Ayala Bar’s Fall 2011 Collection Reflects Season’s Hottest Trends

This year’s Ayala Bar Fall 2011 Collection reflects the season’s boldest trends. The upcoming fall designs are all about variety, and Ayala Bar’s four different collections give you the opportunity to find whatever look suits you best. This fall season, trends lean toward large statement pieces, and keeping it unique. Colors are vibrant and bold, although a little more subdued going into winter. Ayala’s new collection encompasses all of these trends and, wearing these gorgeous new looks, you will most definitely stand out.

As always, Ayala Bar’s collection is comprised of four distinct lines: Hip, Radiance, Classic and Signature. This year’s Classic Collection is in keeping with the traditional Ayala Bar look, displaying beautiful jewel tones and intricate designs. Each piece is distinctive and exciting, and sure to make any outfit pop. The Sapphire Lace look is especially gorgeous, its deeper colors perfect for fall into winter. The Hip Collection sports vibrant and creative pieces, as well as four stunning limited edition necklaces. This collection contains an array of colors and patterns, sure to set you apart from the crowd. The Radiance Collection is particularly beautiful, mixing colors that pop with elegant, lighter tones. These stunning pieces are eye-catching, yet softer and a bit more understated than the other collections. The Prickly Pear line includes a necklace accented with a feather, one of the season’s biggest trends. The Signature Collection is particularly versatile, able to be dressed up for a night out, or worn casually during the day. All of these collections are bold and different, and definitely in keeping with today’s trends. Make a statement with these stunning pieces.

Melissa Gorga Evil Eye Necklace as seen on Real Housewives of New Jersey

This week while watching the Real Housewives of New Jersey, I spotted an evil eye necklace on the show’s new star, Melissa Gorga.  It was a really pretty gold and crystal necklace with a multi-strand chain and it was very eye-catching. I pointed it out to my mom (Lana) who is an avid Housewives fan and she said that, on first glance, it looked a lot like a necklace that Jewish Gift Place sells by Israeli designer, Michal Golan. I mentioned to her that I thought she should blog about it, in case fans of the show were looking for it! For some reason, she really wasn’t jumping on the idea, so I decided to take matters into my own hands!

After rewinding and carefully reviewing the footage a couple of times, I realized that this was, in fact, the necklace that she was wearing! A quick search of Melissa Gorga’s blog led me to discover that it was a very popular necklace and that fans were trying to hunt it down! Melissa wrote: “I have been getting a lot of requests for the evil eye necklace that I wore on the show last week.  I called the store that I bought it from but they are sold out so now I am on a search for it for all of you!  As soon as I find it, I will let you all know where you can get it from! There is a box on my site where you can enter your email address, sign up and I will send an email to everyone when I find it!”

Very excited, I contacted a blog that writes about the fashion of the Real Housewives, www.BigBlondHair.com, and they got the word out that you can find Melissa Gorga’s Evil Eye Necklace at Jewish Gift Place! Other blogs followed – www.Housewifestyle.com and www.the-budgetista.com! The phones have been ringing like crazy and the orders are pouring in! This necklace is so hot! My mom brought the necklace home yesterday and I got to see it in person! It is gorgeous! I can picture wearing it with a black dress or a white tank top this summer! It really catches the light!

Sizing of the Michal Golan Evil Eye Necklaces: Michal Golan evil eye necklaces come in various sizes — from petite to large. It can get a little confusing so we’re posting this picture to give you an idea of the size of the necklaces. The crystal and gold evil eye necklace that Melissa Gorga is wearing is considered a medium. This image shows the necklace sizes: (from top to bottom) medium, small, petite and a quarter for comparison.

Evil Eye Symbolism: There is a lot of symbolism behind the evil eye. One of my friends happened to be over yesterday when my mom arrived and showed us the Melissa Gorga necklace. My friend thought that it looked very Egyptian. That’s because this symbol has been seen in many cultures for thousands of years! Everything (and I mean everything!) you ever wanted to know about the symbolism of the evil eye can be found in our collection of articles on the subject, which is called, “What is the Evil Eye?“

Welcome New Artist Patrick Meyer! Spotlight on Pomegranate Judaica!

