What Choices will you find when in Search for a Menorah?

So we have discussed Menorah candles. but Candles without a menorah is not really worth anything. So let's discuss the many menorah options one will accounter while shopping for one.

Sterling silver menorahs - Sterling silver menorahs, as you can imagine, are pretty expensive. The cheapest on I could find was a sterling silver menorah manufactured by Hazorfim, an Israeli Judaica silver manufacturer, and goes for $225.00. The most expensive I was able to find was this sterling silver menorah for $6,800. But unless you win a fortune overnight, I don't believe you would want to spend this amount.

Then there is the regular aluminum menorah or glass menorah collections. Glass menorahs are very nice and are a beautiful choice when you want to buy a menorah on the lower costing range, but want to get something nice. Glass menorahs come in many different designs, featuring modern paintings, or mixed with brass, gold etc. I personally love the glass menorahs very much and have bought one in the past. When searching for a nice but low cost Hanukkah gift, I would certainly have a glass menorah among my choices.

We will cover aluminum menorahs at our next posting and also continue to other menorah choices.

Is Hanukkah Gift Giving a Traditional Custom?

The Hanukkah gift giving is a new concept that has evolved out of the Hanukkah gelt giving tradition. In the past times, Hanukkah gelt (Yiddish for "money") was distributed to children to enhance their enjoyment of the Hanukkah holiday. (The amount given was usually in small coins, although grandparents or other relatives may give larger sums as an official Hanukkah gift. In Israel, Hanukkah gelt is known as dmei Hanukkah. Many Hasidic Rebbes distribute coins to those who visit them during Hanukkah. Hasidic Jews consider this to be an auspicious blessing from the Rebbe, and a segulah for success.)

Since Hanukkah falls on the same time as Christmas, it has led to the expansion of the gelt giving tradition to gift giving tradition. There are many different things that one can buy to present as Hanukkah gifts such as a Hanukkah menorah, Hanukkah decorations or just year round productss such as Jewish books or ordinary Judaica. You might also want to give an exquisite Hanukkah gift baskets.

Cold weather is coming along and this means Chanukah shopping is around the corner.

With the Succot holiday gone, one can only think of the next Jewish Holiday to seek some comfort in these cold days. As much as this warmth derived from holidays was needed in the past, this year with the economic turmoil and uncertainty it can be even called a life saver.

How I wait for the Chanukah days! For the days that I will be able to sit next to the Chanukah candles and mesmerize the ambiance radiating from these wonderful Menorah Candles.

What is so wonderful in the Hanukkah Candles that gets me and all other Jewish people feeling uplifted? I will do my research and write down my findings in the upcoming days. However, off-hand, it's the candles that symbolizes the victory of the Jewish people over the wicked Greek Empire that gets us in a high spirit. A spirit that can warm us even in these trying times.

Immunotec Research Vitamins, Are they Kosher?

We have been receiving lately inquireis about the Immunotec Research Vitamins, if they are kosher or not. The most common vitamins that were a concenr were the:

• Immunocal, a whey supplement.
  
• Immunocal Platinum, A bonded cysteine dietary supplement with Minerals and Creatine.


• Prycena, a high concentration of dairy calcium, fiber shake.


• Xtra Sharp, an all natural tonic

As much as we researched these vitamins we could not ascertain if they are kosher. We have learned that Immunotec Research does have a Immunocal product certified kosher, however we don't know from which Kashruth Agency it received it's kosher certification.

Shabbat Candle Lighting - The Blessing for Shabbat Candle Lighting

Shabbat Candle Lighting

Shabbat Candle Lighting is something that is fulfilled by Jewish women with awe. When a women wants to accept upon herself to fulfill the commandments in a Jewish Religious women's life, the first step would be to instruct her to light the Shabbat candles. Lighting the Shabbat candle can be done with any candlesticks, however the feeling is much greater and much more in depth when lighting with a Jewish Shabbat Candlesticks Set. Many Candlesticks are available today on the Judaica market, featuring from traditional shabbat candlesticks to the more modern candlesticks. At the following link can be found a large selection of Jewish Shabbat Candlesticks at a great price.

Instructions for Shabbat Candle lighting

First light the candles. Then spread your hands out around the candles, drawing your hands inward in a circular motion three times to indicate the acceptance of the sanctity of Shabbat. You then cover your eyes and recite the following blessing:

Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sho-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Sha-bos Ko-desh.

Translation:
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat.
Uncover your eyes and behold the Shabbat lights.

The time of lighting is considered especially propitious for praying to G-d for health and happiness. The prayer is readily acceptable because it is offered during the performance of this great mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles.

The Shabbat candles must be lit 18 minutes before sunset. It is prohibited and is a desecration of the Shabbat to light the candles after sunset.

Handmade Gluten Free Shmurah Matzah Available

Handmade Gluten Free Shmurah Matzah

We just learned that Handmade Gluten Free Shmurah matzah made with oat flour and contains no wheat, is now available for sale. For more information visit this link: Gluten Free handmade Shmrah Matzah.

We welcome your comments and reviews on this special gluten free matzah and reviews on all other handmade matzah and non handmade matzah.

We just found a great kosher Gluten Free blog on the web!

New Kosher Vitamin C Released by Maxi Health Research

New Maxi Health Kosher Vitamin C

Maxi Health Research has realeased a new Kosher Vitamin C, Pureway-C® (500 mg) with Bioflavonoids (250 mg).





Supports a healthy immune system.Pureway-C® -lipid metabolites are more rapidly taken-up and absorbed by cells than other forms of vitamin C.The Most Advanced Form of Vitamin C Available.
PureWay C by Maxi Health is an exciting new form of Vitamin C that contains vitamin C-lipid metabolites. This form of Maxi Health vitamin C enhances delivery, availability, absorption, distribution, uptake, concentration, and utilization efficacy of essential vitamin C in the body.





PureWay-C also mayprolong blood plasma and tissue retention of vitamin C. Maxi Health PureWay-C Max is in a vegetarian capsules is a combination of PureWay-C with lemon bioflavanoids. PureWay-C® is natural and can be taken in large doses without causing gastric upset. Maxi Health PureWay C is Combined with 250 mg. of lemon bioflavanoids, PureWay-C® Max provides powerful antioxidant support for your body in times of stress and protects against free radical damage. Try PureWay-C® Max, it is gentle on your system.