Pretty and Delicate Hebrew Gift Ideas

It's the shopping time of the year isn't it? I'm starting to see those 'for everyone on your list' ideas for gifts floating around the internet and even in print. While they sometimes have neat things I mostly find myself annoyed with the abundance of generic presents we purchase that serve little or no purpose and are often from companies with questionable standards on ethics. Let's do better this year. I love the idea of buying things that nurture and grow faith! The items on this list are from small businesses, independent artists, and fair trade artisans and are perfect for a special lady in your life.

Beeswax Menorah Candles on Uncommon Goods - $9.99

-Made in the USA and beeswax helps to purify the air in your home.

Hope Anchors the Soul Mug by LucySuiSF on Etsy - $12

-Handmade with the verse from Hebrews 6:19.

Fruit of the Spirit iPhone Skin by The Worship Project on Society 6 - $15

-A beautiful reminder to carry with you.

Aleph Bet Dishtowel by Barbara Shaw - $19

-A lovely and practical thing.

Hosea Rain Tote Bag by Marion Kristina on Society 6 - $22

-I wouldn't mind carrying this to the farmers market.

Elle Est Forte Tee from She Is Clothing - $24.95

-Available in many colors and designs, this French saying is inspired by Proverbs 31:25.

Ahava Gold Foil Print from Modern Bayit - $25

-A beautiful rendition of the Hebrew word for love.

Many Waters Cannot Quench Love Bangle by LilySharon on Etsy - $25

-Taken from the end of Song of Songs.

Hebrew Letter Cookie Cutters on Modern Tribe - $30

-You know, to help learn Hebrew.

YHWH Torah Tee from Litographs - $34

-The design is made of the letters of the Torah!

Fair Trade Silver Forest Candleholder from Ten Thousand Villages - $49

-Not a true menorah but a beautiful seven candle option.

Forget Not My Law Sign by House of Belonging on Etsy - $150

-A great reminder to place in your home.

Let me know your favorite gift idea below!

Swoon Worthy Yom Teruah Party

Today I'm excited to share with you a Yom Teruah celebration that I've been envisioning most of the summer. Pink and gold? Apples and lace? Yes, please!

For me, parties are about creating a lovely atmosphere while staying true to my beliefs about conscious consumerism. The last thing I wanted was to go buy a bunch of things that would end up in the trash or shoved in a closet. With those ideals in mind, I'm happy with what I put together for the first of the Fall Feasts. Other than the balloons, everything you see is something I already had or borrowed. So no need to invest big money or haul away garbage bags of disposables when you're done!

Since the menorah represents the presence of YHWH I wanted to include that front and center. And to make this tablescape clearly for Yom Teruah, what better than shofars?

This simple printable is from Tehillim 100. It is usually translated, "Make a joyful noise to the Lord of the earth." But is closer to, "Make a noise of simcha to YHWH, all the lands." If you wanted to use it as a place card you could go with something like, "Make a joyful noise, Rachel."

 The large tablecloth belonged to my grandmother. I added a smaller tablecloth and table runner from my mom for more texture and interest.

 While apples are a traditional food to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, that's not the reason I went with them. I originally wanted peaches (imagine the scent!), but since I have an apple tree about twenty feet right of this photo I decided to utilize those. You could use whatever is in season in your part of the world.

The bushel baskets are something I found in my grandparents garage a while back. My grandmother used to by huge amounts of fruit to freeze or preserve so they are from some nearby orchard. I actually use them quite a bit for fruit and squash picking.

Letter balloons. All the heart eyes! Originally I wanted the huge ones that can float, but then thinking about logistics (IS there a vehicle that can hold nine 40 inch balloons?!) and cost ($10+ each) I decided to go with the one foot size. They don't float but look great when hung on string or ribbon!

And the apples? They are simmering on the stove as they become applesauce.

I'm looking forward to celebrating Yom Teruah in just a few days! I hope you are too! Chag sameach!