On behalf of Jewish Gift Place, I am very excited and pleased to welcome a new artist, Patrick Meyer, and to highlight one of his stunning pieces, the Pewter Pomegranate Kiddush Cup!

I absolutely love everything about this cup.  The detail and craftsmanship is extraordinary.  The sumptuous pomegranate looks as if it were picked straight from the garden, with its leaves and branches clinging to the stem of them cup.  I love artwork based on objects found in nature, especially when they are as meaningful and symbolic as the pomegranate.  To learn more about the  symbolism of this ancient fruit, please see our informative article, “Symbolism of the Jewish Pomegranate in the Bible and Pomegranate Gifts.”

In college, I studied medieval literature and was fascinated with life in the Middle Ages – the artwork, the music and culture, the occupations, everything intrigued me and still does.  To me, this beautiful Kiddush cup – the way the pewter stem and base contrast with the clear glass cup – is reminiscent of a royal medieval drinking vessel.  The weight and the workmanship are amazing and worthy of being set at a king’s table!

In terms of craftsmanship, the organic lines and details bring the pomegranate to life.  The base is not a true circle, but is slightly irregular in shape with hammered detail, enhancing the handmade, Old World appeal of this cup.  The stem is not straight, just as a plant stem in nature would not grow perfectly straight.  This Kiddush cup truly is a work of art and could be the centerpiece of any significant or important occasion.  We also carry the matching Patrick Meyer Pomegranate Shabbat Candlesticks, to round out and complete your holiday table as well as a fabulous collection of pomegranate judaica just in case you love pomegranates as much as we do!

There is something about pewter that always catches my eye and there is a reason that it has survived throughout the centuries, prized for its workability, value, and beauty.  Please take a look at all we have to offer in our new collection from Patrick Meyer, proudly handmade in California.

Real Housewives of Orange County Love The Evil Eye!

If you were lucky enough to catch last night’s season premiere episode of the Real Housewives of Orange County, entitled “Amped Blondes and Evil Eyes”, you saw that the Evil Eye symbol has made it to high fashion! (And, if you know these catty ladies, you know that it’s not a moment too soon!)

In this episode, Tamra Barney had a house party where she was selling Evil Eye apparel and it was certainly a hit with the ladies! Then, in true Real Housewives fashion, the evil eye was brought to center stage when Gretchen Rossi stated that she could use the evil eye to protect herself from her host, Tamra! That didn’t go over well! A fight, with name calling, ensued! Lots of fun for the fans!

What is the Evil Eye?

The term evil eye refers to a power that some are said to possess that can inflict injury or bad luck on others. This harm is said to be directed by an envious look or a look of ill-will. The evil eye symbol on evil eye jewelry is said to protect the wearer from this form of negative energy.

The Jewish Evil Eye

The symbolism of the evil eye is found in many faiths and many cultures. The Jewish evil eye has a strong history. Dating back to Talmudic times, Jews have been wearing charms around their neck to guard from the Evil Eye. In some cases, the evil eye is defined as envy. In traditional Judaism, the one who casts an evil eye may not actually be at fault, but may suffer from an extra level of envy that only God may recognize. It has also been suggested that belief in the evil eye may be alluded to in Moses’ 10th Commandment, which states, “You shall not covet anything that is your neighbor’s…[his] house, field, manservant, maidservant, his ox, ass, or anything [else]…”

Evil Eye Jewelry

Jewish Gift Place is proud to carry a stunning line of evil eye jewelry. Our Michal Golan evil eye bracelets are hot! Reasonably priced at $45.00, they make the perfect gift for yourself or those you want to protect! If you plan on taking a trip to the OC in the near future, I’d recommend one!!

Check out a video of one of our evil eye bracelets below!

Our Favorite Valentine’s Day Gifts!

