The Turkish Evil Eye in Handmade Jewelry

You can usually determine someone’s emotional state just by looking into that person’s eyes. You can see if he or she is happy, sad, angry or tired by looking at the expression in the eyes. In some cultures, the eyes are believed to hold mystic powers, which can deliver misfortune to whomever the gaze is directed to.

The Turkish Evil Eye is a stare that is believed to cause bad luck and maladies. When someone stares upon another with disdain, envy or jealousy, the person stared at can be inflicted with negative energy that can bring about poverty, illness and even death. Even if the person with the evil eye stare had no intention of ill-will towards the other person, the gaze can still cause harm. Specifically in Turkey, the Evil Eye is a blue talisman and is known as nazar and is found in or on houses and vehicles or worn as beads.

The belief of the evil eye is widespread but is especially concentrated in the Middle East where Islamic doctrine states that the evil eye is real and presents a legitimate danger.

In response to the hysteria and fear of being harmed by the evil eye, talismans have been created as a form of protection. In Jewish culture, the Hamsa Hand is used as a charm for necklaces and bracelets as a way to repel the effects brought on by the gaze. Trinkets depicting the evil eye itself are also widely used as charms for the same intended purpose as the hamsa hand.

In Islam, talismans are generally prohibited as it is believed to be a form of idol worship. Muslims are instead encouraged to say “Masha Allah,” which translates to “God has willed it.” This is believed to invoke the presence of God to protect one from the evil eye.

Out of fear of becoming a victim of the evil gaze, people will often refrain from talking about subjects concerning their wealth, family or other positive points in their life as it is believed to attract stares of envy.

Those who strongly believe in the evil eye may even keep their children indoors as it is believed that they are vulnerable to the stares due to their innocence and young age, especially from childless mothers. In those cases the use of Hamsa Baby Pins and Hamsa wall decor for the children's room is sometimes used.

The eyes are believed to hold unseen powers and can cause misfortune to others even if no harm was intended. Even in modern time, people continue to turn to various forms of talismans and invoking the word of God to receive divine protection. Whether the eyes really hold such powers, hundreds of years of tradition certainly make it real for believers.

Hamsa and Evil Eye Protection Amulets

Belief in the negative powers of the Evil Eye and various amulets and protective charms against it has been around almost as long as the human race. Virtually every country, language, and religion has definitions pertaining to the evil eye's power to cause all types of misfortunes and even death. Dating back even before ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Mesopotamians, amulets to protect people against being 'cursed' by the evil eye have been excavated in the ruins of these societies, and are still very much desired by people today. These charms are particularly popular in African and Middle Eastern cultures, with evil protective amulets not only worn by people on their person, but also mounted near the inside entrance of their homes as well.

Some of the more popular amulets against the evil eye include the Hamsa, a five fingered hand, sometimes with an eye in its center. If mounted near a house entrance, the 'Hamsa' is intended to protect a house and all those who live within against sickness, financial misfortune, and sterility. Women are more believing in these charms than men, and are more likely to wear a Hamsa Hand necklace themselves, or give their kids a Hamsa bracelet to wear with the belief that it will protect them against evil. And while all languages and religions have special terms attributed to the powers of the evil eye, Jews and Moslems appear to harbor many beliefs against it; even more than those living in more enlightened countries.

The 'Hamsa' charm, or Hand of Fatima, along a blue glass eye charm found often in Arab souvenir shops are even found on boats and even aircraft in Arab and Muslim countries -so powerful are the beliefs in the power of these amulets and symbols to protect against evil. Protection can also refer to bringing good luck as well and conveying protective energy to people who believe in their powers. While not everyone has such beliefs, certain societies consider protection against the evil eye as one of the most fundamental that one can desire.

In some religions, including Judaism, the symbol of a fish and fish head is considered as good protection against the Evil Eye. For this reason, many charms against the Evil Eye also contain the likeness of a fish.

Hamsa and other Evil Eye protection amulets can be found in many shops dealing with jewelry and charms, as well as the occult. They are also available on many websites on the internet.

Please visit our Hamsa Bracelets & Jewelry section for some great gift ideas; Some of more popular Hamsa gift ideas include Hamsa Keyrings, Child Hamsa Amulets, Hamsa Gold Bracelet, Hanging Hamsa Amulets, Hamsa Mobile, Hamsa Earrings, Hamsa Anklets and more.

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.

