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Judaica |
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Living Jewish? You need Judaica!
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What does Living Jewish mean?
There are dramatically different ideas about how a Jewish life
may be lived. Orthodox
Judaism adheres to the traditions of yore, the Conservative
movement believes that
some
laws may be changed with time, and the Reform leave it up to the
individual to choose the traditions they wish to follow. There
are a variety of practices between Judaisms branches, and a
myriad of traditions, customs, and quirky modes of
observances.
But
regardless of the denomination or stream of Judaism, all
embrace tradition to some degree, as well as traditional
holidays, customs, and rituals.
Judaica
stores and outlets provide the artifact
for observing or participating in the traditions and rituals.
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What You Will Find In A Judaica Outlet
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Judaica
stores and outlets carry a myriad of items that are necessary or
somehow relate to everyday Jewish Living. From prayer
books, to prayer shawls, to Shabbat Kiddush accessories.
Below
is a limited list of items that can be bought at a Judaica
store.
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Mezuzah:
(Lit. doorpost) A case affixed to the doorposts of
Jewish homes, containing a parchment with passages of SHEMA
(a prayer) written on it.
(Note: Your door needs a Mezuzah set, the CASE and the
Scroll)
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Tephillin/Tefillin:
Phylacteries. Leather pouches containing parchments with
passages of the SHEMA, used to fulfill the directive to bind
the commandments to our hands and between our eyes.
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Talit
and Tzitzit: Large and small prayer shawls
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Chanukiyah
(Chanukah Menorah): The nine-branched Chanukah menorah,
different from the seven-branched candelabras often found in
synagogues and temples.
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Shabbat
Candle sticks: At least two candles are lit by the women
of the households, representing the dual commandments to remember
and to keep the Sabbath. As part of the ritual, women
wave their hands over the candles, welcoming in the Sabbath.
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Kiddush
Cups: Friday night and Shabbat day meals begin with the
Kiddush (the sanctification of the day). The
Kiddush is recited while holding a cup of wine or
other grape juice.
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Passover
Seder Plates and Haggadahs: The plate displays the
symbols relating to the exodus of the Jews from enslavement
by the Egyptians to freedom. The haggadah is the book
recited during the Passover Seder.
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Much
More.
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A Few Words of Caution
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There are expert scribes who specialized in
creating Tefillin, Mezuzot, and other Jewish Ritual artifacts.
There are also rules and requirements, whether in size, type of material
used (parchment for mezuzot and tefillin, wool for the talit and
tefillin fringes, etc.)
Be sure to purchase for well established vendors, and be sure to verify
the autenticity and "kosher" status of the objects offered for sale.
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