“Judaism loves love” ~ Rabbi Locketz

Every year at Jewish Gift Place, we wonder if it’s appropriate or not to celebrate Valentine’s Day, since the tradition dates back to the Pagan Roman Empire. But, like years past, we believe that through heart shaped candy and red roses, this tradition has all but lost its pagan roots. With the help of Hallmark, Valentine’s Day has become a secular holiday that recognizes, celebrates, and brings joy to those people that we love.

I recently followed a link on Twitter and read a blog post by Rabbi Locketz of the Bet Shalom Congregation entitled, “Valentine’s Day?” This interesting blog post gives a brief history of Valentine’s Day and the Rabbi’s feelings about celebrating it.

I loved the Rabbi’s conclusion: “Judaism loves love….I have become a realist. I have come to the personal determination that like Halloween, there is very little connecting the modern observance of Valentine’s Day to either its pagan origin or to the martyrdom of St. Valentine. So I suggest we observe both the Hallmark celebration of February 14 and our very own Jewish Tu B’Av when it comes around next July 25th. And make every effort on everyday in-between to express your love to everyone in your life”.

We hope you enjoy our selection of heart/love/Judaica themed pieces that we have selected below and on the right.

JEWISH VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS WE LOVE!

Cynthia Gale Envelope Necklace (See image above) $145

The cool thing about this piece is that you can write a special message and we’ll print it and put it in the envelope – ready to deliver to your mom, dear friend, wife, girlfriend, aunt, grandmother, teacher, or anyone special in your life.

Below are more favorite items that we love. We hope these items below will catch your eye and immediately bring to mind a loved one you’d like to express your love for.

Michal Golan Hamsa Bracelets $35

Emily Rosenfeld Hebrew/English Love Bracelet $35

Tamara Baskin Heart Dreidel $50

Cynthia Gale Sterling Silver Chai Necklace and

Cynthia Gale Sterling Silver Star of David Necklace $75

Hot Hanukkah Gift: Michal Golan’s Hamsa Bracelets

With Hanukkah on December 1 this year, it seems hard to believe that Hanukkah is less than 4 weeks away! (Thank goodness it will start later next year on Dec. 20, 2011, then Dec. 8, 2012, Nov. 27, 2013 – gee – that’s a little too early.) It looks like, this year, we won’t have the luxury of Black Friday or Thanksgiving weekend to kick start our holiday shopping! If you are someone who prizes handmade Jewish gifts, keep in mind that the artists require extra time to create the heartfelt gifts you love to give at Hanukkah.

With this in mind, we’d love to tell you about the gift we’ve selected as our signature gift of Hanukkah 2010 — hopefully it will become yours too! Michal Golan has unveiled these gorgeous hamsa bracelets, well priced at $35 dollars and incredibly gorgeous! Perfect for a babysitter, teacher, sister, friend, or anyone who is a treasure to you!

$5 OFF COUPON! FOLLOW US ON TWITTER OR FACEBOOK

We’re trying to be social here and now posting regularly on Twitter and Facebook. We’re posting updates on new artists who’ve joined our collection, or existing artists with awesome new Judaica. We’re posting about new articles we’ve written, and articles from other places that we find interesting. We’d love for you to follow us (on Twitter) and like us (on Facebook)! We’ll give you a $5 coupon just to follow us or like us. If you’re already following us, let us know and we’ll send you the coupon. Send an email to risa @ jewishgiftplace.com to let us know.

FREE GARY ROSENTHAL GLASS MATCHBOOK WITH $125 PURCHASE

Don’t forget – we’re giving away a Gary Rosenthal Fused Glass Matchbook to light the Hanukkah menorah with every purchase over $125 through December 1st, 2010!

HOT HANUKKAH LINKS TO KNOW ABOUT – GIFT IDEAS AND ARTICLES

• Hanukkah gifts – All the categories
• Women
• Men
• Kids
• Tweens
• Grandparents
• Newlyweds
• Hanukkah FAQ’s
• The History of Hanukkah
• What is Hanukkah?

