Are you looking for a thoughtful and meaningful gift to celebrate a friend or family member’s new home? Whether it’s a cozy apartment or a spacious house, moving into a new place is always an exciting milestone that deserves some recognition. And if the new homeowners are Jewish, you might want to choose a gift that reflects their culture and faith.
But what are some good Jewish housewarming gifts that will make them feel welcome and blessed in their new abode? Here are 10 suggestions that range from traditional to modern, from practical to decorative, and from affordable to splurge-worthy. These gifts are sure to impress any Jewish host and make their new home more beautiful and comfortable.
1. Bread, Salt, and Wine
This is a classic Jewish housewarming gift that has its roots in the biblical times. Bread, salt, and wine are symbolic of abundance, hospitality, and joy, respectively. They are also essential items for any Jewish kitchen, especially for celebrating Shabbat and other holidays. You can present them in a nice basket or tray, along with a card that says something like:
“May this home always have bread, so you never go hungry. May this home always have salt, so your life is always flavorful. May this home always have wine, so you always have joy and laughter.”
2. Mezuzah Case
A mezuzah is a small parchment scroll that contains the Shema prayer, which is the most important declaration of faith in Judaism. It is customary to affix a mezuzah on the doorpost of every room in a Jewish home, except for the bathrooms. A mezuzah case is a decorative cover that protects the scroll from dust and damage. It can also add some style and personality to the door.
There are many types of mezuzah cases available, from simple and elegant to colorful and quirky. You can choose one that matches the taste and preference of the new homeowners, or one that has a special meaning or theme. For example, you can find mezuzah cases that feature the Star of David, the Hamsa hand, Jerusalem scenes, floral patterns, geometric shapes, and more.
Birkat Habayit by Avigail Sapir
3. Birkat Habayit
Birkat Habayit means “blessing for the home” in Hebrew. It is a prayer that asks God to protect the home and its inhabitants from harm and evil, and to fill it with peace, love, and happiness. It is often displayed as a wall hanging or a plaque in the entrance or living room of a Jewish home.
There are many versions of Birkat Habayit available, in different languages, fonts, colors, and designs. You can choose one that suits the style and decor of the new home, or one that has a personal touch.
4. Shabbat Candlesticks
Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest that begins at sundown on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday. It is a time to disconnect from the worldly distractions and connect with God, family, and friends. One of the rituals that marks the beginning of Shabbat is lighting two candles on a pair of candlesticks.
Shabbat candlesticks are not only functional but also decorative items that can enhance the ambiance of any Jewish home. They come in various shapes, sizes, materials, and styles, from traditional silver or brass to modern glass or ceramic. You can also find candlesticks that have Jewish symbols or motifs on them .
5. Challah Board
Challah is a braided bread that is eaten on Shabbat and other Jewish holidays. It symbolizes the manna that God provided to the Israelites in the desert after they left Egypt. It is also a reminder of the double portion of manna that fell on Friday so they did not have to gather it on Shabbat.
A challah board is a wooden or metal tray that holds the challah during the meal. It usually has a knife slot or holder for cutting the bread. Some challah boards also have inscriptions or carvings of blessings or verses from the Torah on them. A challah board is a practical and elegant gift that any Jewish host would appreciate.
6. Shabbat Candle Lighting Blessing
One of the most beautiful and meaningful moments of Shabbat is the candle lighting ceremony, when the woman of the house recites a blessing over the candles and welcomes the day of rest. A Shabbat candle lighting blessing art is a piece of artwork that displays the text of the blessing in Hebrew, English, or both, along with some artistic elements that enhance its beauty and significance.
A Shabbat candle lighting blessing art can be a great gift for a Jewish woman who wants to adorn her home with a reminder of her spiritual role and responsibility. It can also be a source of inspiration and joy for anyone who sees it. There are many styles and designs of Shabbat candle lighting blessing art available, from simple and elegant to colorful and quirky. This particular one is from Avigail Sapir with unique calligraphy by The Jerusalem Scribe, Kalman Gavriel Delmoor.
https://avigailsapir.com/products/candle-lighting-blessing-for-the-home-shabbat-kodesh-judaica-wedding-gift-print
7. Hamsa
A hamsa is a palm-shaped amulet that is popular in many cultures and religions, especially in the Middle East and North Africa. It is believed to ward off the evil eye and bring good luck, protection, and blessings. It is often worn as a pendant or a bracelet, or hung on the wall or the door.
A hamsa can have various decorations or symbols on it, such as the Star of David, the Eye of Horus, fish, flowers, or geometric patterns. It can also have words or phrases that convey positive messages or wishes, such as “Shalom”, “Mazal”, “Chai”, or “Bless this home” . A hamsa is a beautiful and meaningful gift that can bring some spirituality and positivity to any Jewish home.
8. Menorah
A menorah is a nine-branched candelabrum that is used to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. It commemorates the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days in the Temple of Jerusalem after it was recaptured from the Greeks. One candle is lit on each night of Hanukkah, starting from the rightmost branch and moving to the left.
A menorah can also be a decorative item that can be displayed all year round in a Jewish home. It can be made of various materials, such as metal, glass, wood, or clay. It can also have different designs, such as traditional or modern, simple or elaborate, plain or colorful. A menorah is a festive and symbolic gift that can brighten up any Jewish home.
9. Jewish Cookbook
A Jewish cookbook is a great gift for anyone who loves to cook or wants to learn more about Jewish cuisine. Jewish food is rich and diverse, reflecting the history and culture of the Jewish people. It includes dishes from various regions and countries, such as Israel, Morocco, Poland, Russia, Spain, and more.
A Jewish cookbook can introduce the new homeowners to new recipes and flavors, or help them recreate their favorite dishes from their childhood or heritage. It can also teach them about the traditions and customs that are associated with different foods and occasions . A Jewish cookbook is a delicious and educational gift that can nourish both the body and the soul.
10. Jewish Art from Avigail Sapir
Avigail Sapir is a talented and passionate Israeli artist who creates stunning and original pieces of Jewish art. Her artworks are inspired by her love for Judaism, Israel, and nature, and they reflect her vibrant and expressive style. She uses various techniques and materials, such as acrylics, oils, watercolors, collage, paper cutting, and more.
Jewish art from Avigail Sapir can be a wonderful gift for anyone who appreciates art and culture. It can also be a way to support a local artist and connect with the land of Israel.
In Conclusion
In this blog post, we have shared 10 great ideas for a Jewish housewarming gift that can make the new homeowners feel welcome and blessed in their new home. These gifts are based on Jewish tradition and culture, and they can make the new home more comfortable and beautiful. Is this housewarming gift for newlyweds? If it is, check out our blog about Jewish wedding gifts.
Whether you choose a traditional Jewish housewarming gift like bread, salt, and wine, or a modern one like a personalized gift basket, you are sure to impress your Jewish friends or family members with your thoughtfulness and generosity. We hope this blog post helps you find the perfect housewarming present for any occasion. Remember, life shall always have flavor in a Jewish home.