Eshet Chayil A Jewish Song For A Woman Of Valor

The famous Jewish traditional song "Eshet Chayil" in Hebrew or "Woman of Valor" in English, is popular not only among families singing it, but also as a verse inscribed on various Judaica art pieces and Jewish Jewelry pendants and necklaces.

Praising a woman with diverse capabilities inside the house and outside, the song speaks to women and girls of our age as it did to their ancestors as well.

On the surface Eshet Chayil, which consists of the last two verses of King Solomon's Proverbs, is a hymn to ideal wife.
Though, like much of King Solomon's writing, it has meaning beyond this, the song is allegorical, it refers not only to an actual woman but also to Shabbat, the Torah and the Shechinah (the dwelling of the divine on Earth).

This biblical poem employs an archaic form of typography in that it has an acrostic arrangement where the verses begin each with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in regular order.

Eshet Chayil is sung to a familiar tune on Friday nights, after synagogue, following Shalom Aleichem and before Kiddush.


The words are as follows in Hebrew and English:

Eshet chayil mi yimtza v'rachok mip'ninim michrah
An accomplished woman, who can find? - Far beyond pearls is her value.

Batach bah lev ba'lah v'shalal lo yechsar
Her husband's heart relies on her and he shall lack no fortune.

G'malathu tov v'lo ra kol y'mei chayeiha
She does him good and not evil, all the days of her life.

Darshah tzemer ufishtim vata'as b'chefetz kapeiha
She seeks wool and flax, and works with her hands willingly.

Haitah ko'oniyot socher mimerchak tavi lachmah
She is like th emerchant ships, she brings her bread from afar.

Vatakom b'od lailah vatiten teref l'vetah v'chok l'na'aroteiha
She arises while it is still night, and gives food to her household and a portion to her maidservants.

Zam'mah sadeh vatikachehu mip'ri chapeiha nat'ah karem
She plans for a field, and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

Chagrah v'oz motneiha vat'ametz zro'oteiha
She girds her loins in strenght, and makes her arms stong.

Ta'amah ki tov sachrah lo yichbeh balailah nerah
She knows that her merchandise is good; her candle does not go out at night.

Yadeha shilchah vakishor v'chapeiha tamchu felech
She sets her hands to the distaff, and holds the spindle in her hands.

Kapah parsah le'ani v'yadeiha shil'chah la'evyon
She extends her hands to the poor, and reaches out her hand to the needy.

Lo tira l'vetah mishaleg ki chol betah lavush shanim
She fears not for her household because of snow, because her whole household is warmly dressed.

Marvadim astah lah shesh v'argaman l'vushah
She makes covers for herself, her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Noda bash'arim ba'lah b'shivto im ziknei aretz
Her husband is known at the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

Sadin astah vatimkor vachagor natnah lak'na'ani
She makes a cloak and sells it, and she delivers aprons to the merchant.

Oz v'hadar l'vushah vatischak l'yom acharon
Strength and honor are her clothing, she smiles at the future.

Piha patchah v'chochma v'torat chesed al l'shonah
She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the lesson of kindness is on her tongue.

Tzofi'ah halichot betah v'lechem atzlut lo tochel
She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Kamu vaneha vay'ash'ruha ba'lah vay'hal'lah
Her children rise and praise her, her husband, too, and he lauds her.

Rabot banot asu chayil v'at alit al kulanah
Many women have have done worthily, but you surpass them all.

Sheker hachen v'hevel hayofi ishah yir'at Hashem hi tit'halal
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears G-d, she shall be praised.

T'nu lah mip'ri yadeiha vihal'luha vash'arim ma'aseha
Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Jewish Gifts Calendar

The Jewish calendar year, which begins with the month of Tishrei (from mid to late September) has certain periods in which gift giving coincides with the particular seasons. During the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur many types of gifts are given, especially gifts of food and wine, as well for the home. As these holidays usually fall during or after the September Equinox, the holidays usher in the Autumn season, and gifts of harvest related items, including paintings, pottery, and other art work are very good gift ideas. These holidays are also deeply tied to religion; and a number of Jewish jewelry gift items, including amulets and Judaica items make excellent gifts.

Almost immediately following the Yom Kippur fast is the eight day festival of Sukkot. Sukkot is a harvest festival, making items dealing with seasonal produce as well as artwork excellent gift ideas. When visiting friends and relatives during this period, especially during the interim Chol Hamoed days, gifts of wine and house wares as well as seasonal fruits are smart gift ideas.

