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People are buying jewelry now? You’d be surprised (and so was I).
Even though there are fewer tourists walking the streets of Jerusalem these days, we have been busy, busier than I would have expected us to be. I am very happy, naturally, but as I have been talking to customers and filling orders, I am struck with the idea that shoppers in our store – and online – so often reflect the times. I’ve often thought a sociologist or anthropologist from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem could conduct a great research project about Jewish jewelry buying. What interests me in particular is: who buys what, when? I can imagine the thesis now: “Buying Jewelry according to the Political Landscape” or “How Buying Jewish Jewelry from Israel Can Reflect the Times.” Or something like that – I’m not a sociology professor, I’m a jeweler. But still, I am fascinated by the certain rhythm related to buying jewelry, at least here at Baltinester. Some of the rhythm makes perfect sense. As expected, holidays are always a time we see more customers. People like to give gifts – especially gifts related to the religion made in Jerusalem – for the Hagim. Birthdays and anniversaries are another popular time, with many customers shopping in Jerusalem jewelry stores for a piece of Jewish jewelry for a bat mitzvah or birthday present. But, what I find so curious: besides these typical gift-giving occasions, what explains the particular upticks when people shop for jewelry and Judaica at other times – such as during times of turmoil and now during Covid. Since the start of the Coronavirus, there has been a lot of interest in several of our categories, for example Jewish name necklaces and bracelets. It doesn’t surprise me that there is interest in them – they are popular with a lot of customers and always in demand. But why now? Why are people buying Jewish bracelets and name necklaces now? Is it due to the upheaval wrought by Corona, or is it something unrelated? This is where I need a social scientist. It’s not just the name jewelry that has seen a lot of interest. Other items requested in great numbers recently, especially by those customers calling form the United States and England include Jewish symbols, such as kabbalah bracelets, specific jewelry that reflects Jerusalem, and charms that offer good luck and protection like pendants, including our hamsa pendant in gold filigree, adorned with opals, seem to be really hot right now. 14k yellow gold Ahava pendants – Baltinester Jewelry You don’t have to be a researcher getting a PhD to understand that people are worried about Covid-19. That makes sense. And it makes sense too that people get some degree of comfort from wearing Jewish jewelry that is made in Israel. It brings a closeness to Jerusalem and God – especially for people who are far away and calling or emailing us. It also lets people feel some degree of protection. At least that’s what people tell me when they buy pieces like the hamsot decorated with beautiful opals or our evil eye pendants in gold. 14k yellow gold evil eye pendant set with a blue sapphire Even “standard” Jewish jewelry like classic hai signs and stars of David are symbols of God’s presence. They can be both a comfort as well as a statement – maybe of courage, for example when wearing our Lion of Judah ring, a golden yellow ring with a raised lion of Judah, certainly of pride and connection. So maybe that explains it. People are always interested in wearing good-looking handmade Jewish jewelry that is crafted in Israel. It offers a connection to God and Jerusalem and maybe even the Jewish people. They wear it for the pride. And in time of worry and stress, customers like to buy jewelry that offers protection as well as that connection to God and Jerusalem. Hold on! I might have figured this whole thing out. There is always a demand for fine Judaica and jewelry from Israel, and there is likewise always steady interest in gifts that are typically given for birthdays, anniversaries, bar and bat mitzvah, and holiday gifts. And while items like the hamsa and other evil eye protection pieces always have customers, when things get crazy, like today with the Corona pandemic, those pieces are more in demand as is ALL JEWISH JEWELRY for the connection, strength, and positive feelings it gives the wearer. Are you a social scientist? A PhD student or sociology professor? I’d be happy to hear from you and to know if my theory is correct. Maybe it is a little obvious to you, but me, I’m just a Jerusalem jeweler handcrafting beautiful, unique pieces that reflect all kind of pride, connection, and spirituality related to Israel and the Jewish people.
