9.09.2009

Although Judaica is crafted in gold and silver with precious stones, pure silver has been the common material for crafting Judaica. The different types of crafts available in silver are filigree work and hammering out designs in silver and crafting beautiful, intricate designs. Judaica is highly appreciated and much in demand while Christie's and Sotheby's have opened a separate auction for Judaica. The silver Judaica objects have been created with delicate filigree work, hammered out designs on silver which is a special art and requires expertise in this craft. Whether you intend buying silver Judaica for its sacredness or for collecting, make sure what you buy is authentic.

Judaica is the collective term given to any product, religious articles or even literature that is related to Jewish religion. Judaica is always in great demand worldwide as the religion has spread its wings and though the center is still Jeruselum, people who follow the religion reside in all countries. The demand of Judaica is sometimes for its sacredness while some collect it as a hobby.

Although Judaica is crafted in gold and silver with precious stones, pure silver has been the common material for crafting Judaica. The range of religious products range from Besamim, wine decanters, candlesticks, Etrong boxes, Hanukahs, honey dishes, jewelry, sculptures, Yad torah pointers, liquor cups, menorahs, Mezuzzot, Seder trays and bowls to washing basins. With a variety of religious products associated with the Jewish religion, silver can be molded to serve the specific requirement. Silver is one of the noble metals, which has been widely used for its precious and versatile features. The different types of crafts available in silver are filigree work and hammering out designs in silver and crafting beautiful, intricate designs.

Usually the artifacts and antiques date back to 17th to 19th century, which are in private collections worldwide. Judaica is highly appreciated and much in demand while Christie's and Sotheby's have opened a separate auction for Judaica.

The silver Judaica objects have been created with delicate filigree work, hammered out designs on silver which is a special art and requires expertise in this craft. Some of the craftsmen who create these exquisite pieces of art have been doing these for centuries passing down the craft from one generation to the next. The demand shall always be there but the designs keep changing according to the changing times. The traditional designs on the Judaica especially the grapes, city of Jerusalem and other conventional designs are famous while the new designs are made keeping in mind the trends worldwide.

Judaica can be bought over the internet and in stores across the world. Although there are stores that claim to sell genuine silver you should go in for those who have carved a name for themselves or get the products checked by an authority of antiques or silver. Reputed buyers always have returning policies and give a guarantee n the products sold. In case, you have a doubt it is always better to see the product before you buy it, especially antique Judaica. Whether you intend buying silver Judaica for its sacredness or for collecting, make sure what you buy is authentic.

Unique Jewish Gifts & Judaica

More than two thousand years ago the Jewish nation was largely expelled from the land of Israel. Since then, Jewish people have been scattered around the world, forced to create their own communities in exile. Throughout history, Diaspora Jews have lived mainly in Europe, some Arab countries, and, after the 20 th century immigration wave, also America. Many European Jews came back to the land of Israel after World War Two and established the state of Israel as a home for all Jews.

Jewish communities around the world have been influenced by the diverse cultures to which they were exposed. Inevitably, certain elements have integrated into the Jewish culture. At the same time, common narrative and symbols have preserved the unity of the Jewish people. In recent years, Judaica was developed as a popular way to express Jewish identity through art.

The Jewish narrative tells the history of a people that has always felt and expressed a deep nostalgia to the Jewish homeland and a strong connection to the Jewish heritage. In many places around the world, Jews were prosecuted because of their religious faith and lifestyle. Nonetheless, Jewish people all around the world stuck to their collective identity. Such Jewish motifs as the menorah or the Tallit (Jewish prayer shawl) have played a major role in preserving the religious, cultural and national identities of the Jewish Diaspora.

Supported by local and global interest and demand, today's Judaica artists embrace these elements in their work. Contemporary Judaica artists turn traditional religious articles, such as Shabbat candlesticks, into an artistic expression of faith. Judaica artists recreate ancient Jewish objects through a contemporary process, giving it a modern perspective. Unlike in previous eras, current Judaica artists offer bold and sometime even controversial interpretations of religious symbols. How about a mezuzah case that looks like a spaceship?

Through their artworks, Judaica designers seem to claim that even in our secular modern society, Judaism is still relevant and dynamic. These Judaica artworks cross the boundaries of the traditional assumptions about religious objects as simple and grave. Todays' Judaica artists make people think outside the box. Indeed, it is the sign of true art if people cannot remain indifferent to it.

In addition to causing this de-familiarization, the designers often choose to treat the ancient tradition with humor by using bright and cheery colors in their works. Such designs help the artwork stand out and delight the eye. In addition to owning the pieces for personal enjoyment, people love to give Judaica art as gifts that are original, decorative but also practical. For example, such gifts as designed Tallits, Hanukah menorahs, Torah pointers or candlesticks for a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah mark important moments in the lives of the receivers and symbolize transition into more active roles in religious life.

The combination of elements might explain the growing popularity of Judaica art in the last few years. Many Judaica items clearly reflect the ongoing changes in the modern Jewish society. Today, it is more common to find handmade Tallits that are designed for women. Another new ritualistic item is the Miriam's Cup. The Cup is p laced on the Seder table beside the traditional Cup of Elijah. Miriam's Cup reflects the significance of women in the story of Exodus. The water that fills the cup symbolizes Miriam's Well – a miraculous source of water that saved the Israelites in the desert. These new rituals are a reflection of a larger trend in many religious societies across the world today – a gradual evolution from patriarchy and embrace of modern and socially-conscious values, especially among the reforms.

Judaica art is not limited to religious articles. The Star of David that decorates the Tallit, also appears on the national flag of the state of Israel. Many Judaica designs incorporate this famous Jewish symbol. The Star of David has become a popular motif in Jewish jewelry making as so many people enjoy expressing their strong connection to the state of Israel.