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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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5 Sukkot Traditions Explained
Sukkot is an 8-day Jewish festival where Jews all over the world leave the comfort of their homes to go and dwell in the Sukkah and shake the 4 species. This year, Sukkot starts on Monday, September 20th, and ends on September 27, 2021. Here we take you through some Sukkot traditions and gifts you can give to celebrate the season! The Sukkah for Sukkot Sukkot is all about living in and decorating your Sukkah, a non-permanent wooden hut, just like the Jewish forefathers. The Sukkah is a reminder of Heavenly protection, symbolizing the clouds of glory that protected the Jewish People in the desert during the exodus from Egypt. It also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of the world. Make sure to be prepared and bring along a nice addition to gift and to love for your outside adventure: Travel Candlesticks which can be used in the Sukkah and later for all your Shabbat journeys OR Negal Vassa with Blessing for Ritual Hand Washing https://www.baltinesterjewelry.com/product/hammered-copper-double-handle-washing-cup-with-blessing/ Lulav and Etrog When we shake the lulav (a branch bouquet of palm, myrtle, and willow), one of the core traditions of Sukkot, it symbolizes sending out blessings to one and all and the unity of the Jewish people. The Etrog, believed to be our heart full of understanding and wisdom, is considered the most precious of all and is protected in a beautiful box. Gift a premium etrog box to those you love: Modern Etrog Box for the most precious of species – Protect your Etrog in style! Inviting Ushpizin During Sukkot, the seven founding fathers of the Jewish faith are said to visit the sukkah. Each supernal guest visits on a particular day and bestows his blessing and strengths. It is also customary to invite earthlier guests for every meal, including needy scholars. Maimonides remarked (Mishneh Torah, Laws of the Festivals 6:18): “When one eats and drinks, one must also feed the stranger, the orphan, the widow and other unfortunate paupers. But one who locks the doors of his courtyard, and eat and drinks with his children and wife but does not feed the poor and the embittered soul—this is not the joy of a mitzvah, but the joy of his belly . . .” Share the spirit of giving with this beautiful Judaica Gift: A Luxurious Designer Wine Fountain Set with 8 Kiddush Cups https://www.baltinesterjewelry.com/product/kiddush-cup-wine-fountain-set-for-8/ Dipping Challah in Honey Typically known as a Rosh Hashanah tradition, we continue to dip the Challah (bread) in honey throughout Sukkot to symbolize the sweetness of the new year. If you’ve already given honey pots as a gift, why not give a delightful plate for the honey dish? This also serves as a great décor accent for the table all year round! Sterling Silver Honey Dish Plate Simchat Torah At the end of Sukkot, we celebrate the completion of the annual reading of the Torah and begin reading the Torah anew. This celebration, called Simchat Torah (Rejoicing of/with the Torah), falls out on the last day of Sukkot. It is accompanied by a lot of dancing and jubilation. To mark this special event, an elegant Torah pointer is a great gift. Designer Silver Torah Pointer
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Discover Jerusalem City Facts
“One doesn’t go to Jerusalem, one returns to it. That’s one of its mysteries.” – Elie Wiesel Jerusalem City – the name evokes emotions like no other. One of the world’s oldest cities, Jerusalem is the seat of Judaic history. Because was the site of the First and Second Holy Temples, Jerusalem is revered as G-d’s given capital. Here are some popular and some lesser-known facts about this ancient city: The meaning of the word ‘Jerusalem‘ ‘Yerushalayim’, or Jerusalem, is a combination of 2 words, yireh (will see) and shalem (peace, wholeness), and means simply ‘a city of peace’. The Hebrew word ‘Yerushalayim’ also has another meaning – ‘complete awe’. This alludes to the complete awe of the presence of G-d you feel in Jerusalem. Carry a part of Jerusalem with you with our Jerusalem Jewelry. The Western Wall of Jerusalem The Kotel/Kosel is a sacred place of prayer for the Jewish people and is a remnant of the Temple Mount built by King Herod in the times of the Second Holy Temple. Therefore, the custom is to write prayers on slips of paper and push them into the cracks of the wall in the belief that “the Divine Presence never departs from the Western Wall.” Explore your unique connection with our collection of Kotel jewelry. All buildings are made with Jerusalem Stone Often referred to as a ‘City of Gold’, Jerusalem’s municipal laws mandate that ALL buildings have the facade of the local golden-honey toned richly textured stone, called Jerusalem stone. Because of this, the whole city has a consistently uniform warm beige look, with an easily distinguished skyline. Get the ‘Jerusalem of Gold’ vibe with stunning Jerusalem stone jewelry. Ask us for customized options. The Old lies within the New Jerusalem comprises two main parts – the Old walled city at the core around which the new city has grown. The Old City is fully bordered by ancient limestone walls and is home to many religious sites like the Temple Mount, the Kotel, The Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre among others. Embrace the spirit of the ancient Old City with this Jerusalem pendant. An Iconic Skyline The Jerusalem skyline is easily distinguished by its unique elements: The golden Dome of the Rock, the Tower of David, the Old City walls, the Montefiore Windmill. Each has deep roots in Jewish sentiment and the legacy of the Holy Land echoing the Judaic heartbeat. Get your own piece of Jerusalem Jewelry with its iconic skyline and feel that irresistible connection to the Holy Land. Monument dedicated to Love The Ahava Sculpture, housed at Jerusalem’s Israel Museum (Sculpture garden), is a relatively new landmark, installed in 1977. ‘Ahava’ means ‘love’ in Hebrew. The sculpture is a remarkable architectural and artistic ode to the foundation of all emotions – love. Highly photographed against a very Instagrammable background of rolling hills and bright blue skies, the Ahava sculpture is now a Jerusalem favorite!Express your love with our collection of Ahava jewelry.
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It’s the Season for Gifts!
For you, your own and your home Wow! Thanks so much – Such a precious and thoughtful gift! Words accompanied by smiles, sparkling eyes and big, warm hugs. That’s the essence of gifting your loved ones during the festive season. The heart of giving gifts really is all about expressing your feelings of love and appreciation in the form of tangible keepsakes. These gifts become treasured memories that remind us of our special bonds. The big question is – How to select the perfect gift for people important to you? We are here to help! A Gift for your Dad – Your First HeroYour friend and fan for life, your guide, and one who showers you with love and care, your father tops the list of people to get gifts for, I’m sure! Here are some excellent options – Your day becomes fabulous when you see the smile on his face when you gift him with a pair of diamond cufflinks, or a classic ring with his favourite symbols. A chunky bracelet with a meaningful engraving of your choice can bring the glow to his face. A tallit clip with the Jerusalem skyline will surely make an excellent gift for the man who worked hard to make you what you are today. Browse Holiday gifts for your Father here Jewelry Gift Options for your Mom – Your Reason for BeingWhen you think of your mother, can you just think of just flowers, chocolates or a cake for a festive gift? She is the one who has given you life, cared for you, showered you with love and affection – her love and constant attention can never be measured, isn’t it? Show your love and care for her by gifting her a dream diamond necklace that she will treasure for life. A ring embedded with diamonds or gemstones of various colours can also be a perfect gift. Or, a charm pendant with diamonds will make her face radiate with love, that’s for sure! Explore Holiday Gifts for your Mother here Gifts for HerThe perfect partner in your life is your wife. She shares everything with you in your journey. What can be the perfect gift for such a person? You should definitely pamper her with some fine jewelry to see the glitter of love and romance in her eyes. A pair of brilliantly sparkling gold and diamond earrings to add to her charm, a pearl jewellery set to symbolise what a perfect match she is for you, fashionable earrings, or a bracelet will make the ideal gift for your dearest one. A heart shaped necklace or a pendant can work wonders. Browse Holiday Gifts for Her Gifts for HimIf you are a loving and doting wife, surprise your husband with a piece of jewelry that means something special to him and is also a symbol of how much you adore him. A bracelet with small