by knotting the string six more times for a total of seven knots. Now make a promise to yourself that you will refrain from negative thoughts or talk about others. This harmful behavior will interfere with your effort to gain personal fulfillment and protection. Then have the person finish by saying the Ben Porat Prayer (read from right to left) which prevents others from giving us the evil eye.
MostOriginal.com offers a wide selection of Kabbalah Jewelry, this is a selection of quick links to the some of the Kabbalah Bracelets we have available:








