Win a FREE Miriam’s Cup – Tell Us Your Passover Traditions

WIN THIS MIRIAM’S CUP BY EMILY ROSENFELD

A COMMENT ON THE BLOG ENTERS YOUR NAME TO WIN

I’m very excited about introducing a new tradition at my Passover Seder this year (which I’m hosting for the first time) that’s not really a tradition at all – the Miriam’s Cup. I wanted to make this new tradition fun for the kids and special for adults, so I did research on Miriam and learned how to incorporate the Miriam’s Cup into my Seder. What started as a curiosity turned into an article, complete with gorgeous pictures and rituals for honoring Miriam, called “Miriam’s Cup – A New Tradition That Brings Women Into The Heart Of Judaism.” I know you’ll enjoy it. Here is an excerpt:

“Miriam’s Cup brings honor to a heroic woman of the Bible.  It was her faith, confidence, and wisdom that gave comfort to the Hebrews and helped them overcome the hardships of the desert during their Exodus from Egypt. She stood side by side with Moses and Aaron as they passed through the Red Sea, and she is heralded for her strength. The “Miriam’s Cup” is symbolic because it is the first time a women is so honored at one of the most important Jewish celebrations of the year. It serves as a reminder that there were many unheralded woman of the Bible whose contributions helped define and nourish Jewish culture.”

WIN A FREE MIRIAM’S CUP!  ADD A COMMENT ABOUT YOUR PASSOVER TRADITIONS BELOW TO ENTER

While the Miriam’s Cup is a new tradition, there are many traditions that have been passed down for generations. We would love to hear about your favorite traditions – new or old, playful or solemn. I’ve been to Seders where gummi worms were locusts, and mini-marshmallows were given to each guest to throw at each other for hail. I’ve eaten red jello when water turned into blood and had lots of fun while celebrating Passover. Share with us your favorite traditions in the comment section below and we will enter you in a drawing for a FREE Emily Rosenfeld Miriam’s Cup worth $90!  We are excited to hear from you!  And let your friends know, too.

And don’t miss, “Miriam’s Cup – A New Tradition That Brings Women Into The Heart Of Judaism.”

Jewish Symbolism of the Pomegranate and Pomegranate Gifts!

I’ve always been fascinated with the pomegranate. It is such a mysterious and unique fruit. When my daughter was in first grade, her teacher had the class examine a pomegranate that she had cut open for them. Luckily, I was helping out in the classroom that day and it was such a delight to watch as the children clamored around this mystical fruit – ooh-ing and aah-ing, as though she had unlocked the secrets of the universe!

Of course we all know that, to a young child, the world is a magical place and this first encounter with the pomegranate was no different! But it seems as though this amazement at the wonders of the pomegranate has caught on worldwide. The pomegranate is currently enjoying a little bit of celebrity. It’s being hailed as a miracle fruit for its many health benefits, as well as being enjoyed in pomegranate martinis and chef inspired recipes in the finest kitchens.

Jewish history shows that the pomegranate has been revered for thousands of years and its symbolism can be found in many facets of Judaism. Lisa just wrote a great article called the Symbolism of the Jewish Pomegranate, and we’ve added a new pomegranate gifts category to the site. Jewish artists have always turned to the symbol of the pomegranate as a beautiful and meaningful way to infuse a sense of joy and abundance into their work. The artists of Jewish Gift Place are no different! Emily Rosenfeld and Angie Olami are among a number of artists that we carry who love to use the pomegranate in their designs. Take a look – I’m certain that a visit to our new pomegranate gifts page will inspire you to learn a little more about this beguiling little fruit!

Hamsa Hand Jewelry in Style

Lauren Conrad, Ashley Tisdale, Lindsay Lohan, and Nicole Ritchie wear hamsas

The other day, I was in a department store with my 14 year old daughter and we were checking out the jewelry showcases. I immediately spotted a hamsa necklace and a small selection of other hamsa jewelry — earrings, bracelets, etc. Needless to say I was surprised! At Jewish Gift Place, we have always carried hamsa jewelry, as well as wall hamsas and other hamsa hand home accessories, but I have not seen them carried at the local department store.

