Breaking a cup in a marriage ceremony was originally cited in the Talmud, and the reason given is that we should limit our joy and laughter in this world, presumably until Messiah comes.
Nevertheless, the Talmud attaches importance to the cup’s shape and value. The Talmud describes breaking very valuable glass cups, which is not commonly done nowadays. Nevertheless, breaking a very expensive cup is liable to be a little depressing!
Is your wedding day coming up? Is one of your children getting married soon? Is a close friend to be wed? If you answered ‘KEN!’ to either of these questions, congratulations!
With a close wedding coming up, you can probably feel that rush of excitement coursing through your veins.
As we grow older our appreciation and gratitude towards the kind people who brought us into this world enhances. We grow up in the home our parents built for us after years of dreaming about a family, we are that dream come true. Hand painted drawings made by our younger selves and our children still decorate our parents’ fridge, showing the talent being passed from one generation to another.
Think of the last time you went to a fun jewish wedding; It always starts with that ever so emotional chuppah, the excited chassan concentrating on breaking the glass underfoot, the rabbi reading the ketubah, and of course, the momentous chanting that forever keeps our holy city of Jerusalem in our heads and hearts - “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem”. Who amongst us hasn’t shed a tear or added an agreeing nod upon hearing these timeless words, and at such an important moment - the finishing statement of the chuppah.
The commentary, Tikun Tephillah, explains that we don’t find the term, “Tefillin” used anywhere in the Bible. The earliest mention of this term is in the Mechiltah and in the Tanchumah, written about 100 years before the destruction of the second Temple. The word’s source is תפל, meaning tightly attached, as we see in Ezekiel, where it says, "והנם טחים אותו תפל", i.e. they are plastering something snugly. Another example is in the Talmud, where it says that a woman prefers one portion (of wealth), together with a close relationship with her husband, rather than nine portions by herself. This name, “Tefillin", explains why we wear Tefillin, (or “Totafot”, Ornaments, as the Torah calls them). We wear a Sign to show us that we are set apart from other nations and that we cleave to G-d.
The Shulchan Aruch gives another reason for this, i.e. that we go from a lower holiness to a higher one - Tefillin. In the Beit Yosef he gives yet another reason, that whatever is done more regularly takes precedence. Since we don’t lay Tefillin every day but do wear Tzitzit and a Talit every day, then the latter take precedence. In addition to all this, the Siddur Otsar Hatephilot notes that the Mitzvah of Tzitzit is equivalent to all the other Mitzvot, as opposed to Tefillin. Therefore, the former takes precedence.
On October 2nd 1977, Dusty Baker and Glenn Burke of the Los Angeles Dodgers professional baseball team, in celebration of Mr. Baker’s 30th home run of the season, gave each other the first documented “High Five”, unawares of the undying fad they had kicked off. Neither did they know that they were, in practice, tapping into an age-old symbol of safety and good fortune – the “Hamsa”, which is seeing a massive revival as a signal of hope and peace in the modern world.
A Kiddush cup is called a “Kos Shel Brochoh”, i.e. a cup with wine that we bless over.
There are many occasions that we bless over wine, not just Kiddush. Although we make Kiddush twice on Shabbat and festival days, morning and evening, we also use a Kiddush cup when Shabbat or festivals end, to make Havdalah and to differentiate between Shabbat and the rest of the week.
Tzedakah. Translated by some as “charity”, by others as “philanthropy” and by others yet as “giving”. The truth, the “Emet” is that “Tzedakah” embodies all of these and more, and Tzedakah boxes, those small plain or ornate boxes kept in homes and places of business, allow us to perform the important mitzvah of Tzedakah at any time and nearly any place, anonymously providing for those in need.
As we all know, Pesach (Passover) is a very special festival, not to mention a very busy time beforehand!
However, the height of Pesach are the Seder nights, and very exciting, especially for kids. We have Four Cups, a Seder plate, interesting stories, an Afikomen, and presents, not to mention a time when families get together, often with interesting guests.
Tzedakah boxes are wonderful gifts for new baby, bar/bat mitzvah, wedding, new home, or just because.
Shavuot is known as the "Festival of Weeks" as we celebrate 7 weeks from Passover, when Moses received the Ten Commandments at Mt.Sinai.
Support Israel and purchase Israeli Products whenever you have the opportunity!
Shalom House Fine Judaica has a variety of elegant gifts with the Biblical Quote (Proverbs 31:10-31) That Is Traditionally Sung By A Husband To His Wife On Friday Night. The Woman Of Valor Is A Wonderful Gift From A Husband To Wife For An Anniversary, Engagement Or Wedding Gift. It Is Also An Excellent Presentation Gift To Honor A Woman Of Valor as a presentation gift.
We just finished celebrating Purim and now it is time to get ready for Passover! Do you have everything you need for your Passover Seder?
A tradition at Shalom House Fine Judaica during this time of year is not only to purchase items such as books, stickers, games and graggers for Mishloach Manot to give to family and friends, but to stop by to taste David's famous Hamantashen.
Love is in the air at Shalom House Fine Judaica. All love pieces in stock are 20% off through February 14
CHAI SALE GOING ON THROUGH JANUARY 31. 20% OFF ALL ITEMS WITH A CHAI. Visit us in Store to see all the beautiful items we have with a chai.
Everything you need for Hanukkah-We are your one stop shop!
Get into the Chanukah spirit with inflatable goodness. These outrageously awesome blow up decorations are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use so you can either brighten your home, school, and shul.
Our Annual Menorah Sale is going on strong. All Menorot in store and in stock are 20% off through December 20, 2017.
We are excited to offer products by Ofek Wertman, who is an artist, designer, and animator. He is the second generation to a family of artists. His creations are original and colorful, combining industrial design with graphic design and employing various printing techniques on different materials.
A wonderful time of year to celebrate in your own Sukkah with family and friends or to visit someone's Sukkah.
Rosh Hashana begins the eve of September 20.
Happy Mother's Day! Stop on by before you see Mom and bring her flowers and love that will last forever!
assover haggadah inspired by J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter illustrates an analogy between the global best-seller's main character and the biblical story of the Exodus.
