When shopping for a wedding gift for a special couple, MostOriginal.com offers a most unique line of gifts that will be loved and appreciated long after money and material gifts are long gone. Our store specializes in unusual gifts for even the most discriminating couple, and which will grace their home forever. Designed and fabricated by a selection of artists, MostOriginal.com offers gifts of both religious and "New Age" motifs.Read More

Jewish Jewelry and the Star of David

The Star of David (Magen David in Hebrew) or the Shield of David, also known as the "Seal of Solomon", is a generally recognized symbol of Judaism and Jewish identity. With the establishment of the state of Israel the Star of David on the flag of Israel has also become a symbol of Israel. Red Magen David (Red Star Of David) is Israel's only official emergency medical services body, similar to the Red Cross and the Red Crescent.

The shape of the Star of David is an example of the hexagram, a symbol which has significance for many beliefs and the use of the hexagram pre-dates the use by Jews. Actually the Star of David is rarely used in Jewish literature and artwork, and it is commonly thought of a new age symbol for Jews. There are some that speculate and attribute theological significance to the symbol combining the upward and lower facing facets of the Star. For the most part there is no real basis or historical fact that supports these theories.

The Star of David began showing up in artwork early on. In "Eshkol Ha Kofer", a literary source, mentions the Shield of David in the middle of the 12th century CE, where seven Shields are used in an amulet for a Mezuzah. It appears to have been in use as part of amulets before it was in use in formal Jewish contexts. Over the years the Star of David has been used in the Menorah and Star of David Necklaces, Bracelets and Handmade Jewelry is very popular the world over. The Hexagram is a Mandala symbol found in ancient Indian temples built thousands of years ago. It symbolizes the "Nara-Narayana", or perfect meditative state of balance between man and God, and results in "Moksa", or "Nirvana" (release from the bounds of the earthly world). Some researchers have theorized that the Star of David represents the astrological chart at the time of David's Birth or anointment as king. The Star of David is also known as the "King's Star".

There are various versions of "Kabbalah" and the Star of David, arranging the Ten spheres in it, and placing it on Amulets. In terms of the Kabbalah (Book of Zohar), the Star of David symbolizes the six directions of space plus the center: Up, Down, East, West, South, North, and Center.

The popular folk tale has it that the Star of David is literally modeled after the shield of the young Israelite David (later to be King David). The Star of David can be found on the tombstones of religious Jews going back hundreds of years in Europe. Use by Christians; most Christians, especially independent Anglicans, Baptists, and other Protestant are supportive of the nation of Israel, and, one may see the Star of David or other Jewish symbols in their churches, and Stained Glass windows. The first appearance of the symbol in Jewish scriptures was in oriental Kabbalistic writings.

The Star of David is also used by Arabs, the Arabs and Muslims were interested in arithmetics, and strongly drawn to biblical tales. One of the most important persons in Arab literature was King Solomon and it is possible the King Solomon Seal was altered in the Arab tales. The Islamic Turkish beyliks of the Karamanid Dynasties used the Star of David on their flag, even today, the Star can be found in Mosques and on other Arabic artifacts.
Six pointed Stars have also been found in cosmological diagrams in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Our large selection of Judaica Gifts includes Bat Mitzvah Gifts, Bar Mitzvah Gifts, Jewish Wedding Gifts, Menorahs and Mezuzah Cases that all include the Star of David.

This is a quick selection of some Jewish Jewelry by the Israeli artists Ester Shahaf, Michal David, MIZZE and Laly:

Teel Hanging Star of David (Laly)

Turquoise Star of David Anklet (MIZZE)

Small Star of David Necklace (Ester Shahaf)

Leather Star Of David Kabbalah Bracelet (Ester Shahaf)

Star Of David Wall Decoration (Michal David)

Hand Made Star of David Necklace & Earrings Set (Ester Shahaf)

Silver Solomon Seal Necklace (King Solomon Legend)

Gold Star of David Necklace (Ester Shahaf)

Hanging Star of David Turquoise (Laly)

Judaica Gift Ideas: Mezuzah Cases & Mezuzah Scrolls

Most Jewish homes, whether observant or not, have a small ornament-like object nailed or glued onto the doorframe of the entrance of their home. Known as the Mezuzah, after an ancient Akkadian word "Nazuzu", meaning 'to stand', this object, made from a variety of materials and with Hebrew letters or words inscribed on it, is actually a Mezuzah case which contains a small parchment scroll with biblical inscriptions and prayers that are said by many to be some of the most fundamentally important in the Jewish faith.