diamonds or a personal engraving, a fashionable and yet eye-catching ring, a pendant that denotes your love and affection for him, or a wrist watch would be an ideal choice for him. Check out Holiday Gifts for Him Children’s Gifts for the Festive SeasonWho else can make your life more meaningful, pleasant, and make you want to savor every moment? It is your precious children of course! Your gift should also be special, one they will treasure for life wrapped in beautiful memories. Bracelets made of gold with precious stones, or silver charm bracelets, or gold bracelets that have inscriptions of their names, special dates or a prayer are all great ideas. For your little girl, you can impress them with a sparkling chain or pair of earrings. Shower them with affection, love, and warmth with such beautiful gifts of fine jewelry! Shop Gifts for Children here Gift Ideas for Friends and Extended FamilyIf you have a reliable and understanding friend – you are incredibly lucky. He or she will stand by you, be it a happy occasion or a difficult time. Tell them how precious they are with a piece of jewelry for them or something special for their home. A pendant with precious stones, a pair of candlesticks, a designer silver name bracelet or a ring with their birthstones will spell how precious they are to you, though you can never express fully how you value them and their friendship. Your gift speaks volumes about how much they mean to you. Browse Gifts for friends and family here
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Here’s your Go-To Guide for Shabbat Traditions & Shabbat Essentials
Exodus 34:21: ‘Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest’. The Torah states that Shabbat is the day that God rested after creating the world; the word ‘Shabbat’ literally translates to ‘he rested’. Jews all around the world commemorate the Shabbat which begins every Friday night at sundown and continues until Saturday evening at sundown. The popular greeting is ‘Shabbat Shalom’ or the Yiddish version ‘Gut Shabbos’. People take time out from their busy schedules to relax and bond with their families – of course, festive food is a given (after all, we Jews take our meals very seriously!). Lighting of Candles Candles are lit just before sundown on Friday evening to usher in Shabbat. Customarily, the woman of the house performs this ceremony, but in her absence, anyone may do so. It is traditional to light at least 2 candles and then say the blessing for children, for wine and give thanks for the food. Most Jewish households have special candlesticks reserved for Shabbat lightings, which hold a place of pride on mantels or décor shelves on other days. Candlesticks are hence, one of the most popular Jewish gifts, being oft-used. Explore our exquisite range of candlesticks in sterling silver here. Eating Challah A specially braided bread is eaten on Friday night. It is customary to have 2 Challot (plural of Challah) on a Challah board, accompanied by a separate Challah knife and covered with cloth. This represents the double manna that fell from the sky for Israelis to eat. Many Jews love baking this in their homes, making a tradition of it. A part of the dough is set aside teaching us to give others first and stay humble. Challah Boards with Blessings and Knives are available here. Performing Kiddush Shabbat is traditionally sanctified with wine over which the Kiddush blessing is said. The last words of the brachah (blessing over wine) are ‘borei p’ri hagafen’, referring to the ‘fruit of the vine’. Hence, the wine for Kiddush is made with grapes. For all the children at the Shabbat table, grape juice is their drink! The wine for Shabbat also signifies celebration – of the Holy day of rest, of the family coming together after a week of hard work and thanking God for all his bountiful blessings. The Kiddush wine is customarily drunk from special Kiddush cups (most Jewish homes have these in silver). Shop for beautiful Kiddush cups here. The Havdalah We bid farewell to Shabbat with a bittersweet Havdalah ceremony. A distinctive candle is lit, wine is poured and sweet spices are used, over which the blessing is said. We sniff the spices in the hopes that their sweet smell is carried forward into the week ahead. The wine is then drunk and the candle doused to mark the end of Shabbat. Discover our range of Havdalah sets here Take time out and enjoy the simple pleasures of life that Shabbat has to offer. Our range of Shabbat essentials will surely make it all the more memorable for you. Shabbat Shalom!
