Judaica Symbols Of Faith And Mysticism
Judaica encompasses so many aspects of a spiritual person’s life from wearable art to religious objects. A beautiful menorah on the mantel to be the center of life every year, the gift of a pair of silver candle sticks for Shabbat, or a simple kippah work every day, Judaica is part of every Jew’s life sometimes every day, sometimes once a year.
The faith and spirituality of the Judaism is unlike other faiths; it permeates a person so wholly that even the less observant will embrace the outward expression of their religion. Judaica comes in many forms and like the religion it represents has as many meanings as will suit the purpose. The Star of David hanging around a young girl’s neck, a gift before her bat mitzvah, or the tallit for and young man’s journey into religious adulthood. These are gifts the ordinary person might mistake as simply only religious in nature; the meaning is so deep it is beyond recognition.
A young woman may choose to take her faith to a deeper mystical level in the form of kabbalism, she will wear the Hamsa hand to signify her mystical practices. Yet a woman may choose to wear it as a symbol of the mysteries life she and her god have yet to unravel together; or as protection from the evil eye. The Hamsa hand could signify love from a betrothed, or a symbol of success as a gift upon a promotion.
Judaica can bring life to a home each Friday night; a challah board for the bread, or a set of candlesticks to hold the Shabbas candles, all bring the spirit of Judaism into the home. A beautiful art print of the old city hung over the mantel warms the soul of every passerby. These are the subtle yet important aspects of every day Jewish life which lift the heart, and feed the mind, with the love and understanding that only a relationship with god can provide.
A mezuzah protects the home and all those who enter it. The mezuzah can be made from stone, metal, ceramic, or any number of other materials; with their blessing secured inside they make a welcomed gift for newlyweds establishing their first home together, or a new homeowner who left theirs behind to protect the new inhabitants of their former residence.
The gift of Juadica is right for any occasion, young children enjoy a colorful set of building block with the aleph bet, or a whimsical mezuzah for their bedroom door, or even a light hearted menorah featuring Noah’s ark. The older child reaching Bar or Bat Mitzvah age will appreciate a tallit or special kippah for their special day. Newlyweds might enjoy a shofar for their mantel. It isn’t the gift that matters it is the symbol of love, and the understanding of tradition that makes each so dear to the heart.