The history of Jews being required or commanded to place a Mezuzah on their 'doorposts' goes back all the way to the biblical Book of Deuteronomy when G-d commanded the Children of Israel to inscribe certain religious phases upon the "doorpost" of their homes. Because this commandment was given to the Children of Israel when they were still wandering in the wilderness of Sinai, the tradition was already more than 1,000 years old when described by the Roman Jewish historian Josephus Flavius in his descriptions of religious customs among Jews still living in Palestine.

One of the most important passages written in a Mezuzah is the Shemah Prayer which is so important in the lives of observant Jews that they recite this prayer daily, beginning when they arise in the morning and retire to bed at night. The words of this prayer verse: "Shemah Yisrael, Adonai Elokanu Adonai Ehad" (Hear O'Israel, the Lord our G-d, the Lord is One" is virtually the center of the Jewish faith and is so vital to a Jew's physical and spiritual life that it is often the very last words uttered before death. The passage literally "connects" Mankind with the Creator, the One G-d. Another important verse, known as the "V'Havtah", is taken from The Book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 6, verses 4-9, which ends with: "And thou shall write them upon the doorposts of thy house and upon they gates".

It is very important that these biblical words be written by a non-metal quill pen on a piece of parchment, in the same manner as the parchment used in writing of the Torah scrolls, which are found in a Synagogue, the Jewish house of worship. The small Scroll is then enclosed in the Mezuzah Case and then affixed on the doorframe in an angle, with the top portion pointing towards Jerusalem, Judaism's holiest city.

Observant and traditional Jews place a Mezuzah on the doorframe of every room in their house except bathrooms or closets; the reason for being is that G-d commanded them to "write these words" at the entrance of every room they dwelled in. When moving into a new home, it is customary for the male head of the household to attach the Mezuzah while reciting a special prayer: "Blessed art thou, O Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, who has commanded us to affix the Mezuzah". It is considered bad luck to use a Mezuzah that had been attached to the door of a former residence; and while these are carefully removed, it is preferred to bury the scrolls in the same reverent manner as is done for old prayer books that are no longer suitable to be used for prayer. As a sign of reverence for G-d and His holy name, it is customary to touch the Mezuzah and then kiss the fingers that touched it when entering or leaving a home or building upon which a Mezuzah has been placed.

Browse our great selection of handmade Mezuzah Cases and scrolls from Israel.

Unique Bar Mitzvah Gifts

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.

Judaica Gifts & Israeli Handmade Jewish Gifts

The term Judaica covers diverse areas of the Jewish world and civilization, including Jewish history, culture, holidays, language, scripture, religious teachings, religious books, Jewish jewelry and artifacts, in general everything having to do with the Jewish religion and the Jews.

JUDAISM: the religion of the Jew, equivalent to the Hebrew “yahadut”, Judaism was the first monotheistic faith, ( the belief in one and only one God). It is practiced by the matrilineal descendants(descendants of the mother).

There is not a trace of racism in Judaism, the doors are open to all, anyone irrespective of his origin or color, is an eligible candidate for entry into the Jewish community.

Judaism is a lifestyle defined by God in the Torah (the bible), which contains obligations of man to God, such as the observance of Shabbat, of man to man, the prohibition of murder, and of man to him or herself and the prohibition of suicide.

Judaism affirms that god spoke to man in the form of prophecy, and that man has an opportunity to communicate with God by means of prayer. Although there are great differences between Judaism and other religions of the world, Judaism anticipate the time, told in the bible, that those nations will acknowledge the Lord in Zion, and the Lord will say: “and I brought to my Holy mountain, and allowed them to rejoice in my house of prayer, for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations”. ( Ezekiel 36;25 ).

Shabbat Candlesticks - Gifts for Any Occasion

Every week, before the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath, women light two candles to mark the beginning of the religious day of rest for observant Jews. As it was instructed by G-d to His servant Moses on Mt. Sinai, and written in the Ten Commandments: "Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it Holy". The tradition of lighting two candles or two small lamps of oil to usher in the Sabbath, or Shabbat in Hebrew, is said to originate in Jewish communities situated in and around the Mediterranean basin in the 8th Century C.E. The custom eventually spread to other Jewish communities until by the 14th Century it had spread over the entire Jewish world.

The ritual of lighting two candles by the mother of the family usually takes place on Friday afternoon several minutes before the official beginning of the Sabbath (Shabbat) Eve. The woman lights both candles after saying the following prayer: "Blessed art Thou o Lord, King of the Universe, who commands us to observe the holy act (Mitzvot) of lighting the Shabbat candles". If there are unmarried daughters in the house, they are required to light a single candle before the two candles are lit by their mother, officially hallowing the sacredness of the Sabbath. The one candle by the daughter indicates that as she is not yet married her life is still incomplete.