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7 Jewish Wedding Ring Engraving Ideas
A wedding band is a treasure that is outshined by what it means…eternal romance. Wedding jewelry, especially the wedding ring, has special priority. Getting an engraving on the ring makes it so much more meaningful. You can get name initials, names, or the date of wedding inscribed, but lately, phrases or quotes that express the emotions of this special day are chosen. The wedding day is a mixture of happiness, love, some anxiety, and a dream come true. Here are some beautiful options for you: Ani Ledodi Vedodi Li (I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine)The perfect quote to describe your love for your partner – the one who will share your life. Taken from Solomon’s Song of Songs, it bears reference to the passionate love for God. The essence of a happy wedding is to abide by God’s will and do your best to all His creations. You cannot or should not think of what you get from your partner, but love your partner with all your heart and soul, be close to him or her at all times, and do your best. כי אל אשר תלכי אלך Ki el Asher Telchi Elech (For wherever you go, I shall go)A quote from Ruth which talks of devotion and love for the family. A romantic and meaningful quote from the verse, which goes on to say “we will be together forever, and our love will be gift of our life”. זה דודי וזה רעי Ze Dodi V’ze Re’ei (This is my beloved and this is my friend)On your wedding day, you both promise not to leave each other under any circumstances, to be together in happiness and sadness. This inscription is a perfect blend of both modern ideas and traditional concepts. It will certainly move your beloved as it is a strong message of your love. https://www.baltinesterjewelry.com/product/this-is-my-beloved-modern-wedding-band-silver-14k-yellow-gold/ Ahavat Olam Ahavtech (I have loved thee an eternal love)An inspiring and loving promise that you will continue to love your spouse now and always. https://www.baltinesterjewelry.com/product/white-gold-cutout-eternal-love-wedding-ring/ וארשתיך לי לעולם V’erasteech Li Le’Olam (And I Will Betroth Thee Unto Me Forever)This is a wedding promise that you both make to each other that you will remain loyal throughout your life and go hand in hand all through life with the same amount of love that you have for each other now. https://www.baltinesterjewelry.com/product/silver-14k-rose-gold-hebrew-betrothed-quote-narrow-ring/ מצאתי את שאהבה נפשי Matzati et Sh’Ahava Nafshi (I have found the one whom my soul loves)The words of this quote are romantic and deep. This phrase is also a classic reference to the pomegranate grown for thousands of years denoting the riche and deep symbolism with its seeds representing fertility, wisdom, prosperity, and righteousness. הרי את מקודשת לי Harei At Mekudeshet Li (Behold you are sanctified to me)A traditional Jewish wedding involves the groom saying to the bride that she is consecrated to him as his wife as per the laws of Israel and Moses. Such a pleasure it will be for her to ensure that she is designated as your wife in the name of God! A wedding jewel with this inscription will be loved by her as her life since it establishes her relationship to you as your beloved wife. Contact us for custom inscriptions and personalized engravings.
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Mother’s Day Gift – How to Select the Perfect One
Mother’s Day is coming up soon – it is that designated day of the year when you know you just have to tell your mom how special she is and how much you care. But how do you do it? What will you get her as a gift? Nothing measures up to the unending love that she has showered on you. After all, what can you get someone who’s changed your diapers, put up with your teenage shenanigans and given you the best pieces of advice to take you through life? Flowers and cake are fine but this year, make your mother smile with a gift she will treasure for life. Let us make this easy for you. You need to ask yourself 3 quick questions to decide what piece of jewelry would be ideal for your mother. 1. What is your mother like? Jewelry is for everyone but the style and personality of a person determines the kind of design you should go for. Does your mom prefer classic and timeless or trendy and contemporary? If your mother is all about understated elegance, you can opt for a Mother’s Day gift like a pair of pearl earrings or a diamond studded pendant. For the fashion-conscious mom, you can try jewelry with colourful gemstones like a bold cocktail ring or a chunky bracelet. 2. Does your mother have a favorite gemstone? If your mother likes colorful gemstones, think about a Mother’s Day gift with her choice of stone. You can opt for an emerald ring, a ruby pendant or a sapphire bracelet – the choices are endless. A great way to show a deeper connection is to gift jewelry studded with her birthstone. Alternatively, you could always go for diamond jewelry – after all, diamonds can make any woman smile! 3. Does your mother prefer a particular shade of gold? Gold is available in a variety of shades. If your mom likes it traditional, opt for a Mother’s Day gift in yellow gold. You can try jewelry in white gold for that contemporary touch. More recently, rose gold (also called pink gold) has come very popular for jewelry with a vintage look. Once you have you your answers to the above, we have some specific Mother’s Day jewelry gift ideas for you to look over: Mom Themed Jewelry – The one word that encompasses myriad emotions is ‘mom’. It’s all about patience, sacrifice, care, support, affection, and most importantly, its about love. A pendant or a ring with the word ‘mom’ engraved means so much. Heart Themed Jewelry – Nothing expresses love better than the world’s most recognised symbol, the heart. You can gift your mom a heart pendant or a charm bracelet with a heart to show your love. Key to the Heart Jewelry – You can take it up a notch by selecting a gift for your mother that features the “key to your heart” symbol. It expresses your love for your mother beautifully. Family Themed Jewelry – Necklaces that celebrate the whole family are a huge hit as Mother’s Day gifts. You can have a customized piece made with the names or initials of all the family members for her to wear. After all, a mother holds the full family together. New Mom Jewelry – For new mommies, pendants shaped like little boys or little girls with their names on it make excellent Mother’s Day gifts to celebrate this beautiful addition to their lives. Monogram Jewelry – A piece of jewelry that features your mother’s or your initials makes a thoughtful gift. A pendant with children’s initials is something precious to hold on to till a mother meets her children again. The most important thing to remember is to get your mom a Mother’s Day gift she will love and not something that just you love. Keep her taste in mind when selecting your mom’s jewelry gift. Browse our various jewelry collections and feel free to reach out if you need something customized – we will be happy to design a gift for mom!