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Top 10 Hanukkah Gift Ideas
Hanukkah is the festival of lights, warmth and happiness. Thoughtful gifts to family and friends are a much-awaited part of the celebrations and enjoyed by children and adults alike! If you are confused about what to give, here is a list of unique Hanukkah gifts that you can choose from. Hanukkah Gifts for the HomeGetting a gift for your own home or for a loved one this year? Hanukkah Judaica is the way to go! Hanukkah Menorah Options – Lighting of the menorah is an integral part of the Hanukkah traditions, so if you are looking for a gift for a loved one for their home or even want to get something for your home, Hanukkah menorahs are a great idea. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and suit a wide variety of budgets. If you have a fixed budget, hanukkah menorahs for sale are available online this time of the year. Of course, buying a good one will ensure it lasts your family for years to come. CONTEMPORARY MINI BALL MENORAH For those of you who are always on the go and yet believe in keeping up with traditions, a travel chanukah menorah will work perfectly! FUN PUZZLE MENORAH FOR TRAVEL Some Hanukkah menorahs are just so beautiful that they become family heirlooms. Getting a sterling silver menorah is a great holiday gift idea – either for your home or for a loved one. A menorah like this is sure to be cherished! STERLING SILVER FILIGREE SEMICIRCLE MENORAH Candlesticks – You can opt for candlesticks as a gift option. Hanukkah is celebrated with candles signalling light and warmth – such a beautiful gift is a thoughtful expression of your love. You can choose to buy from a wide variety of candlesticks – from simple metal ones to gorgeous sterling silver candlesticks. CHAYA STERLING SILVER CANDLESTICKS Hanukkah Gifts for HerIt is said that “Diamonds are a woman’s best friend” but we can stretch it to include gold, silver and all kinds of jewelry! And Hanukkah is a perfect time to show how much you appreciate the women in your life with some Hanukkah jewelry gifts! 14K GOLD DIAMOND HANUKKAH DREIDEL PENDANT If you shop in good time, you can also add an inscription to make the piece of Hanukkah jewelry even more special! You can be rest assured that your hanukkah gift will be loved and cherished. HAMSA MENORAH 14K YELLOW GOLD PENDANT Hanukkah Gifts for HimMore often than not, you may find yourself struggling with ideas on what to buy for the important men of your life. After all, men are more difficult to shop for! Is that so? Not it know what to buy!! Your father, husband, son, grandpa, brother, fiancé – these are all very special bonds. This year get them unique hanukkah gifts. For men, cufflinks, bracelets, tallis clips are great options. You can also get customised items like name cufflinks or chains in gold or silver – they are sure to value such gifts for a long time! SILVER AND GOLD KOTEL NAME CUFFLINKS STERLING SILVER KOTEL NAME TALLIS CLIPS Hanukkah Gifts for ChildrenChildren are gifts themselves and it is most exciting to shop for unique Hanukkah gifts for the family’s little ones. There are so many options to choose from. Driedels and chocolate gelt is the obvious choice every year – kids love them! This year, gift your child something precious – a gift they will treasure forever. You can opt for Hanukkah jewelry or customized name jewelry for your little girls. CONTEMPORARY STERLING SILVER GEMSTONE DREIDEL For the boys in the home, silver Kiddush cups make a great gift! DVIR HAMMERED SILVER ENAMEL KIDDUSH CUP
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EXCITING JEWELRY TRENDS – A BUYER’S GUIDE TO WHAT’S IN!
