Jewish Gifts and Knowledge

There are always the classic gifts to consider when you are invited to a Jewish wedding ceremony. If the couple is religious, it is sometimes risky to stray too far from the ordinary. So, if you receive an invitation to attend a Jewish wedding, consider these Jewish wedding gifts to give:

• Candle stick holders: in a religious home, these will be used every Friday and Saturday, so a good pair is essential. However, you can make the Sabbath extra special for the soon-to-be wedded couple if you find a pair of candle stick holders that have extra flare, elegance or design. Ones covered in sparkles or gems may be beautiful, or others that feature a colorful pattern. You can also go very simply and elegance with sterling silver holders that stand tall and stylish. Traditionally, the mizvot of lighting the candles on the Sabbath is the mother’s responsibility, so it is just fine if the candle stick holders you find have a bit of a girly design.
• Mezuzah: every Jewish home must have a mezuzah on their front door post, if not on every door in the house. You can find unique mezuzahs with fun prints and designs on them, or elegance ones with abstract designs that can sometimes take up six to 10 inches on one’s wall! Find one that can be engraved with the couple’s wedding date and names or find a simple one that speaks of elegance and happy occasions. The couple can never have too many of these, since religious couples need one for every room in the house.
• Menorah: the eight- tiered candle holder for Hanukah is a popular gift because everyone celebrates this holiday and everyone needs a menorah in order to do so. The styles of menorahs that are available today are endless: fun cartoons, stylish sterling silver casings, tv themed menorahs, classic looking menorahs, artsy abstract menorahs and even personalized menorahs. Choose one that reminds you of the soon to be wedded couple so they can use it during that special time of year and keep it on display in home year round.

Shopping for Jewish gifts is not a difficult task, but finding the right piece that is truly unique may require a bit more time than usual. Just be sure to scout out all your options before making your choice. In the end, so long as you have put genuine thought into the mission, the lucky couple will be extremely grateful no matter what!

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Many modern brides spend countless hours picking out the perfect bridal gown for the big day. After the special gown has been chosen, the crowning glory is the perfect veil that sits atop her pristine hairdo and acts as the finishing touch to her bridal ensemble.

What many modern brides do not realize is that they have the traditional Jewish wedding ceremony to thank for that long veil and for adding to the eternal alluring mystery of the classic beautiful bride.

It is believed that the tradition of wearing the veil started when Jacob, son of Rebekah, went looking for his mother’s brother, Laban. Upon arrival, Jacob met Laban’s youngest daughter, Rachel, while she was tending to a lamb. The Torah describes Rachel to be “lovely in form and beautiful” and not long after meeting her, Jacob fell in love.

He then asked Laban for permission to marry Rachel. Laban then agreed to give his daughter’s hand in marriage in exchange for seven years of servitude. Jacob agreed and the Torah goes on to explain that he was so in love with Rachel that those seven years seemed like only days. When the Jewish wedding ceremony was finally upon them, Laban was up to a scheme.

He dressed his oldest daughter, Leah, in a wedding dress and covered her face with a veil. He then sent her to the chupah (wedding canopy) to marry Jacob. The next morning, Jacob woke up to realize the switch and was very angry with Laban, who rationalized the scheme by explaining the importance of the oldest daughter marrying first.

Jacob then negotiated to work for Laban for another seven years in exchange for Rachel’s hand in marriage. Laban agrees and Jacob delivers his end of the promise once more. In the end, Rachel and Jacob finally partake in the traditional Jewish wedding ceremony that united them together in their love for eternity.

The Torah tells us of a beautiful story about love and romance and deceit. In honor of Rachel, the tradition of covering a bride’s face with a veil was created and has lasted thousands of years to even grace the traditions of the modern bride. Although veils now range in every color, material and length, the concept got its roots in the Jewish religion.

Every time you see a bride and her veil, think of Jacob and Rachel, whose love was strong enough to withstand 14 years of simply waiting for one another and who is deemed as one of the most romantic couples of the Torah.

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