Angels in Gifts and Jewelry Artwork

The original word, both in Hebrew and Greek, means messenger, and is so translated, it is often applied to an ordinary messenger, (Job 1;14, Samuel 11;3, Luke 9;52) the prophets, (Isaiah 42;19, Haggai 1;13) and priests (Ecclesiastes 5;6).

Under the general sense of messenger, the term angel is properly applied also to Christ, as the great angel or messenger of the covenant,(Malachi 3;1) and to the ministers of his gospel, the overseers or angels of the churches (revelation 2;1,8,12).

Generally in the bible the word is applied to a race of intelligent beings, of a higher order than man, who surround the deity, and whom he employs as his messengers or angels in administering the affairs of the world, and in promoting the welfare of individuals, as well as of the whole human race.

The English word originated from Latin, Angelus, which is itself derived from the Greek Angelos, meaning "messenger". According to Jewish interpretation "Bnei Elim" (sons of Gods) were general terms for beings with great power, (some kind of super powerful human beings). Angels are referred to as "holy ones"(Zecharia 14;5) and "watchers"(Daniel 4;13) or the "hosts" (Sebaoth in Hebrew - Joshua 5;14) alternately, Adonai-Tzvaoot, lord of hosts, identified "hosts" with the stars. The stars were thought of as being closely connected with angels, the idea of a being partly identified with God, and yet in some sense distinct from him, illustrates a tendency of Jewish religious thought to distinguish persons within the unity of deity.

During the Persian and Greek periods, the doctrine of angels underwent a great development, partly under foreign influences, "angel-princes" appear as guardians or champions of the individual nations.

Angels are a common theme in art through the times. Some of these angels can be seen in amulets, pictures and other Victorian themed artwork available at MostOriginal.com.

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

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.

Silver in Gifts and Handmade Silver Jewelry

Sterling Silver is often used in our Handmade Silver Jewelry we have on MostOriginal.com. Silver is a chemical element - a soft white lustrous transition metal, it has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal, this metal is used in coins, jewelry, tableware, photography and in mirrors.

Silver is a very ductile and slightly harder than gold coinage metal with a brilliant white metallic luster that can take high degree of polish, It has the highest electrical conductivity of all metals, even higher than copper, but its greater cost prevented it from being used in place of copper for electrical purposes. Pure Silver also has the highest thermal conductivity, whitest color, the highest optical reflectivity, and the lowest contact resistance of any metal, Silver halides are remarkable for the effect of light upon them. This metal is stable in pure air and water, but does tarnish when it is exposed to ozone, hydrogen sulfide. The principal use of Silver is as "precious metal", its salts, especially Silver nitrate and Silver halides, are also widely used in photography, some other uses are; electric and electronic products which need Silver's superior conductivity, even when tarnished, for example: printed circuits are made using Silver paints, and computer keyboards use Silver electrical contacts, Silver is also used in high voltage contacts, being extremely safe. Finally, mirrors, which need superior reflectivity for visible light are made with Silver in a process called Silvering.

Silver has been coined to produce money since 700 BC by the Lydians, later, Silver was refined and coined in its pure form. The metal is chosen for its beauty in the manufacture of handmade jewelry and Silverware, which are traditionally made from the Silver alloy known as Sterling Silver, which is 92.5% Silver, it is also used in dental alloys for fittings and fillings.

Silver's catalytic properties make it ideal for use as a catalyst in oxidation reactions, such as the production of "Formaldehyde" from Methanol, like many other uses in chemical and metallic productions including, explosives, Potentiometer, Silver Iodide to seed clouds, bullets, Silver Oxide for "cathode", Silver Nitrate and Silver Sulfadiazine cream for treatment of severe burns, and more.

Silver has been known since ancient times, it is mentioned in the Book Of Genesis, Slag heaps found in Asia and on the islands of the Aegean Sea, indicate that Silver was being separated from lead as early as the 4th Millennium BC. Silver has been used for thousands of years for ornaments and utensils, and as the basis for monetary systems, its value as a precious metal was considered second only to gold. In ancient Egypt and medieval Europe it was often more valuable than gold.

Associated with the moon and with the sea and various lunar Goddesses, the metal was referred to by alchemists by the name Luna, and marked with the symbol of a crescent moon. Silver which was extremely valuable In China, became a global commodity, contributing to the rise of the Spanish empire, Silver mining was a driving force in the settlement of Western North America, the "Silver rush" in Colorado, Nevada, Cobalt, Ontario, California and British Colombia.

Our Sterling Silver handmade jewelry section has a wide range of items including:

Red String Kabbalah Sterling Silver bracelet

Sterling Silver Hamsa Necklace

Sterling Silver Mezuzah Necklace

Sterling Silver Star of David Necklace

Silver Hamsa Earrings Olive and Plum

Natural Agate Necklace on Silver Links Chain

Silver Hamsa Earrings

Silver Evil Eye CZ Bracelet

Sterling Silver Star of David Necklace

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