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a sea-change in the way we look at things. So, is jewelry necessary at this crucial time? you may ask. We at Baltinester have witnessed a significant change in trends in 2020. Jewelry featured high on everyone’s gift lists this year. There were no vacations, no family dinner outings, no extra shopping trips throughout the year. This left people with more disposable income. Gifting jewelry came naturally. Covid-19 Shall Pass, the Jewelry Will Be with You Forever… People have realized that jewelry brings them joy, in addition to being an asset purchase. Need to perk up your look? Just accessorize it with jewelry, and voila, you are done! Thus, the pandemic has been a year when a lot of people are building up their jewelry collection. When you have funds available, it is always a great idea to gift a family member a piece of jewelry – its shows how much you care for their safety. Gold is here to stay and has reaffirmed its position as a sound long term investment option in a post-COVID world. Gold is seeing a surge in prices and is expected to continually rise. Buying gold is most likely one of the safest investments to opt-in for now. Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever After… 2021 is to be the year of marriages. Thousands of couples all over the world postponed their wedding when the pandemic struck. With the promise of vaccines and the soon-to-be-over season of isolations and lockdowns, weddings are being planned for 2021. This has led to an increase in the wedding rings market. People today are opting for sleek and unique wedding bands. Designs like this 14K white gold ring are trending. Rose gold is also very much in vogue, and this Hebrew wedding band is quite the stunner. Matched wedding sets have always held special value, and more and more couples are opting for the traditional matched wedding ring sets to seal their marriage vows. Classy and elegant wedding bands where the couple can each choose a hidden message for their spouse like this white gold Jewish wedding ring are trending big. Big fancy weddings have given way to more intimate gatherings, thus easing out budgets. People are hence spending more on wedding jewelry. Silver and gold bracelets with Jewish wedding quotes are accessories to treasure forever. “Life is Short – Buy the jewelry, drink the wine, order the dessert.” The word “Chai” in Hebrew means life. The 2020 pandemic has reiterated the importance of life and its value for each of us. As we realize that there is nothing more precious than the miracle of life itself, a piece of jewelry that celebrates life seems a perfect way to express this sentiment. From miniature chai pendants in gold to the more classic Chai pendants with diamonds, the chai symbol is more in demand than ever. “May every Evil Eye in your life go blind.” With the pandemic bringing in some tough times, Evil eye jewelry items are flying off the shelves. Carrying or wearing the Evil eye symbol is believed to protect the wearer from misfortune caused by the harmful intent of others. Since Talmudic times, the Jewish have worn the Evil eye charm around their necks to safeguard themselves. Evil eye jewelry is available in a variety of designs, from classic to modern, so there is something to suit all tastes. A traditional Evil eye pendant in gold is preferred by some, while others like to match the Evil eye symbol with the protective Hand of Hamsa to fortify its protective powers. Shabbat Shalom! Working from home, virtual schooling, and home isolation have their own positive effects. It has brought families under one roof. People are doing everything from home, and this means families now have the chance to celebrate Shabbat together every week. In a pre-pandemic world, traditions had to be compromised in the busy hum-drum of routine life and its demands. Many families have recultivated the habit of welcoming Shabbat in its traditional form. Hence, there is a growing demand for Kiddush cups. Handcrafted in sterling silver with an inside plating of gold renders our range of Kiddush cups perfect for the supper ceremonies. Kiddush cups come in a variety of designs, with filigree and Yemenite designs topping the list. Small Kiddush cups in silver make great gifts for children. They are also preferred gift options for Bar mitzvah ceremonies. “Your jewelry introduces you even before you speak.” Wearing a piece of jewelry unique to you makes you feel special. A custom necklace with your name or a bracelet with a meaningful quote will always hold a special place in your jewelry collection. Men are not left behind here. For men too, this niche has items like this pair of initial cufflinks in gold. We note a sharp rise in the purchase of name necklaces and other personalized jewelry. Being custom jewelry specialists, we always aim to delight our customers with our creations. Jewelry always fits! You simply cannot go wrong with jewelry. If a close friend is celebrating a birthday, gifting a pendant is a great idea. You can opt for a silver pendant or a gold one, depending on your budget. Jewelry is always appreciated when gifted. New Year Special! At Baltinester understand the need of the hour and have introduced a special online sale of some of our popular items for a limited period on our site. This is our way of saying thank you to everyone who, although could not visit our store, supported us Jewish jewelers in these tough times by buying our jewelry online. We are touched by your trust in us and it is with great pride we would like to share that we are here because of our loyal customers. Your love has warmed our hearts; we would like to express our gratitude with this New Year Special Sale of 2020’s most trending items. As always, we are here for you. Happy shopping!
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Think Outside the Chocolate Box – Love is in the Jewelry!
