Great Jewish Holiday Gifts - Hanukkah 2009

Jewish Holiday Gifts

Crafting Jewish - a Great gift for kids

For kids who can’t get enough of arts and crafts, Rivky Koenig’s “Crafting Jewish: Fun Holiday Crafts and Party Ideas for the Whole Family” (Mesorah Artscroll Publications, Regular $29.99 at HHJudaica.com for $23.99) is an ideal choice. The book features innovative art projects for children and adults, as well as simple holiday food recipes. In easy-to-follow instructions, aspiring artists can make clay dreidel charm jewelry, glowing glass menorahs, challah covers and Lucite mezuzahs.

Hanukkah Latkes

For the uninitiated, latkes are delicious potato pancakes; one of the foods associated with the Hanukkah holiday. Making them right can be a lot of work, and messy, too. So the busy host on your list may appreciate a gift of delicious latkes.

Chocolate Coins - Hanukkah Gelt

Hanukkah gelt (Yiddish for "money") is often distributed to children to enhance their enjoyment of the holiday. The amount is usually in small coins. Today, chocolate gelt coins are available and is appreciated by kids and adults alike.

Why Do Jewish Men Cover Their Heads?

What is a kippah?
A kippah is the Hebrew word for skullcap, also referred to in Yiddish as a yarmulke, or less frequently as a koppel. Jewish law requires men to cover their heads as a sign of respect and reverence for G‑d when praying or speaking G‑d's name while reciting a blessing, during study, and while in a synagogue or yeshiva. This practice has its roots in biblical times, where the priests in the Temple were instructed to cover their heads.

Traditionaly, Jewish men and boys wear the kippah at all times, a symbol of their awareness of, and submission to, a "higher" entity. There is no requirement either biblically nor explicitly stated in the Talmud that this practice be followed although the practice is noted in the Talmud. Yet, through the ages it became an accepted Jewish custom, which, according to the majority of halachic authorities, makes it mandatory. One should, therefore, not walk or even sit, bareheaded. Small children should also be taught to cover their heads.

Even those who do not wear a head covering at all times, will cover it as a sign of respect when attending religious services such as at a cemetery, a shiva house, or a wedding.

Many Jewish men and boys wear a kippah even while wearing a hat. The rational is that when the hat is removed either for comfort or politeness, the head remains covered.

While most chassidic Jews wear the traditional black kippah, many Jews will wear kippot (plural form of kippah) of various colors or designs. During the High Holidays, many wear white kippot. Some communities have developed kippah designs that are highly intricate works of art, such as the yemenite kippahs.

Sposored by AigenEyes.com

The famed Aigen eyewear manufacturer has begun importing their eyewear to the United States. I am glad to be able to shop them local and no longer need to wait for my next trip to Italy.

Hanukkah Candles

I got today ahead of time and ordered Hanukkah Candles for my menorah. The candles looked very good and I can't wait to get them.

Kosher Catering Lakewood New Jersey

I had the privilage to atend a bar Mitzvah at the beautiful newly renovated Solomon Suites Hotel in Lakewood NJ, and I must say that this is the place to choose for small parties. the food is kosher certified by the KCL, Lakewood's Orthodox Kashrus Vaad, and it was really delicious. The Solomon Catering is one of the first kosher catering in Lakewood New Jersey and it is noticeable in their service and by their delicious food.

Can't wait to attend another affair catered by the Solomon's.

Solomon Suites Hotel in Lakewood

Got to spend sometime this past week in Lakewood, NJ and stayed in the Solomon Suites Hotel. I must tell you that I really enjoyed my stay. The rooms where clean and the service was great, I will definitely come back to them on my next stay in Lakewood New Jersey.

New Natural Health Answers Blog

I just got to see this great blog http://naturalhealthanswer.blogspot.com/ . It has great answers to commonly asked health questions. This blog however is not related to the Jewish or kosher industry