Ah, the joys of June!  It’s such a beautiful time with so many Jewish couples getting married and starting their new lives together. My own wedding is like a dream. I was so nervous and shy about being the center of attention that the experience seems surreal. These days, I’m much better at appreciating the rich symbolism in Jewish wedding traditions.

The ceremony is a blend of many rituals that vary slightly by community. Typically, the bride and groom do not see each other the week before the wedding. This helps to build their excitement for the day.  Just prior to the ceremony, each has a reception known as Kabbalat Panim, when they greet their guests separately.

Just after this reception, the bride and groom come together, and the groom places the veil on the bride in the ritual known as the badeken. This symbolizes his love for her inner beauty over physical appearance. It also reminds us of the Genesis story in which Rebecca covered her face before marrying Isaac.

The actual wedding ceremony takes place under a white wedding canopy, the chuppah. This symbolizes the new home they will be creating together.  The bride and groom are escorted under the canopy by their parents.

An interesting custom in Ashkenazic communities is the bride circling the groom seven times to create an invisible circle around their new world with each other.

Next, the wedding couple drinks from a cup of wine as the rabbi recites betrothal blessings. What follows is the presentation of the bride’s wedding ring, and it is the defining moment in the Jewish wedding ceremony. This is because the marriage becomes official only after the groom has given the bride something of value, and the wedding ring serves this purpose.

Before placing the ring on the bride’s finger, the groom says to her, “Behold, you are betrothed unto me with this ring, according to the law of Moses and Israel.” If the bride will be giving a ring to the groom, this is done later.

The next step is the reading of the ketubah, the Jewish wedding contract. It details the husband’s obligations to provide food, shelter, clothing and emotional support for his wife. Oftentimes, the document is a beautiful work of art that is framed and displayed in the couple’s home.

Then comes the recitation of the “Seven Benedictions,” followed by the couple’s drinking of a second cup of wine. One of the most anticipated parts of the Jewish wedding ceremony is the groom’s stomping on the glass wine cup to shatter it. This reminds us of the destruction of the Holy Temple, a tragedy that we can’t forgot even with the day’s many moments of joy. The glass shards are typically gathered up and displayed as a keepsake in a mezuzah.

The ceremony ends with everyone shouting, “Mazel Tov!” as the couple leaves the chuppa.

In this season of weddings, if you’re looking for a thoughtful way to congratulate the couple, check the Traditions Jewish Gifts’ online catalog for some great ideas. You’ll find a variety of artistic pieces – including candlesticks, mezuzahs, seder plates, menorahs, personalized photo frames and much more – that can be used to celebrate Jewish traditions throughout the year. Your gift will be a memorable, meaningful addition to their new Jewish home.

Teaching a young child about the Jewish holidays can be a real education. However, the process shouldn’t be frustrating for parents or confusing for children. There is a large assortment of great books and videos available from Traditions Jewish Gifts that make learning about the holidays not just informative, but fun and interesting for everyone.

The My Jewish Holiday Fun Book is a good place to start.  Written by David Sokoloff, this book will provide hours of fun. Once you get started, your family won’t want to put down this entertaining activity book. Make a Haman mask, play word games, find the menorah and most importantly, learn the traditions and backgrounds of each major Jewish holiday. Oh yes, don’t forget those picture puzzles!

In some cases, you may want to give your kids a better visual when teaching them about the holidays. The Hanukkah and Passover at Bubbe’s DVD brings the learning experience to the small screen. Featuring familiar Sesame Street characters, this DVD teaches kids the stories behind two major Jewish holidays – Hanukkah and Passover.

When you make learning fun, kids will more likely retain what they’ve learned about Jewish traditions and holidays. This newfound knowledge will also give them an advantage as they enter Hebrew School. It’s never too early for kids to start getting educated, and Traditions Jewish Gifts has all the tools to make it happen!.