Valentine’s day is right here and if you still haven’t gotten a gift, we’ve got you covered. Think jewelry – gold and silver have a timeless appeal and nothing speaks more to a woman than a thoughtful piece of jewelry! Get an exclusive gift that expresses how you feel and at the same time, shows off her personality. Jewellery and love have always been romantically and magically linked through time. A survey reveals that jewelry purchases for Valentine’s Day surged by 48% in 2020 as compared to 2019. 2021 is the year of gratitude for surviving the 2020 Covid 19 pandemic. It’s a time to be thankful for the love of our near and dear ones, which helped us overcome the crisis. One of the best ways to express this is with an extra-special Valentine’s Day gift this year! Give Something Close to Her Heart We bring you some great pendant and chain options this Valentine’s! A pendant sits snug on the neck very close to heart and serves as a thoughtful reminder of your love. This key to the heart necklace, symbolizing love and passion, is a great way to tell her how you feel. Or, speak the language of your heart with this heart pendant chain set which has the words ‘I love you’ inscribed in eight different languages! The Jewish Star of David spells protection and faith. This Star when fused with a heart speaks volumes. Check out our special sale on this gorgeous heart Star of David pendant handcrafted in gold as pure as love. All you need is love, but a little jewelry doesn’t hurt! Bridge the gap between tradition and modernity with a gift that speaks of your faith and your love. This chic ring with Hamsa, Star of David and heart charms is just perfect for your loved one! Red is the colour of love, so here’s an adorable pair of rose gold earrings with red garnets to celebrate the season’s favourite colours! Special Valentine’s Day Deals on Gifts for Him Let me tell you a little secret – men love gifts as much as women, even if they don’t show it! These Vintage Israeli Phone Token Cufflinks in silver spell class and elegance. Or if you are looking a macho gift, this leather wristlet with the Shema verse in silver speaks of love, faith and protection. Fall in Love with Great Savings – Hurry the Sale ends soon! We at Baltinester Jewelry love you all the year round and would like to express our gratitude with this HUGE Valentine’s Day sale specially curated with items in gold, silver and diamonds. Our sale includes Valentine’s day gifts for him and her and feature a variety of options – from classic to understated, sleek and simple to big and brilliant! So, dive in and browse our extensive collections to select a special Valentine’s Day gift deal for your loved one and enjoy the great prices we have on offer – after all, we love you!
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Go for Gold! Investing in Tangible Assets like Jewelry and Collectibles is Becoming Increasingly Popular
With the raging Covid -19 pandemic and all the uncertainty that’s come along with it, the world is facing unprecedented financial situations. At the micro-level, people are looking to invest in low-risk options. Jewelry and collectibles top the list of alternative investment options today. Job losses, financial crisis, marker crashes – the global scenario is grim. Investments in the stock market are risky and the middle class is turning to the traditional and one of the safest investment options – gold. History and statistics reveal that the precious metal is a “safe haven” in times of uncertainty. Also, gold jewelry is definitely a glamorous way to deploy capital! Why Should You Buy Gold Jewelry? Long term investment – Gold prices have known to fluctuate in the short term but it is a sound long term asset. In the last decade, gold rates have skyrocketed leading to more and more people turning to jewelry as their “safety net asset” option. Versatile range – You can choose to buy traditional jewelry or modern stylish pieces. If you like collectibles, gold ancient coin jewelry is a great choice. There are multiple options to own gold – coins, bars, bangles, earrings, pendants and so much more! Own it, flaunt it, watch it grow and then pass it on as an heirloom! Tangible – Being one of the earliest currencies known to mankind, gold has always been a favored investment because of its very nature. You can keep it with you and convert it whenever you need to. It’s a physical asset and psychologically, that just makes you feel safe. Portable – Gold jewelry is a liquid asset that can be carried with you. It’s small and can be exchanged for cash just about anywhere in the world. This freedom makes gold jewelry even more attractive as an international investment option in the current scenario. Aesthetic appeal – Beautiful gold necklaces, diamond earrings, and gold bracelets make superb gifts for the family and of course, are visually very appealing. You can wear them, gift them, flaunt them and at the same time, feel secure in the knowledge that you’ve purchased something that will grow in value over time. Independent Global Pricing Market – Gold prices follow similar trends worldwide so buying and selling gold jewelry in any part of the world is simple. You will not have to wade through government red-tapism if you need to sell gold, unlike real estate and other investments. Stable Investment – When you buy a piece of gold jewelry, you know that it is an asset purchase. It does not depreciate. When the dollar takes a hit, gold and diamonds fluctuate only slightly, and that too in the very short term. Gold prices stubbornly just keep rising, making it a secure investment! The Emotional Connect – Jewelry holds sentimental value as it is usually gifted on a special occasion by someone dear to you. Wearing jewelry will usually remind you of the story and people connected with it, leaving you feeling happy and uplifted. You can always pass jewelry on to family member as a treasured memory. Buying gold jewelry is a sensible choice today. When the global economy is struggling to stay afloat, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds have far greater risks. Also, gold jewelry enjoys a unique dynamic of immediate personal satisfaction and a sense of well-being. With a huge range of options, you will certainly find gold jewelry to suit your budget – however big or small. After all, “chocolates get eaten and flowers die, but jewelry is forever”!