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Jewish Wedding Traditions and Rituals 101
Marriages are made in heaven, by all means! Weddings are full of fun, excitement, anxiety, and anticipations. Filled with religious fervor and astonishing, meaningful customs, a Jewish wedding is indeed a feast – in all respects! Let’s take a look at some of the more popular customs at Jewish weddings. 1. Kabbalat Panim: The beginning of a Jewish wedding witnesses the bride sitting on a throne-like chair while friends and family greet and bless her. 2. Badeken: This ceremony involves the veiling of the bride by the groom. The veil is symbolic of the fact that beauty lies within. However beautiful the bride is, it is her character and soul that are most important in a marriage. Some also attribute the veil to the shine on the face of Moses which had to be covered and this shine can be seen on the face of every bride. 3. Chuppah: This is the marriage canopy which represents the home the couple will be building together. Many people use a tallit to construct it. The couple often choose the colour, size, and designs, often representing who they are. Many a times, the couple stand under the Chuppah while the corners are held up by friends and relatives. 4. Circling the Groom: This Jewish tradition symbolises the creation of a new home as the bride goes around the groom seven times. Seven is the kabbalistic number denoting completion and means that the couple has completed the soul’s search for its mate. 5. Kiddushin: The betrothal ceremony during which the groom presents the bride a ring, a gold band of circular shape that symbolizes everlasting marriage. It also includes the groom’s recitation of the phrase, “Behold, by this ring you are consecrated to me as my wife according to the laws of Moses and Israel.” A Jewish wedding ring is traditionally placed on the right index finger of the bride. After the ceremony, she can move it to the ring finger. A Jewish wedding band may be a simple metal circlet without any gemstones or other decorations. The bridegroom need not buy a very expensive one. It is said that a ‘single perutah’ or the smallest denomination of ancient coinage is sufficient to buy a Jewish wedding band. However, modern day couples like to give this piece of jewelry special meaning by adding personalized messages, engraving their love vows etc on their Jewish wedding bands.View our collection of Jewish Wedding Rings here. 6. Ketubah: This denotes the responsibilities and commitments of the groom to the bride. It is read out and signed by two witnesses, and again read under the Chuppah. 7. Nissu’in: The Nissuin ceremony is the recitation of seven blessings, called the Sheva Berakhot, describing the themes of Jewish marriage. The ceremony concludes when the groom (or sometimes both of them) shatters a glass in memory of the Temple’s destruction. The 7 blessings are recited to mark the end of the wedding ceremony. A cup of wine is seen during the seven blessings, when the rabbi is reciting the same. Then the couple drinks from the Kiddush cup. It is said that one should never recite two prayers over one cup. So, two wine glasses are preferred for using and refilling. The glasses are an essential part of any Jewish wedding. It is better to consult the officiant or rabbit about the number of wine glasses needed for purchasing. 8. Seudah: This is the part most guests are waiting for! What is a wedding without a grand feast following the ceremonies! The couple enjoys the festive meal with their families and friends. Wine Fountains – A NEW Addition!A Kiddush Cup fountain is of late found in the Jewish weddings. It is said to represent a Jewish ideal reimagined for modernity. It occupies a large table with friends and family expressing their faith in tradition. It goes to show the Jewish people’s ability to adapt and continue to follow and pass on their tradition with such objects which denote the past and future. Several modern-day Jewish weddings have a special corner for wine fountains!
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