Are you looking for the best silver Judaica gifts but didn’t know which to choose for personalized gifts?
In case you didn’t know yet, Judaica gifts are clothing, icons, and articles relating to the Jewish faith.
The Jewish faith, also referred to as Judaism, goes back many thousand years ago. There are writings associated with the faith, special clothing worn by Jewish people, and objects utilized in all different types of occasions.
All those things are referred to as Judaica.
Those items can be bought as sterling silver Jewish gifts from Jews for practical use or even non-Jews who simply like to purchase unique items.
Are you wondering which sterling silver Judaica items you can purchase? This buying guide is made just for you.
Check out below the different Judaica items that are worth buying for a special someone in your
life.
History of Judaica
Valued for their rich symbolic history, works of Judaica are a famous category among various collectors
today. Judaica often involves ornate ceremonial objects utilized in the synagogue and even decorative
objects used in the home. These items tell the stories of the rich Jewish traditions through their
decoration and craftsmanship.
Apart from its sanctity and beauty, one reason why antique Judaica is highly cherished now is that so
much of it was ruined in Nazi Germany. Throughout World War II, most ritual ornaments were melted
for their silver as synagogues across Europe were ruined, and families who fled to other nations were
obliged to leave their things behind.
Only a few objects of Judaica made it through the war, and thus that remains all the more valuable and rarer.
The most valuable sale of Judaica was held in 2013 when Sotheby’s offered the Michael and Judy
Steinhardt Judaica Collection. The collection itself sold for over $8.5 million.
The organization continues to present its annual auction of important Judaica every year in December, including fine art, Hebrew manuscripts and books, and silver.
The Best Silver Judaica Items to Buy
Below explore some of the most popular types of silver Judaica in the market and understand every
the object’s unique symbolism and characteristics to learn why they are so valued among collectors today.
Kiddush Wine Cups
Kiddush is the Hebrew term for sanctification, and the Kiddush wine cup is the traditional goblet utilized to bless wine in the home of the Shabbat even before the breaking of bread.
It’s often made of silver or gold, but Kiddush cups can be made from other materials such as Anodized aluminum, or Pewter.
Most antique Kiddush cups are family treasures passed down through generations.
On the other hand, modern varieties are common gifts at bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, and other
important celebrations.
These are often ornately decorated, and the normal motifs seen in these cups include depictions
of fruits, animals, birds, and family emblems.
The decorative cups are sometimes engraved with verses from the Torah, Sabbath prayers, or family names.
Menorah (Candlesticks)
The Menorah is one of the most recognizable and oldest Jewish ceremonial objects.
Did you know that the original seven-branched Menorah was utilized in the Holy Temple in ancient Jerusalem?
The candlestick itself embodies enlightenment and the Jewish people’s vision to be a light unto the nations.
The seven-branched Menorah is only utilized inside synagogues to restore the purpose and sanctity of the original candelabra.
Further, the Hanukkah menorah utilized today to rejoice the holiday in public places and homes has eight branches.
That version of Menorah embodies the triumph of the Maccabees as well as the eight-day miracle of the oil.
Keep in mind that menorahs are highly collectible, too, along with 18 th and 19 th -century
European examples are among the most important.
There continues to be debate over whether the branches of the Menorah must be curved or straight.
However, it is typical to find samples made in both styles.
Menorahs are also made of sterling silver but can also be seen in iron, tin, copper, brass, or even
china, wood, or glass.
Menorahs are diverse in their designs, ranging from highly ornate to simple.
Notable examples can be seen at museums worldwide, including the Jewish Museum,
the Israel Museum, and more.
Mezuzah
The Hebrew term for mezuzah is doorpost. It’s commonly attached to the doorpost at the entrance to a Jewish home and the entrance to every interior room except for the bathrooms.
It’s often composed of a tiny scroll of parchment where you can find two biblical passages.
The scroll is inserted into a plastic, wooden, or silver casing, which is often stunning and artistic design.
The purpose of this Judaica is to serve as a continuous reminder of God’s presence.
Jews will touch it as they go through the door of their homes.
Tzedakah Boxes
The term tzedakah is the Hebrew word for justice.
The box is utilized in synagogues as a place to make donations to good causes.
Most antique examples of Tzedakah boxes are worn from years
of use.
Early samples of Tzedakah boxes were made from copper, tin, and iron, while some ornate examples were made from silver or brass.
Others were painted, and most were inscribed or
engraved with Hebrew lettering.
Old Tzedakah boxes are some of the highly collectible Judaica today.
Did you know that one of the most prominent modern collectors of Judaica today, Michael Steinhardt started his collecting by buying antique Tzedakah boxes during a vacation to Israel with his wife?
Most of his original acquisitions were fake, but the relatively low purchase price of such objects
makes Tzedakah boxes a great entry point for upcoming collectors of Judaica.
Just make sure you do your thorough research to prevent having a fake item.
Yad (Torah pointer)
A yad is a pointer utilized to mark one’s place in the text whenever reading from the sacred Torah parchment scrolls.
In case you didn’t know yet, Yadayim is made in the shape of a hand with an outstretched index finger and is typically utilized in synagogues during services.
The use of these Torah pointers is to show respect to the Torah’s sanctity by guaranteeing the sacred manuscript isn’t touched.
A yad also guarantees that the parchment stays clean and free
of any fingerprints.
Bear in mind that a yad is often made of wood, bronze, or silver, but most antique Yadayim is
known as works of art in and of themselves.
The uniqueness in the design of such Judaica makes them highly collectible, and antique versions remain to be in high demand.
Shabbat Candlesticks
Shabat candles in the Jewish faith are lit in the home on Fridays before dusk to lead in the Sabbath.
It’s traditionally lit in pairs of two, and it’s the duty of the woman of the household to light the candles and the second along with the flame of the first candle.
The candle itself is much more symbolic than the candlestick itself, but the use of ornate
candlesticks with which to show the Shabbat candles is a presentation of reverence to the
tradition.
These candlesticks are made of sterling silver, but it also comes in a wide array of
designs and materials.
Some are unadorned and simple, but other sets have inscriptions or engraved with Hebrew
letters, together with famous floral motifs.
As famous collector’s items and gifts, Shabbat candlesticks are given as gifts at celebrations like weddings and are displayed within the home.
Passover Seder Plate
The spring festival of Passover is one of the widely celebrated holidays in the Jewish tradition.
Did you know that a Passover Seder plate is a vital part of that tradition, an extremely symbolic and sensory feast that happens on the first and second nights of the Passover?
This plate can range from a basic ceramic piece to a much ornate sterling silver platter.
Some are composed of tiny bowls for each traditional food, while others have a special holder or shelf for matzah apart from the symbolic foods.
Early examples of Seder plates have Hebrew inscriptions, together with engraved or painted
illustrations, showing the Passover story.
It’s accessible in all different sizes and shapes as well.
Tips When Buying Judaica Online
Before you make any hasty purchase of Judaica online, it’s a smart idea to ask your friend or family
members for a recommendation from the Judaica online store.
Do you have contact with Jewish religious leaders?
You can also ask them regarding this matter.
When buying gifts to give to a Jew for practical use, it will also help if you consult a knowledgeable Jew or rabbi if there are religious requirements of the online store.
It is a shame to purchase an item only to find out that it’s counterfeited or fake.
Keep in mind that no matter how amazing the internet is, it has its drawbacks.
There might be less trustworthy sites selling low-quality products that aren’t valid according to the Jewish policy.
Finally, make sure you check the store’s return policy.
That’s vital as purchasing online won’t enable you to check the items in person.