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10 Jewelry Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day
With Mother’s Day round the corner, I’m sure you are on the lookout for the perfect gift to express your love. In the pandemic-era, mothers are happiest just knowing that they are doing a good job! For some, managing a home with erratic grocery supplies, juggling kids’ online study classes while trying to work a job in a chaotic environment is challenging and all they need is to know they are appreciated. For others, they just want to know they are missed and longed for – government norms, social distancing guidelines and health and safety concerns have not allowed many to meet their parents for a long time. Mother’s Day is your chance to tell her how much she means to you. Fine jewelry never fails to win over a woman, so what could be a better gift idea! Here we’ve put together a list of some gorgeous jewelry that you can gift your mother this Mother’s Day. 14K gold personalised Hebrew Name necklace A customized necklace with the names of the family written in the Hebrew script – just a reminder of the strong bond of family… 14K gold heart Shaped pendant that calls out to Mom! This stunning pendant shaped like a heart has the word mom written in Hebrew within it. After all, mom is not just a word, it’s an emotion…. 14K Gold and Garnet Earrings Perfect for daily wear, these striking hoop earrings will look wonderful on your mom. The warm colours of rose gold and red garnet also reflect the warmth of your love. 14K Gold Mom Ring A ring that calls out to your mom – whenever she glances at it on her finger, she will be filled with wonderful thoughts of her children and that’s sure to bring out a smile. A great way to make sure your mother smiles often! 14K Gold and Pearl Earrings Few things spell timeless charm as well as pearls do. These dangling gold and pearl earrings exude elegance and is sure to win your mom’s heart! Diamond Star of David with Shema Yisrael Pendant Fusing two powerful Jewish symbols of protection, this pendant shows how much you care for your mother’s well-being. On Mother’s Day this year, this precious pendant is sure to light up her heart! Rose Gold Love Pendant Ahava – the Hebrew word for love is carved out here in a warm rose gold. A pendant sits close to the heart and is sure to be a loving reminder of you to your mom. Ring in Rose Gold with Red Garnets Red is the universal colour of love and the garnet is known to have healing properties, making it the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Hamsa Pendant in Gold with Roman Glass Hamsa depicts the protective hand of God and this pendant speaks volumes as a Mother’s Day gift. It ensures that your mother is protected and is symbolic of the protection that she has always given you as a mother. The beautiful Roman glass in the centre adds a unique charm. Diamond Star of David Pendant A pendant that oozes elegance and class, this Star of David has a heart encrusted with dazzling diamonds. The blue enamel lends it a royal feel. Your mother will fondly think of you as she proudly wears this beautiful piece of fine jewelry.
