What is Judaica? A Guide to Jewish Religious Objects & Gifts

People ask me this question all the time, usually because they have a Jewish friend or colleague and they want to buy a meaningful gift. Or they have walked past a Judaica store and wondered what all those beautiful objects in the window are. So let me break it down for you.

Judaica is a general term for articles used by Jews in religious and cultural life. It covers everything from the sacred objects commanded by the Torah to the beautiful decorative pieces you might find on a Jewish family's mantelpiece. I like to think of Judaica in three categories: religious clothing, religious articles, and Judaica gifts.

Judaica Clothing

Walk into any Judaica store and the first things you will notice are the ritual garments.

Yarmulke (Kippah) — This is the head covering worn by Jewish men. There are no specific Torah laws about how a yarmulke must be made, so they come in every imaginable style: velvet, suede, knitted, crocheted, satin, leather, in every color and size. Many people personalize their yarmulkes with names or designs. The type of yarmulke someone wears can actually tell you a lot about their community. Knitted ones tend to be Modern Orthodox, while large black velvet ones are typically Haredi.

Tallit (Prayer Shawl) — The tallit is a four-cornered garment with specially knotted fringes (tzitzit) at each corner. It is worn during morning prayers. Tallitot are typically made from wool with wool fringes and come in white with black or blue stripes, though there are many variations.

Tzitzit — These are the ritual fringes that the Torah commands Jewish men to wear on a four-cornered garment. Many men wear a tallit katan (a smaller version) under their shirt throughout the day so that they are always fulfilling this commandment.

Tefillin (Phylacteries) — These are small black leather boxes containing parchment scrolls with Torah verses, worn on the arm and head during weekday morning prayers. Tefillin have very precise laws about how they must be made and are among the most sacred of all Judaica items.

Religious Articles for the Holidays

This is where Judaica gets really interesting. Each Jewish holiday has its own special objects, and these are some of the most distinctive items you will find in a Judaica store.

Shofar — The horn of a ram (or another kosher animal), blown on Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year). The sound of the shofar is one of the most stirring experiences in Jewish life. It is a wake-up call to the soul.

Lulav and Etrog — These are used during the Sukkot holiday. The lulav is a branch of a date palm, and the etrog is a citron fruit. Together with hadasim (myrtle branches) and aravot (willow branches), they make up the "four species" that Jews wave during Sukkot prayers. Choosing a beautiful etrog before Sukkot is a whole experience in itself. My husband can spend an hour examining etrogim for the perfect one.

Menorah (Chanukiah) — You almost certainly know this one. The nine-branched candelabrum is used to light the Chanukah candles, one additional candle each of the eight nights, plus the shamash (the helper candle used to light the others). Menorahs come in every material and style imaginable, from simple tin to ornate silver.

Grager (Noisemaker) — This small spinning noisemaker is used on Purim. When the Megillah (the Book of Esther) is read aloud in the synagogue and the villain Haman's name is mentioned, everyone spins their gragers to drown it out. Children absolutely love this part.

Judaica Gifts

Here is where most people who are shopping for a Jewish friend will find what they are looking for. The world of Judaica gifts is vast and beautiful.

Judaica Jewelry — Star of David necklaces, chai pendants, hamsa bracelets, and rings engraved with Hebrew blessings are all popular. These make meaningful gifts for any occasion.

Judaica Wedding Gifts — A beautiful pair of silver candlesticks for Shabbat, a kiddush cup, a challah board, or a framed blessing for the home are all wonderful choices for a Jewish wedding.

Shabbat Items — Candlesticks, kiddush cups, challah covers, and havdalah sets (for the ceremony that ends Shabbat) are staples of every Jewish home.

Wall Art and Blessings — Framed Hebrew blessings, Jerusalem art, mizrach plaques (which indicate the direction of prayer), and decorative mezuzah covers are popular home decor items.

Books — From prayer books (siddurim) to Talmud sets to Jewish philosophy, books are always a meaningful gift in the Jewish world.

You can find all of these items at local Judaica stores in Jewish neighborhoods or through countless online Judaica retailers. Whether you are buying for yourself or for a Jewish friend, whether you want something traditional or modern, antique or contemporary, there is something out there for everyone.

And if you are ever unsure what to buy? You really cannot go wrong with a nice pair of Shabbat candlesticks.