Traditional Jewish Wedding & Anniversary Gifts
Jewish wedding gifts often provide a young couple with beautiful accessories to enhance their observance of the Sabbath and other holidays. These ritual objects can be expensive, and may be difficult for a couple to purchase, especially if they are just starting out in a new home. As objects that are shared by the couple in their enjoyment of the Sabbath celebration, they are also appropriate as anniversary gifts.
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Sabbath Candlesticks
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The Sabbath is inaugurated with the ritual lighting of two candles, and special candelabra are made for this purpose. Silver is the favored metal, although any material is acceptable. As the family grows, the couple may adopt a tradition of lighting an additional candle for each child, so a multi-branched candelabra is appropriate as an anniversary gift.
Kiddush Set
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The first and second meals of the Sabbath begin with a formal goblet of wine and the recitation of a special benediction called "kiddush." During the benediction, the wine is shared with everyone at the table; thus, a popular wedding gift is a set of matching goblets that allows the couple to celebrate this ritual with dignity and beauty.
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Challah Board and Cover
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Breaking bread at the Sabbath table requires the preparation of two loaves of challah bread, usually presented on a special board and covered with an embroidered cloth. Both the board and cover are often decorated with the words "le-kavod Shabbat kodesh," meaning "in honor of the holy Sabbath." Challah boards and covers make excellent gifts for Jewish newlyweds.
Havdalah Set
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At the end of the Sabbath, the departure of the holiday is celebrated with a complex ritual involving a goblet of wine, a candle with many wicks, and a container of sweet-smelling spices. This ritual, called "havdalah," or separation, provides an excellent opportunity for gift sets. The central item in the set is the spice box, and the candle holder and goblet are usually designed to match. Traditional designs feature tower-like structures decorated with tiny silver flags.
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References
- Photo Credit Laetitia Bouaziz @ Judaica image by Laetitia Bouaziz from Fotolia.com