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Top 10 Father’s Day Gift Ideas
The Father’s Day month has begun and so has the race for ideas for an ideal Father’s Day gift! The year 2020 brought unprecedented times in our lives and we looked to our families for support, strength and love. With 2021, we hope we can say that the worst is behind us and we are learning to walk again. It is a reminder of the time we took our first steps – trying, stumbling, falling, getting up again and trying. Through it all, we all held daddy’s hand. A hand that was always there to hold us, to break our fall, to protect us. With global vaccine roll-outs, Father’s Day 2021 has much better chances of being closer to normal times. If you are looking at gift ideas, I’m sure fishing gear, barbeque sauces and socks are already off your list, being done far too many times. This year should be special. This year is special. We are just so thankful for having survived 2020 that I’m sure, you are looking for something to mark the special day this year – after all, its dad-bonding time. Luxurious or Budget – We’ve got your covered with our Father’s Day Gift Ideas! The third Sunday of June is celebrated as Father’s Day and that’s not too far off. Here are some great Father’s Day gift ideas from our specially curated Father’s Day collection! Gold Cufflinks If dad spells classy in your case, getting your father a pair of gold cufflinks is a great idea. Gold never goes out of style and he is definitely going to wear it on special occasions. Our collection of gold cufflinks also includes some spectacular diamond cufflinks as well, so you have a lot of variety to choose from. 14K Gold Lion of Judah Cufflinks 14K Gold Star of David Cufflinks Silver Cufflinks Subtle and elegant, silver accessories are always stylish. Getting your father, a pair of silver cufflinks with his name or even just his initials is a great personalized gift option, sure to make him smile. You can also think of cufflinks with a symbol that’s meaningful to him – eilat stones to connect him to Israel, a Star of David or Chai symbol of the Jewish faith or something else. Sterling Silver Eilat Stone Cufflinks Hebrew Name Initial Silver Cufflinks Gold Rings Surprise your dad with a luxurious gift this Father’s Day – a gold ring. If your dad is fond of rings, get him a ring either personalised with a message or a ring with a symbol of something he believes in. Our range of Jerusalem rings are quite the rage! Check out designs now! 14K Gold and Diamonds Jerusalem Ring 14K Gold Lion of Judah Signet Ring Jewish Gifts Jewish gifts are always a good idea, no matter the occasion! It is special, close to the heart holding meaning and is used for celebrations. There are many Jewish gift options to choose from for Father’s day – you can gift him silver tallit clips, a kiddush cup, a menorah or some other piece of Judaica he needs or would like to have. Silver Jerusalem Tallit Clips Silver Kiddush Cup Money Clips Keeping cash organised without a wallet? A money clip works best! They are functional and come in a range of designs. You may find it difficult to believe, but money clips have been in vogue for hundreds of years. You can say that it’s an accessory that’s stood the test of time! Take your pick from a simple silver one, a gold money clip designed with an ancient coin or one with a roman glass relic. Check out our collection of money clips now! Ancient Coin Gold Money Clip Roman Glass Silver Money Clip
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Top Picks for Tu B’av Gifts
“Love is all you need”, but a little jewelry never hurt anyone! With Tu B’av being so special, here’s the ultimate gift guide. We’ve curated some beautiful Tu B’av gifts just for you. Popularly known as the Jewish Valentine’s Day today, Tu B’av was a day of match-making during the times of the Second Temple. Single young women, beautifully dressed in white, would dance around the vineyards in search of the perfect partner. Today, Tu B’av is celebrated with white-themed parties and exchanging gifts with the one you love. Ani Ledodi Jewelry One of the best ways to express true love is with a beautiful quote from the Song of Songs: “Ani ledodi vedodi li” (I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine). Handmade jewelry with an inscription of the Ani ledodi quote is a great gift option for Tu B’av. Available in rings, pendants and if you would like it custom-made, the Baltinester team is here! Jewelry with a Heart! The shape of the heart has always been an expression of love and is probably one of the most used symbols in the world. Needless to say, a piece of jewelry with the heart on it will be a sweet reminder of your love. Silver, gold, diamonds, modern, classic, vintage – heart jewelry comes in all shapes and sizes…take your pick! Ahava Pendants The word ‘Ahava’ means Love in Hebrew. The word has its roots in the Hebrew ‘ahav’ – to give. After all, true love is all about giving each other love and commitment. This is the spirit behind expressing your love through thoughtful gifts for your partner.If love is on your mind, express it with an Ahava love pendant – we have a variety of gold colors as well as diamond-studded options. Gifts for Him Men love gifts as much as women and there are so many things you can gift a man to show him how much he means to you. An accessory with a personal inscription makes a beautiful and thoughtful gift to cherish – a keepsake of your love. Cufflinks with his initials, diamond rings with inscriptions, and customized leather bracelets are wonderful options we recommend for Tu B’av. Budget or luxurious – we have all sorts of gifts to celebrate Tu B’av, the day of love. When a day means so much, celebrations are definitely in order!
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