The lighting of the Shabbat Candlesticks, besides welcoming the Sabbath, are supposed to symbolize the last lighting of fire before the beginning of Shabbat when no fires or lights are to be lit.

Shabbat Candlesticks come in a myriad of materials and designs, including those made of crystal, silver, bronze, pewter, ceramic, wood, and glass. While some are very simple in design, others are ornate with designs of biblical fruit, such as pomegranates, and biblical verses dealing with Shabbat. The Candlesticks often come in sets including single Candlesticks to be lit by unmarried daughters. Some Candlesticks have been carried down in families, from mothers to daughters, for generations.

On Jewish festivals, it is permitted to light candles after sundown, providing they are lit from a flame that is already burning. Traditional Jewish women light festival candles in a similar manner as they do before Shabbat, reciting a prayer pertaining to the holiday for which they are lit. If the first night of the festival happens to fall on the eve of Shabbat, then the festival candles are lit first, followed by the ones for Shabbat.

The lighting of candles, whether for Shabbat or a festival is a very important part of preserving religious traditions which have been passed down from parent to child for hundreds of years.

MostOriginal.com offers a great selection of Jewish Gifts in general and specifically Shabbat Candlesticks including the following:

Handmade Wooden Candlesticks
Modern Shabbat Candlesticks
Crystal Candlesticks with Swarovski Crystals
Pillar Candlesticks
Shabbat Candlesticks
Large Crystal Candlesticks

Handmade Unique Bat Mitzvah Gifts

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.

Unique Handmade Hanukkah Gifts from Israel

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:

Four Leaf Blue Hanukkah Dreidel

Chanukah Doves Menorah by Ester Shahaf

Round Pewter Hanukkah Dreidel

Doves Menorah

Doves Menorah decorated with Swarovski Crystals

Ester Shahaf Israeli Menorah

Hanging Hamsa Mobile with Menorah

Israeli Handmade Pink Hanukkah Menorah

Light Blue Israeli Made Ester Shahaf Menorah

Jewish Star of David Gifts & Jewelry

The six pointed Star of David, Judaism and Israel's distinctive symbol, has also had a significant usage as an art symbol. Whether it be paintings, sculpture, or in a myriad of jewelry designs, the 'Star' (also called Magen David or Shield of David) is commonly used in various art all over the Jewish world.

Originating in decorative frescos in Jewish houses of worship, including beautiful ornate stained glass windows, the Star of David can be found in paintings by famous international artists, including Marc Chagall, Samuel Bak, and Michael David, are well known in international art exhibitions. Many paintings were also made during and after the Holocaust, depicting Jews and Jewish property marked with the notorious yellow Star of David is a sad reminder of a very dark period in Jewish history.

In both Jewish religious art, and in Jewish jewelry, the Star is also made in a variety of forms, and artistic designs are only limited to the artist's imagination. From more traditional forms of single drop pendants in gold and silver as noted here, to modern and even elaborate creations, using a variety of materials Including diamonds and other precious stones and coins and medallions, art forms for the Star appear to be unlimited. Those who are interested in mysticism, including studying the occult and the Kabbalah, a very popular pastime nowadays, finding jewelry and other kinds of art based on this symbol is very easy, especially on the Internet. Along with Kabbalah jewelry, related art forms using what is known as Solomon's Seal and the Shield of David are also sought after by many.

Tourists visiting the State of Israel can find a wealth of jewelry and artwork of all forms using the Star of David, as well as other symbols, including the Hebrew word "Chai", meaning Life. Jewelry and souvenir shops abound all over Israel, especially in the larger cities such as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Besides the rich selection of jewelry incorporating this well known symbol, a large collection of Jewish religious and ceremonial items made from silver and other metals, as well as decorative glass and ceramic ware is also available on online shopping sites, such as EBay, and websites specializing in Judaica and religious oriented items and giftware. As for those wishing to purchase these items, one is only limited by his or her pocketbook.

Visit our Star of David section for some great Jewish gifts. Some of more popular Star of David gift ideas include:

Small Blue Star of David Necklace
Bat Mitzvah Star of David (Pink)
Star of David Family Blessing
Gold & Blue Star of David Pendant
Bar Mitzvah Star of David Bracelet
Magen David Necklace
Red Kabbalah Bracelet & Star of David
Star of David Necklace & Earrings Set
Turquoise Star of David Anklet
Green Hanging Star of David