ALL THINGS HAMSA

We love hamsas – so check out all we have to offer!

• Hamsa Bracelets
• Hamsa Earrings
• Hamsa Necklaces
• Hamsa Keychains
• Wall Hamsas
• Hamsa Hand Symbology – What is the Hamsa Hand? – an article

Our Favorite Menorahs of 2010

This year, the first night of Hanukkah is just 5 WEEKS AWAY ON DECEMBER 1!! I can hardly believe it’s almost here - especially since it’s 70 degrees here in New York today, and it still seems like summer. It also seems like last week that Lana, Lisa, and I met at Panera Bread the week our kids went back to school and talked about Hanukkah, which was still 11 weeks away. For our first Hanukkah-themed newsletter, we have compiled our favorite menorahs of 2010 (although we really love all of our menorahs!). Remember, if you love any of our pieces, you will need to place your order as soon as possible. The menorahs take time to make, since all of our Judaica is handmade. You can see all of our handmade menorahs here and our favorites of 2010 here. As an added bonus, we are giving away a beautiful fused glass Gary Rosenthal matchbook with every order over $125 (a $20 value) through December 1st, 2010! (see photo at bottom.) 12 Favorite Menorahs of 2010 Infinity Tree of Life Jewish Menorah $190 Tamara Baskin Parting Of The Sea Menorah $145 Check out this awesome menorah that EVERYONE will LOVE designing! Naturally Wood Creations Multi-Design Menorah $95 – $130 Will Schueler’s Arched Wood Menorah and Will Schueler’s Triangle Wood Menorah $540 Sara Beames Elegant Frosted Wave Glass Menorah $165 Emily Rosenfeld Tree of Life Spalted Maple and Pewter Menorah $195 Sara Beames Celestial Blue Glass Menorah $175 Gary Rosenthal Tree of Life Jewish Menorah $75 Blackthorne Forge Classic Menorah with Elegant Curves $200 Shraga Landesman Kingfisher Menorah $100 Gary Rosenthal Scales of Justice Menorah $150 We’ve also gathered our favorite Hanukkah gifts for everyone on your list. You can shop by price range or look for gifts for women, men, kids, tweens, grandparents, and newlyweds. Don’t miss our articles on Hanukkah including: Hanukkah FAQ’s - This article gives a brief history of Hanukkah and answers the questions: Why are there so many different ways to spell Hanukkah? What is the difference between a menorah and a hanukkiah? Why does Hanukkah start on a different day every year? What is a dreidel and how do you play the dreidel game? What is Hanukkah gelt? and What are traditional Hanukkah foods with a recipe for potato latkes and chocolate gelt. The History of Hanukkah – An in-depth article on Hanukkah including the rule of Alexander the Great, the reign of Antiochus III, the allure of Greek culture, Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlaws Judaism, Hannah and her seven sons, the Maccabeean revolt, Mattathias and his army of Jews, the origin of “Maccabee,” the Miracle of Light and the celebration of Hanukkah, photographs of 30 menorahs from around the world. What is Hanukkah? – Learn how to light the menorah, the Hanukkah blessings, and the words to Ma’oz Tzur. Don’t forget – we’re giving away a Gary Rosenthal Fused Glass Matchbook to light the Hanukkah menorah with every purchase over $125 through December 1st, 2010. We have lots more to tell you about,like Michal Golan’s INCREDIBLY AWESOME hamsa bracelets priced at $35, but we’ll tell you more about that in our next blog post.

Artist Susan Fullenbaum Making The World a Better Place!

At Jewish Gift Place, we like to promote the gorgeous handmade products that our artists create.  But we also love to promote our artists when they do something that helps to make the world a better place! This week we added the work of Maryland artist, Susan Fullenbaum, of Stained Glass Designs to our website. Susan’s work is sleek and modern and her signature glass creations are instantly recognizable! But Susan is not only a talented artist, she is a proud wife and mother and is working hard to make a difference in the world! What an inspiration! Susan recently wrote:

“This is a monumental year for me. I will be cycling 3,000 miles across the United States, celebrating my 65th birthday in July and my 45th wedding anniversary in September.  We will be cycling the northern route crossing Washington, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, ending in Niagra Falls, Canada.