Celebrities Wearing Hamsa Hand

I pointed them out to my daughter and she told me that she loves hamsas and that they are really popular. She told me that many celebrities were wearing them including Lindsay Lohan, Zac Efron, Nicole Ritchie and Lauren Conrad from the hit MTV show, The Hills. I was pretty surprised. I had known about hamsas as an amulet of protection in many religions, but I had no idea they were a fashion trend! “It’s like a high five, Mom,” she said. Although I know the historic symbolism isn’t quite as simple as that, I thought it was great that the hamsa hand was becoming part of popular culture. Note to self: ask my daughter about these things more often! She told me that kids at school sometimes hold up their hamsas and say “talk to the hand!” as a little joke. Funny, I thought!

Hamsas at Jewish Gift Place

Risa Borsykowsky, owner of Jewish Gift Place and someone always on the lookout for beautiful and meaningful handcrafted merchandise, brought hamsas to Jewish Gift Place before it was a craze. When I first starting working for Risa, the hamsas immediately caught my eye. I particularly love the Michal Golan hamsas, especially her black hamsa pendant necklace which has become my signature gift to friends and family. I also love all of her wall hamsas which are, to me, the perfect housewarming gift. Last Hanukkah, Risa gave me this beautiful Michal Golan Colorful Freshwater Pearl Wall Hamsa which never fails to get noticed by visitors to my home. It is one my most prized possessions!

A Symbol of Peace

After that shopping excursion, I was definitely excited about the hamsa as a new fashion trend. A short time later, my daughter reported back to me with something new she had learned about the popularity of the hamsa hand. She told me that recently, Jewish activists for Middle East peace have begun wearing the hamsa as a symbol of the shared traditions between the Islamic and Jewish faiths. It was something she read about after the Iran election crisis. I was really happy to hear that. Young people seem to have connected with this powerful symbol, not only as a symbol of style, but as a symbol of hope – and that should give us all something to “high five” about.

Learn more about hamsa hand symbology.

See our entire collection of hamsas.

Back to School at Jewish Gift Place!

A trip to your neighborhood Target will let you know that it’s back to school time again! For many, this means sending a son or daughter off to college for the first time. This can be a tough adjustment for everyone involved. Mom and Dad, who suddenly find the house just a little too quiet. The college freshman, who craved the freedom but never really anticipated how hard it would be to adjust to a whole new way of life.

Well, if your son or daughter is making that big step off to college this fall, or if your grandchild or nephew seems a bit reticent about being away from home, there is something you can do! By giving a parting gift that reminds your loved one of who they are and where they came from, you can help to make their adjustment to college just a little easier. Something to remind them that no matter where they go in life, they are loved and treasured. Something to make them feel protected and connected.

At Jewish Gift Place we always select items that are beautiful, but we also take pride in offering items that have meaning as well. Here are some items we think would make a lovely gift for that college bound student – a gift with sentiment and love.

A wall hamsa for the college dorm room would be a perfect way to make the recipient feel protected. The wall hamsa is an amulet of protection for the home. It symbolizes the hand of God and is, in all faiths, a protective sign. A wall hamsa can be hung on the wall or propped on a book shelf. Jewish Gift Place carries an extensive collection of beautiful wall hamsas handcrafted by artist Michal Golan.

If you love the idea of a hamsa but want something a little more personal, how about a hamsa necklace or pair of hamsa earrings? Whether hanging on the wall or worn on the body, a hamsa has the same protective meaning and will be a comfort to the person wearing it. No doubt your college rookie will feel like a pro wearing their hamsa necklace to their first college exam! They will feel like they can take on the world!

Jewish Gift Place also carries a large line of inspirational jewelry that can convey your heartfelt sentiment. Our Emily Rosenfeld Pewter Love Locket is the perfect way to show someone they are loved! Or, our J & I Incredible Tree of Life Necklace to remind someone that they have strong roots and you are giving them the wings to fly!

And, finally, what better way to remind them of who they are than to give them a sign of their faith? Reminding them of the responsibilities they have as Jewish men and women now that they are on their own as an adult. A Jewish star necklace would be the perfect symbolic gift or perhaps a mezuzah for their dorm room – a daily reminder of God’s love.

Transitions are always difficult but they are always a new beginning. Seeing them in this way and marking them with a special momento can create new traditions and evoke treasured memories.

So go ahead, shed a bittersweet tear or two, congratulate yourself on your success as a parent and take pride in the wonderful young adult you have just set free. The fun is just beginning!