When you make learning fun, kids will more likely retain what they’ve learned about Jewish traditions and holidays. This newfound knowledge will also give them an advantage as they enter Hebrew School. It’s never too early for kids to start getting educated, and Traditions Jewish Gifts has all the tools to make it happen!

Special Promotions:

• Back by popular demand – For a limited time save 10% on all Gary Rosenthal Art. Use coupon code: GARY10.
• 10% off Select Bar/Bat Mitzvah Gifts – Use coupon code: MitzvahSavings. Offer valid through 1/24. http://www.traditionsjewishgifts.com/Discounted_Bar_Bat_Mitzvah_Gifts.html
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Cyber Monday, also known as the biggest online spending day of the year is just a few days away and Traditions Jewish Gifts wants to help you get ahead on this huge shopping day.  Here are a few great gift ideas for Hanukkah that all qualify for free shipping if you purchase before this Monday at 11:59pm:

The Two Tone Electric Menorah includes 9 bulbs and is safe for anyone with young children around. The menorah measures at 14″w x 16″h.

The Mediterranean Colored Fused Glass Menorah by Tamara Baskin is 8.5″ w x 6″ h with brightly polished Chanukah candle holders that are all set in a row.

 The Noah’s Ark Dreidel is beautifully sculpted and hand painted with a scene of Noah’s Ark. The dreidel is made from a hard resin based material and the top lifts open like a limouage dreidel.   

For all our cyber fanatics and social media guru’s Traditions Jewish Gifts would like to invite you to our first “Twitter Party“.  This party will be held right on Twitter on Tuesday, December 6th from 3-4pm ET. During this hour we will feature Hanukkah gift buying advice including recommendations and ideas. You will also have the opportunity to speak with popular Judaica artists and bloggers.  For more information and to sign up, click here.

To all our readers, happy Hanukkah shopping!

Special Promotions:

• Back by popular demand – For a limited time save 10% on all Gary Rosenthal Art. Use coupon code: GARY10.
• Free shipping on all purchases of $20 and greater when you purchase between now and Monday, November 28, 2011 at 11:59pm ET.  Use coupon code FREESHIP11.
• Become our newest Facebook Fan here: https://www.facebook.com/TraditionsJewishGifts and look for our daily “Deal Of The Day” Special Item! All month long save 25% off great Hanukkah gifts! For a full list of daily deals visit http://www.traditionsjewishgifts.com/blog/deal-of-the-day
• Enter to Win a $50 TraditionsJewishGifts.com Gift Certificate on Facebook.  Learn more right here: http://www.TraditionsJewishGifts.com/Deal_Of_The_Day_Facebook_Contest.html

Old fashioned book reading is still a huge passion for adults these days.  Tablets and E-Readers may be the new technology craze, but they don’t have the feel of hardcovers and turning the paper pages.  Traditions Jewish Gifts has a variety of different books for the Jewish reader with various types of interests. There are books on Kosher cooking, Jewish holidays, Jews in entertainment and books on simply understanding Judaism.  You simply can’t go wrong with giving a great book as a gift for just about any occasion.

Great Jews In Entertainment by Darryl Lyman features over one hundred major portraits and two hundred thumbnail sketches. This glorious hardcover book pays tribute to the world of entertainment celebrities including such greats from yesterday and today, including  Luther Adler, Billy Crystal, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Lisa Kudrow, Natalie Portman, Adam Sandler, and Ben Stiller. The book also includes listings of selected recordings and stage, film, television performances and black-and-white photos.

Another Traditions Jewish Gifts favorite is the Gateway To Judaism by Rabbi Becher. It delivers an engaging insider look at the mindset, values and practices of contemporary & traditional Judaism. The book opens a portal to a vibrant lifestyle that brings joy and meaning to Jewish living. Based on years of answering thousands of challenging inquiries, the book blends elements of Jewish philosophy and law with an intensely practical explanation of how Jews actually live. It has received rave reviews from the likes of Senator Joe Lieberman and Colonel Ira Kronenberg, Chaplain of the U.S. Army Reserve.