Following Sukkot, the next big gift giving festival is the eight day festival of Hanukkah, occurring during the Hebrew month of Kislev which falls during the month of December. Hanukkah is definitely a children's festival, which means any type of gifts for children, from infants to teenagers, are appropriate. Since Hanukkah is also called "Chag Hanurim" or Festival of Lights, giving gifts such as eight candled Hanukkah Menorahs and Dreidels, both excellent seasonal gift ideas. Some excellent examples of handmade Menorahs can be found in the Judaica gifts section of our site.

Tu-Bishvat is a mid-winter festival following Hanukkah celebrating the new year of the trees and, in fact, Tu-Bishvat is called the Festival of Trees in English and gifts of nuts and dried fruit, as well as seasonal citrus fruit make excellent gifts. Since Tu-Bishvat is actually the "Birthday of Trees" any kind of gift relating to trees, nature and wildlife is an excellent gift ideas.

Purim is the next gift giving festival, and falls on the Hebrew month of Adar (late February to mid-March). Like Hanukkah, Purim is a fun holiday for kids and children often give what is called in Hebrew "Mishloah Manot" which are gift parcels of sweets and small toys.

A month after Purim, in the Hebrew month of Nisan, is the festival of Pesach or Passover. Passover is a very special season for gift giving; especially gift parcels with "Kosher for Passover" foods and wines as well as gifts for the home. Like Rosh Hashanah, Passover is a big gift giving season.

The last important gift giving festival of the Jewish year is the holiday of Shavuot which occurs six weeks after Passover in the month of Sivan, usually early June. Shavuot is a harvest festival as well as a religious one, and is also referred to as "Bikurim" (first fruits), making gifts of seasonal produce and flowers very appropriate; as well as artwork. Gifts of dairy products, such as fine cheese, wines and dairy foods are also very good gift ideas, since many people eat only dairy products during this holiday. Shavuot is the religious holiday that marks the time when the Children of Israel were given the Torah at Mt. Sinai. Gifts with a religious motif, including Jewish Gifts and Judaica are very appropriate.

The last gift giving festival of the Jewish Year is called "Tu-Be Av" which occurs in late summer during the Hebrew month of Av, is actually the Jewish "festival of love". Any kind of gift with a romantic flavor, as found in our sites, including Handmade Jewelry, Heart Jewelry, Gifts for Her and Gifts for Him are a very good place to look.

Happy Holidays

Israeli Jewelry Designers

The level of creativity in Israel is remarkable. Israeli artists have long been known to be among the most talented in the world. Four designer lines in particular, which we proudly carry here at the store, deliver artwork, which consistently dazzles.

MIZZE Jewelry

MIZZE is an independent jewelry design studio, here in Israel. After their recent launch they received impressive Web notoriety. Their strictly hand crafted jewelry combines traditional workmanship in the forms of weaving and knitting, with sterling silver amulets, inspired by kabbalistic and historical muses. All of the jewelry is made from all natural materials.

Iris Design

Iris originally became successful when her bangles were discovered – a skillful blending of silk paper prints and modern romantic fabric patterns. They are made of light weight Resin, with a smooth enamel finish and set with Czech crystals and gemstones. The Israeli born artist has been featured in the New York Times style section and several European magazines. Her bracelet was worn by Paula Abdul on the hit TV show "American Idol."

Ester Shahaf

Ester Shahaf is one of our best-selling artists. A graduate of Tel Aviv University in the fields of theater, and costume design, who finds her muse in the natural environment of the Holy Land. She creates from her home studio in the town of Binyamina.

Laly Cohen

Laly began her career creating glass windows, when she stumbled upon a new creative epiphany which redefines the art of crafting jewelry. For more than 15 years, Laly’s exclusive jewelry has employed glass and metal as base materials, for the accent of semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystals. Laly finds her inspiration in the organic forms and colors of the natural environment.


We are proud of all of the work carried at the store, and these four lines stand out in particular. Please enjoy the talented craftmanships of these artists.

Adjusting your MIZZE Jewelry Bracelet

Some of the most popular MIZZE bracelets are the adjustable bracelets. These may sometimes be difficult to adjust, so we have a video here to help you. The adjustable bracelet is made of wax cotton wires woven in different designs. These are the most comfortable and durable bracelets and can be worn for years.



We have a selection of Charm Necklaces and Charm Bracelets Available:

Disc and Leather Necklace with Charms

Silver Baby Charm Necklace

Silver Mezuzah Charm on Leather Necklace

Silver Turquoise Disc Necklace and Charms

Gold Hamsa Leather Necklace

Multi Strand Charm Anklet

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