Gifts for a Jewish Consecration
For many reform Jews a consecration marks the beginning of a child's Jewish education. These ceremonies are usually done for children in kindergarten or first grade who are just beginning formal instruction in the faith. While a consecration is not as big as a bar or bat mitzvah, if you are invited to a consecration it is a nice gesture to give a small gift.
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Hebrew Name Jewelry
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Even if a child is not given a Hebrew name at birth she usually chooses her own or is given one by the time she is consecrated because that is often the name she will be called at Sunday school and later Hebrew school. Having jewelry engraved with the child's Hebrew name in Hebrew is one way for him to identify with the name and it's fun to have your name in another language on jewelry. You can have the name engraved on or cut out of silver or gold at many jewelry stores.
Personalized Prayer Book
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Often at consecration the Jewish community will provide a copy of a prayer book for use during services that has the child's Hebrew name on the spine or cover. If the community doesn't give one or they only give one type of prayer book it is a symbolic gesture to give one of these. It is important to check with the child's parents to make sure they will not be receiving one already before getting this kind of gift. If they are given a prayer book already, you can provide a book of psalms to complement it.
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Tali
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A tali is a shawl used for prayer. Many people don't use one but having one can make a child excited to attend services and participate in religious activities because it is used exclusively for prayer and nothing else. If you have a temple with a store it may carry these or have a place from which to order them. Because they have specific tassels and decorations for use during services and prayer it is a good idea to order one made specifically for this purpose.
Star of David
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The star of David is a well-known symbol of Judaism that even young children are familiar with. As a consecration gift, jewelry with the Star of David on it is a gift that children can wear for a very long time and will appreciate as it's a small way to tell the world that they are proud of being Jewish. Boys may like a pendant necklace instead of a delicately shaped one or a yarmulka with the Star of David on it but the best way to find out what will be most appreciated is to ask the child's parents what they might prefer.
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