Jewish Books make for great gifts for adults! What are some good ones that you would recommend?

In the Hebrew language, “Hanukkah” means dedication. As dedicated as you might be to shopping for the upcoming holiday, finding the perfect Hanukkah gift can present a challenge for even the most seasoned Hanukkah shopper.

Shopping for the right Hanukkah gifts just got a whole lot easier. When you feel like you’ve run out of options buying the same gifts year after year, the TraditionsJewishGifts.com Hanukkah gift-buying guide will help you see the light.

The festival of lights is celebrated for eight days and nights to remember the re-dedication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Jews defeated the Syrian-Greeks so long ago. Of course, for many families Hanukkah isn’t just a time to remember — it’s a time to make memories and part of that tradition is through gift giving.

This year, Hanukkah begins on the eve of Tuesday, December 20th. Of course, you’ll want to have your gifts for Hanukkah picked out long before then. With this Hanukkah gift buying guide, by Traditions Jewish Gifts you’ll be able to wrap up shopping for your Hanukkah gifts.

Decorations are an essential part of any festivity and there are plenty from which to choose. Topping the list of great Hanukkah decorations that set the mood are Happy Chanukah light strings, banner decorations and Star of David decorations. Even if you aren’t hosting the holidays, you likely know someone who would appreciate decorations as gifts for Chanukah.

Of course, Hanukkah is all about observing important traditions such as lighting the Menorah, playing the dreidel game and enjoying the Hanukkah feast. Practicing these traditions will be even more special when your friends and family receive Hanukkah gifts from the heart.

When it comes to menorahs, one size and style does not fit all. Customized menorahs make great gifts for loved ones. Whether it’s a ballet slippers menorah for your little dancer or an antique bronze menorah for the collector in your life, there is something for everyone.

For that extra something, you may also want to gift Hanukkah candles, which come in a diverse array of shapes and colors. I question whether the next sentence belongs in this paragraph – I think it should be the last sentence in the paragraph before this one. Menorahs are gifts that will keep on giving for years to come.

It goes without saying that some of the most enjoyable gifts to shop for are the toys for Chanukah.
There are plenty of quality children’s Chanukah toys including the Jewish star slinky, coloring books, games, yo yos, pens and other Hanukkah-themed games.

Educating children about the Hanukkah holiday is also simpler thanks to the many available children’s books. Among the most popular offerings are Happy Hanukkah Corduroy, Light The Candles, Light The Menorah and other entertaining and informative selections.

Are you unsure of what to get that special woman in your life for Hanukkah? You can’t go wrong with these holiday-inspired offerings. Help her feel more festive with such gifts for Hanukkah as a Shmutz Happens Apron, Chanukah Ribbons Hostess Set, Jewish Zodiac Placemat, Woman of Valor Vase, Pink Lady Hanukkah Dreidel, Hand Painted Ceramic “Maven” Mug and more.

For your favorite guy, help him polish up on his reading with Great Jews in Sports, get organized with the Post It Note Holder, look fashionable with a Stainless Steel Mezuzah Necklace or put a cork in it with a Crystal Wine Stopper.

When doing your Hanukkah shopping, opt for some of the great recommendations in the Traditions Jewish Gifts Hanukkah gift-buying guide for a holiday to remember.

Special Promotions:

• Back by popular demand -  For a limited time save 10% on all Gary Rosenthal Art. Use coupon code: GARY10.
• Buy 2 Boxes of Hanukkah Candles & get $5 OFF. Offer valid through 10/28. Use coupon code: HC1011.
• Discounted Menorahs on sale.  While supplies last.  Valid through 10/28. Visit http://www.traditionsjewishgifts.com/hanukkahsale.html
• Through October 31st, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, get 10% off select Pink Collection Items and Traditions Jewish Gifts will donate 5% of sales from these products to Sharsheret.
• Become our newest Facebook Fan here: https://www.facebook.com/TraditionsJewishGifts and be entered to win $10 off a $50 purchase when we get 1,000 fans!