Jewish Birth Gifts
In a traditional Jewish family, the birth of a child brings great joy but also involves expectations of the child and the family. Well-wishers often bestow the traditional blessing "may the child grow to Torah, marriage and good deeds" when they bring a birth gift. Some well-wishers present a gift that conveys the message that the baby's extended family and community wish to see the child grow to become a proud and involved Jew.
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Tzdekkah Box
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Some individuals follow the tradition of bringing a tzdekka box as a present for a new Jewish baby to encourage the child to develop the habit of giving charity. The commandment to give "tzedakah" (charity) comes to the Jewish people through many Torah verses. God commands the Children of Israel to care for the poor and defenseless on a number of occasions throughout the Old Testament and mandates that Jews tithe, or donate 10 percent of their income to charity. Many Jewish families keep a small box in a central place in their home so that they can educate their children about the importance of giving tzdekkah by having the children put coins in the box at frequent intervals from an early age.
Siddur
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Jewish children who grow up in a traditional Jewish home begin to hear prayers from an early age and receive encouragement to participate as soon as they can speak. Parents involve the children in the morning ritual of washing hands with the "Modei'i Ani" prayer from infancy, washing the baby's hands and saying the prayer for them until they learn to do it themselves. As the children become toddlers, the parents say simple morning prayers with them until the child can proceed independently. A beautiful and meaningful birth gift can include a children's "siddur," or prayer book, that involves the child in prayer at a child's level. These siddurs feature large text and attractive photos that illustrate Jewish prayers. You can buy a siddur for daily prayer or special machzors (holiday prayer books) or a Passover Hagaddah for the Jewish holidays.
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Amulet
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Although some rabbinical authorities argue that Judaism does not encourage superstition and use of amulets as blessings for good fortune, many Jewish families connect to amulets and place amulets in a baby's crib to ward off the Evil Eye. Some gifts may include an amulet containing verses from the "Tehillim," or Book of Psalms, while others may take the form of the hamsa, a stylized hand that, according to Sephardic (Mediterranean and North African) Jewish tradition, wards off evil spirits.
Songs and Videos
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A religious Jewish family will want to imbue their child with Jewish traditions, customs and knowledge from an early age. Many lively and entertaining childrens' materials provide educational and enjoyable viewing and listening for a Jewish child. Baby gifts may include multi-media selections from the Chabad shop, CDs and DVDs from the Uncle Moishey collection or Shalom Sesame (Street) videos.
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