Gifts for a Jewish Baby Boy

A silver kiddush cup with a handle makes a nice gift for a Jewish baby boy.

The birth of a baby boy marks a new period in the life of a Jewish couple. If the proud parents have committed themselves to raising their son according to their Jewish faith, he will have a bris, also called a "brit milah" or ritual circumcision, on the eighth day after his birth. Guests who attend often bring gifts reflecting the child's Jewish heritage.

Ritual Objects

Many Jewish ritual objects often come in child-friendly sizes or versions. A kiddish cup, used to bless wine or, in a child's case, grape juice, on the Sabbath and festivals, may have a handle added so a toddler can easily grasp it. The cup can be inscribed with the child's Hebrew name, embellished with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet or engraved with a phrase such as "yeled tov," Hebrew for "good boy." The biblical story of Noah's ark lends itself to a number of objects, such as a mezuzah, which is the case containing specific text from the Book of Deuteronomy that is hung on the doorpost of a home or room, or a Hanukkah menorah. A tzedakah box, used to hold coins to be donated to charity, also lends itself to child-friendly themes.

Jewish Books

Jews sometimes refer to themselves as "People of the Book," a phrase originally ascribed to them by Muslims because the Jews had a revealed scripture that predated the Koran. Add to the baby boy's library by gifting him with books reflecting his Jewish heritage. Board books and picture books about every major holiday exist. The books about the young Jewish character Sammy the Spider appeal to young children. If you prefer a more lighthearted approach, give a translation of a classic children's book, such as "Laila Tov, Yareyach" or "Chatul Taalul," which are "Goodnight, Moon" or "The Cat in the Hat," respectively.

Embellished Bibs

A baby, Jewish or not, boy or girl, can never have too many bibs. Bibs reflecting a baby boy's heritage make a whimsical gift. Instead of a bib saying "Grandma loves me," try for one that says "I love my Bubbe," which is Yiddish for "grandmother." Visit a Judaica store or a synagogue gift shop to find bibs for baby's first Hanukkah, Passover, or Purim. You can even decorate a bib yourself with nontoxic fabric paint to add a homemade touch; for example, a good bib for Purim, the holiday described in the Book of Esther, would be one saying "I Spit on Haman."

Plant a Tree

If the newborn boy already has everything he needs or you want to honor the birth with a charitable donation, consider planting a tree in Israel. The Jewish National Fund (JNF) has handled arrangements to plant trees for longer than the State of Israel has existed. When you plant a tree, you can choose from an assortment of certificates to commemorate the event. The Children's Forest, Rejoice or Circle of Life certificates are all suitable choices. Another particularly appropriate option is the blue Wings of Peace certificate, which the JNF notes is "perfect for honoring a birth."

References

• "Medieval Jewish Civilization"; Norman Roth; 2002
• Jewish National Fund: About JNF