This is also the tenth year that I have cycled for leukemia and lymphoma and the first year that I will be cycling for Parkinson’s.  My brother Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease a few years ago and I have seen this disease manifest itself. It is scary to know that Michael and another close relative has the same disease.  It is entirely possible that I or any of my children could also be afflicted.  For this reason, I need to support both organizations to raise funds to eradicate these diseases, if not in my lifetime, than in the lifetime of my grandchildren.”

We are blown away by Susan’s efforts and by her beautiful designs! To support Susan’s worthwhile cause, Jewish Gift Place will donate $5.00 from every purchase of Susan Fullenbaum’s Judaica collection to sponsor her ride across the country for Parkinson’s Disease, Leukemia and Lymphoma through August 31, 2010. It’s a win-win purchase! Follow Susan’s courageous journey across the United States in her travel blog at http://bikersusan.blogspot.com/

Check out these and other beautiful pieces of Susan Fullenbaum’s artwork at Jewish Gift Place!

Jewish Crocheted Kippot and Yarmulkes

Risa has just added some gorgeous crocheted kippot and yarmulke that you will be pleased to purchase not only because they are so beautiful, but because you can feel good about buying them.

These Jewish yarmulkes are made by the women of Mayaworks in Guatemala, a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation. That means that your purchase of these beautiful kippot and yarmulkes brings income to the artisans who create them — which means better food on their family table, better access to health care and school for their children, and hope for a more stable life. With your purchase you can make a difference in the lives of a Mayan family!

MayaWorks groups are organized in many Guatemalan villages because of the considerable strengths of Mayan women, their traditional weaving capabilities, their desire to learn modern business practices, and their determination to benefit their families and communities. At Jewish Gift Place we are all about women power and we are proud to sell the work of these amazing artisans!

Passover – A Feast for the Senses!

Last week, I was in Whole Foods and saw the first signs that Passover is upon us. A trip to any supermarket at this time of year will yield rows and rows of artfully arranged and colorful boxes of matzahs, gefilte fish and, of course, my perennial favorite, jelly rings! Passover in New York!

This year, Passover begins at sundown on Monday, March 29th. After a long, cold, and snowy winter in the Northeast, Passover is joyfully anticipated. Always a feast for the senses — Passover heralds the sights and smells of spring flowers and an assortment of delicious traditional dishes on a beautifully decorated Seder table. Stemware glistening by candlelight, Grandma’s china that she brought over from Europe, and Shabbat candlesticks that will be passed down to a loving child. The scene is set for the retelling of the Passover story through traditional Jewish food and drink set amidst a gorgeous landscape of handmade serving pieces. What a beautiful Passover memory!

At Jewish Gift Place, you will find that special piece that will create these Passover Seder memories for you and your family. Our pieces are not mass produced but each is handmade with love and will stand the test of time for many generations. Just in time for Passover, we have added several new pieces to our Passover collection. Gary Rosenthal has created some incredible Passover Seder plates and centerpieces that are sure to be an awe-inspiring presence on any Seder table. Filled with meaning and Jewish symbolism, these pieces add to the story of Jewish Passover unfolding at the feast. Tamara Baskin, a new artist to Jewish Gift Place, has also created some gorgeous Passover items that we have just added to the site. (We’ll tell you more about Tamara in an upcoming newsletter).

Take a moment to scan through our exquisite Passover collection and please use coupon code PASSOVER10 now through 3/19/10 to save with free shipping on any purchase. Take this opportunity to add to your collection or start a new one for a friend. What better way to carry on the beautiful traditions of Passover than by using and handing down meaningful, handmade holiday serving pieces that can grace the tables of your family for generations to come? Our Passover collection is the work of Jewish artisans who lovingly preserve the traditions of our faith in each of their beautiful pieces.