I recently discovered the best, and most unusual Mitzvah gifts you can imagine. Not only are the gifts unique and special, but also in purchasing these gifts you will be helping to provide much need assistance to victims of terror in Israel.
Don’t just give any old Mitzvah gift! Give “The” Mitzvah gift. Your loved one will cherish this for all time as they remember what price has been paid for Israel to even exist. Give a timeless Mitzvah gift, give a piece of Jewish history.
Who doesn’t try to remember that sight most every week, when your mother stood glowing, lighting the Shabbat candles within the gorgeous family silver candle holders? The candle holders, like the Kiddush cups, are a symbol which is highly recognized with Judaism; always bring back sweet memories of warmth, light, happiness and family.
Why Do We Light Them?
The Jewish tradition states that in every household, candles should be lit at the beginning of every Shabbat and Jewish holiday. Although it has long become the custom that the women light the candles, when there are only men, they can light the candles as well. One of the main reasons for lighting the candles is to add light and piece to the home. Although the minimum amount of candles to be lit is one, it is accepted that at least two candles will be lit – one for Shamor – keep the Shabbat, and one for Zachor – remember the Shabbat.
Who Lights and How Many?
As stated above, it is usually the mother who lights the candles. In some households the daughters join the mother and light their own candles – usually one candle each. There are different traditions as to the number of candles which are lit. Many people light in two silver candle holders, yet some light seven candles according to the Kabbalah and some light a candle for every member of the family. It is also a custom for a woman who missed lighting the candles one Shabbat, to light another candle for the rest of her life.
With What Do We Light?
Most households use white wax candles in their Shabbat candle holders. There is also a custom to use oil as the candles, and if people want to glorify the commandment, they use olive oil which is considered the best oil to light candles with. There are some people that use wax candles but add drops of olive oil as well.
Silver Candle Holders as Gifts
There is no question as to the fact that among the many Mitzvah Gifts available for purchase today, candle holders are amongst the more prestigious and practical gifts. These are especially great as Bat Mitzvah gifts. I know that most people think that the most appropriate gift would be some sort of Bat Mitzvah jewelry, but truly, if you consider the essence of the occasion, candle holders are a fantastic gift.
We have some amazing candle holders manufactured from the remains of Kassam rockets which were fired into Israel by terrorists, a truly poignant and everlasting Mitzvah gift!
Probably many people may think that such a gift is too expensive for a twelve year old girl, but there are wonderful pewter candle holders as well. These are much less expensive, don’t require a great amount of cleaning, and are very beautiful as well. As a Bat Mitzvah is a celebration of a young girl entering the adult Jewish life, and accepting the Mitzvoth – the Jewish law, candle holders which are used to light the Shabbat candles – a widely known female mitzvah, is a perfect gift.
So if you are looking to enhance your silver collection, add a gorgeous item to your private family heirloom that will pass on to your great grandchildren, or buy a great gift which is always needed – just browse through the many Judaica shops and choose those amazing silver candle holders you have always dreamed of.
Let’s face it, when you are faced with buying a Mitzvah gift for a family member or a loved one, there are so many choices it can be very confusing. There is a growing focus though on selecting gifts that will have a lasting impact on the person receiving the gift. With that in mind, it is wise to consider something that will be of significance in their lives many years into the future, rather than something that will likely get discarded as they mature.
It is probably wise to avoid anything that has a “size” factor as once they outgrow it, the gift is usually relegated to the closet (or worse!) Consider items that have an “ornamental” purpose, something timeless that can be displayed in their room and that will never look out of place regardless of whether they are in High school, college or even later on, the board-room.
It just requires that little bit of extra thought and consideration to come up with something that is unique and special that will elevate you to the prized status of “most memorable mitzvah gift giver”
Something you may consider is what I call a “Legacy Gift” something of unique importance, with a definitive connection to Israel that not only will become a treasured possession, but also, will have a direct impact on the lives of others that are currently struggling to survive in the homeland. One example are the astonishing products available at Rockets into Roses the items available here will definitely set you apart in the Mitzvah gift giving department but you will probably find yourself returning again and again as these unique items are truly suitable to give for ANY reason, not just mitzvah gifts. As an alternative, if the poignancy of the war is too sensitive an issue or you want to add something else totally unique to your gift, take a breeze through another opportunity for the luck recipient to own a timeless piece of Jerusalem by clicking here
At the end of the day, whatever you choose I am hopeful that it will cause the recipient to feel blessed and to reflect on the fact that it is by the grace of Hashem that they are blessed to be in a position to recieve any gift!
I hope these suggestions are of value to you in your quest for the best mitzvah gift.
Shalom
Turning terrorism into treasure!
This is the mitzvah gift that will never be forgotten. Help the victims of terror in our beloved homeland and give your loved one a mitzvah gift of a lifetime!
This mitzvah gift is guaranteed to change the life of the lucky recipient. Let them own a true piece of History!
Coming soon: Everything you need to know before buying your next Mitzvah gift
