Jewish Blessings

Home blessings and Baby blessings

The most common and basic form of a blessing for any home or office is, of course, the Mezuzah, a cased scroll parchment that Jews fix on their doorposts, as the Torah explicitly instructs us to do. This parchment contains Biblical verses that laud God and His oneness and remind us of the miracles He performed for us, like the splitting of the sea and other events pertinent to the most famous Exodus in history. However,many Jewish homes and offices will also have wall-hangings or accessories as additional blessings, with either personal dedications or commonly used, non-Biblical blessings.

Home blessings are, naturally, one of the most popular house-warming gift. Depending on personal style, home blessings can be anywhere from small pieces of metal with an inscription to very large plaque with an elaborate blessing.

Of course, the text of the blessing is not the only thing that is completely up to the person who is purchasing the blessing. There are many types of blessings, including blessings over synagogue items such as Tallitot. A popular trend as of late is to display these synagogue blessings in stained glass. Stained glass is not only beautiful but it can also be very vividly colorful. This is a good choice if you want to add color to a solemn-looking living-room or office, or if you want to enhance an already-exuberant place. If you like Jerusalem there are many options for you. For instance, you can purchase a 15? X 15? stained glass blessing that will have a beautiful drawing of the Jerusalem walls in gold, on top of which include the blessing itself in a matching color.

There are many popular types of blessings: stained glass, ceramic, wood, to name just three. Lately, stone blessings have gained massive popularity. These are designed as an open scroll and are meant to be used as either as a mantle-piece or a wall hanging. These can be a great gift for a couple who just had a baby. In this case, of course, the blessing would be different. Baby blessings usually bears the name of the new-born and wishes him or her prosperity and future success. Of course, adding their Hebrew name is always a great idea.

Another important type of blessing is the birkas haderech, or journey blessing. As opposed to some other types of blessings, in this case there is one version of blessing that is commonly used and accepted. As for the design of the blessing, there are Hamsa key-chain journey blessings, pens bearing the text of the blessing, and more.

Blessings Guide

The home is quite important in Judaism, as it considered to be the place where children learn about the basics of Judaism before they enter school and is the place where children learn how they are expected to behave. With such importance placed on the home, it is not surprise that there are different blessings in Judaism associated with the home. One of the most common blessings that is frequently given as a gift at housewarming parties or weddings is the Home Blessing.

What is a House Blessing?

The Home Blessing, or Birkat HaBayit, is a short blessing that is mounted on the wall of a house that wishes peace and blessings upon the residents and banishes any sort of discomfort, disagreement or other negative emotions or interactions from the home. Home Blessings can be an any language, although they are usually in Hebrew. The English text of the Home Blessing reads: “Let no sadness come through this gate, let no trouble come to this dwelling, let no fear come through this door, let no conflict be in this place, let this home be filled with the blessing of joy and peace.”

Materials

Home Blessings can be from nearly any material imaginable, although they are usually metal, glass, wood, stone or cloth. Precious metals such as sterling silver and gold are commonly used as accent pieces.

Decorations

Home Blessings typically have the text in the center in a clear font. The text is decorated along the sides with designs such as intricate floral patterns and homes. Judaica items and Israel related themes are also popular, including items such as Menorahs and the word “Chai” as well as the Seven Species of fruits and grains Israel is known for and views of Jerusalem and other holy cities in Israel. Symbols of good luck an Divine Protection such as Hamsas and Stars of David also commonly appear with Home Blessings.

Home Blessings can also be be different shapes, although they usually appear as pictures in a frame. One of the most common shapes used with Home Blessings is the Hamsa, which is a traditional Mediterranean symbol of good luck that is attributed to Moses’ (Moshe) sister Miriam. Stars of David, Pomegranates and books are also common shapes. Hamsa Home Blessings typically have the text of the Home Blessing or individual Hebrew words of blessing linked together. Pomegranates are popular shapes because of their link to fertility and monetary success.

Personalization

Home Blessings, especially those that are in the form of a picture inside a frame, can be personalized with names or even the decorations around the blessing. Other types of Home Blessings can be personalized as well with these decorations, although this is rather uncommon.