9 Gifts of Hope: Judaica as Therapy for Hanukkah Joy & Charity

bring a bright point of light into the darkness

There is an age-old tradition of giving on Hanukkah. The original custom was to give coins, called “Hanukkah gelt.” But this gelt was actual coins– not chocolate ones! 

With Hanukkah quickly approaching, I am moved to share some of Jewish Food Hero’s Judaica, offering the possibility of deeply meaningful presents for your loved ones.

All of the below are creations I made this past year to express my love of Judaism and Israel, to connect to community, and since the outbreak of war, as my own small expression of hope and healing.  The purpose of making Judica has been personal and social -  making Judiaca is art therapy for me and I also want will to give the Hanukkah sale profits to support the IDF soldiers and the Magen David Adom.

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The Designs

Holy Stones: The Stones of the Hoshen
This illustration of the 12 stones of the Hoshen is a design I created because of my personal, long-standing love of stones and crystals.

Natural Beauty: Israel’s Wildflowers
Another illustration I particularly love seeing in my own home is this print of the wildflowers of Israel.

3. Wearing Love and Pride “On our Sleeve”
Since the war began in Israel, I created these designs as a way to find solace and strength during a dark and scary time for Israel and for Jews across the globe.  I believe that having Judaica in our homes brings light into our lives– always–  and especially now.  It;s a way of expressing our values without uttering a single word.

Chai Symbol : Life
Chai (חי), is the Hebrew word for “life.”

Big chai symbol t-shirt here

Small chai symbol t-shirt here

Chai symbol tote here

Am Yisrael Chai: The People of Israel Live

Am Yisrael Chai means "The people of Israel live." It is an affirmation of the Jewish people's survival throughout the ages despite continuous adversities, it expresses our nation’s resilience, and it celebrates the indomitable spirit of the Jewish people. 

The big blue Heart t-shirt is here/big heart sweatshirt is here.  

The two small hearts t-shirt is here/two small hearts sweatshirt is here.

Dove of Peace: An Ancient Symbol & Prayer

In the Biblical story of Noah, a flood covered all the Earth and all of life appeared to be facing destruction. Noah released a dove after the 40-day downpour of waters, expressing his hope in the return of peace between God and humanity.   When the dove returned carrying a freshly plucked olive leaf, it was clear to Noah that life would continue and he and all those with him in the ark could now begin again.  The rainbow is a sign of G-d's redeeming grace and mercy.

little dove t-shirt is here.  

dove + rainbow adult t-shirt is here

dove + rainbow youth t-shirt is here

The National Flower of Israel: Endurance and Strength
The Red Anemone Coronaria is the National Flower of Israel. It blooms in Southern Israel, the region where the events of October 7th happened. 

 There are many layers to this flower’s symbolism: Its vibrant red color is said to symbolize the blood of Jews who’ve sacrificed their lives to ensure the existence of the State of Israel; it blooms in abundance during the winter and early spring, coinciding with the New Year for Trees, a  holiday that celebrates renewal; and despite the fact it grows in challenging environmental conditions, the Red Anemone thrives, symbolizing the strength and vitality of the nation of Israel.

The national flower t-shirt is here

The national flower tote bag is here

The national flower art print poster is here

Ahavah: Love
Ahavah means “love” and “loyalty”. Love & loyaly between families, between Jews from every walk of life and corner of the world, between people, and of course, love & loyalty between humans and God. 

tiny ahavah heart t-shirt here

big ahavah heat t-shirt here

youth ahavah heart t-shirt here

Shalom: Peace 

Shalom holds many meanings. At its most basic level, it means “peace”, but its significance goes beyond the absence of conflict. It is a peace that holds within it wholeness, deep harmony, well-bring, and blessing.

Shalom text tote here

blue shalom text t-shirt here

gray shalom text t-shirt here

white shalom text t-shirt here

Little white dove and shalom text t-shirt here

Big white dove and shalom text t-shirt here 

Big gray dove and shalom text t-shirt here

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I hope you’ll find something special to bring warmth to your own home this Hanukkah, something that will bring a bright point of light into the darkness we see in the world right now.

Stay safe. Am Yisrael Chai.

Kenden

P.s.  I’d love to hear what you’d like to see Jewish Food Hero create! It will inspire me, so be in touch!

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