5 Modern Judaica Gifts for the Holiday Season

Looking for fresh Hanukkah gift ideas? Here are 5 modern Judaica picks that blend tradition with style:

1. Menschie Mahjong Set: Jewish-themed tiles with matzo "cracks" and evil eye "dots"
2. Cast Aluminum Menorah: Sleek design with built-in candle storage
3. Custom Modern Mezuzah: Personalized options in acrylic, wood, or glass
4. Hanukkah Candle Set: Colorful alternatives to plain white
5. Shabbat Candle Holders: From pewter to dune-inspired designs

Quick Comparison:

Where to buy: ModernTribe, Judaica WebStore, JEWishly, Peace Love Light Shop, Judaica.com

These gifts mix Jewish tradition with modern design, perfect for Hanukkah 2023 (Dec 7-15).

Related video from YouTube

Menschie Mahjong Set

The Menschie Mahjong Set isn't your grandma's game set. It's a fresh take on the classic, mixing Jewish culture with modern design.

What makes it special?

• Cracked matzo for "cracks" tiles
• Olive branches as "bams"
• Evil eyes for dots
• Jewish-themed flower tiles
• Bubbie jokers with matzo ball soup

Here's what you get:

GoldieLox designed this set to be both a game and a piece of art. The hand-painted acrylic tiles are durable and eye-catching.

Pro tip: Keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Want a unique gift for a mahjong fan? Or maybe you're looking to add some Jewish flair to game night? This set's got you covered.

2. Cast Aluminum Menorah

The Via Maris Cast Aluminum Menorah isn't your grandma's Hanukkah centerpiece. It's a sleek, modern take on tradition that's as practical as it is stylish.

Here's what makes it special:

• It's a two-parter, so cleaning's a breeze
• Holds ALL your Hanukkah candles (yep, all 44)
• Shammash gets its own special spot
• Measures 11.42" x 3.15" x 3.15" and weighs 4 pounds

The built-in storage is a game-changer. No more hunting for candles - they're right there in the base.

Dana Hollar Schwartz, the brains behind Via Maris, says:

"Our company was born out of a realization that it's nearly impossible to find Jewish objects designed in the modernist tradition."

The Block Chanukiah (that's its fancy name) comes in four finishes. At $225, it's not cheap, but it's meant to be a year-round showpiece.

Jake Cohen, who wrote I Could Nosh, is a fan:

"The clean modern Via Maris menorah is the hot new Judaica."

Got wax stuck on it? Here's a quick fix: Pour hot water on the wax to melt it off. Just watch your fingers and don't dunk the whole thing.

3. Custom Modern Mezuzah

Want a gift that mixes old-school tradition with new-school cool? Check out custom modern mezuzahs. These aren't your typical doorpost decorations - they're fresh, funky, and 100% you.

What makes these mezuzahs pop?

• Materials: Think acrylic, olive wood, concrete, or glass
• Designs: From super simple to wild and wacky
• Personal touch: Add names, dates, or even Fluffy's face

Here's a quick look at some popular picks:

Heads up: If you're gifting, ask if they want a kosher scroll. Many custom jobs come with non-kosher printed versions, but you can usually swap for kosher if needed.

Feeling crafty? There's a DIY kit for $6.99. Whip up your own mezuzah case in 15 minutes flat. It's a fun family project and adds that extra "made with love" touch.

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4. Hanukkah Candle Set

Hanukkah candles aren't just plain white anymore. Now, you can find all sorts of cool options to light up your menorah.

Here's what's out there:

Want something modern? Check out the Gold Metal Circle of Life 9 Candle Menorah. It's 10.75" L x 2" W x 6.5" H and looks super sleek. Just remember to buy candles separately.

For a personal touch, Etsy Egypt sells custom Hanukkah candles. These can make your holiday setup extra special.

Quick tip: Make sure your candles fit your menorah. The Gold Metal Circle of Life needs candles with a 0.25" diameter base.

Don't forget, Hanukkah candles aren't just for looks. You light them from left to right each night and say special blessings. So pick candles that work well and look good.

Whether you go classic or colorful, your Hanukkah candles can be both practical and stylish.

5. Shabbat Candle Holders

Shabbat candle holders mix old-school tradition with new-school design. They're perfect for holiday gifts. Here's what's hot:

Sterling Silver: The Classic Choice

Many families go for 925 sterling silver candlesticks. Why? They're:

• Fancy-looking
• Easy to polish
• Built to last

New-Age Materials

Want something different? Check these out:

Emily Rosenfeld: Artist Spotlight

Emily Rosenfeld makes pewter candle holders with a modern twist. Her stuff:

• Has Jewish symbols on all sides
• Measures 1" W x 4" H
• Is handmade in the USA

"I'm always pumped to create new designs and play with different materials." - Emily Rosenfeld

Pretty and Practical

The Dune Shabbat Candlesticks are a fresh take:

• Look like Sinai desert dunes
• Sleek, cool design
• Great for remembering loved ones

"These candlesticks are perfect for honoring my dad - classy and makes me smile." - Shev, Israel

On-the-Go Options

For travelers, try these:

• A jeweled pomegranate that splits in two
• Yair Emanuel's wooden Star of David
• Silver ball with Old Jerusalem design

Summary

Let's recap the modern Judaica gifts for this holiday season:

1. Menschie Mahjong Set: A fun twist on the classic game for family Hanukkah gatherings.
2. Cast Aluminum Menorah: A sleek, durable update to the traditional menorah.
3. Custom Modern Mezuzah: Personalized options blending contemporary design with cultural significance.
4. Hanukkah Candle Set: Specially designed candles for the eight nights of the Festival of Lights.
5. Shabbat Candle Holders: Stylish options from Emily Rosenfeld's pewter creations to Dune-inspired designs.

These gifts blend tradition and modernity, perfect for the 2023 Hanukkah season (December 7-15).

For kids and the playful:

For minimalists, the Chai Modern Blox Menorah offers a fresh look with five hand-fired ceramic blocks.

Where to Buy

Want modern Judaica gifts? Check out these online stores:

1. ModernTribe: 100+ artists and brands. 10% off first order with code IAMNEW. Free shipping over $75.
2. Judaica WebStore: Top Israeli products marketplace. Worldwide shipping, money-back guarantee.
3. JEWishly: Curated modern Jewish gifts. Free US shipping over $100.
4. Peace Love Light Shop: Home of the Menschie Mahjong Set by GoldieLox.
5. Judaica.com: Hanukkah decorations and party supplies galore.

For specific items:

Related posts

• Mahjong vs. Dreidel: Which Game for Hanukkah?
• 6 Jewish-Themed Games for Family Gatherings
• Choosing Meaningful Hanukkah Gifts: A Guide
• Mahjong: Jewish Cultural Tradition & Community