Monday, August 11, 2008

Silver Judaica - Pure Sacred Objects

Silver Judaica as the name suggests is crafted out of pure Sterling silver. All religious products, literature, painting or objects related to or associated with the Jewish religion is known as Judaica. Judaica is crafted in gold, silver, bronze and copper while mostly silver is the material preferred to craft it.

With different types of crafting styles, the artists who craft Judaica have been skilled artists and sculptors for centuries. Genuine silver Judaica handcrafted in Jerusalem is authentic, sculpted by traditional artists. You should buy from authentic stores and check the product from the photographs before buying.

Silver Judaica as the name suggests is crafted out of pure Sterling silver. All religious products, literature, painting or objects related to or associated with the Jewish religion is known as Judaica. With the global spread of the religion, it has become a very sought after commodity both as a religious object and collectors item. The value of antiques can be next to being priceless while you can always purchase an imitation at less than $100!

Religion is an integral part of everyones life. You may or may not be ritualistic, but keeping objects related to religion is satisfying. Judaica is crafted in gold, silver, bronze and copper while mostly silver is the material preferred to craft it.

Usually, the products related are Mezuzzot, Besamin, Wine decanters, vases, Hanukah, traditional jewelry, Etrong boxes, Menorahs, sculptures and paintings.Silver has been the base metal used to craft exquisite Judaica objects. With different types of crafting styles, the artists who craft Judaica have been skilled artists and sculptors for centuries. They have inherited the traditional ways of crafting with different metals.

Some of the artists are skilled in the art of Filigree, which is the type of wire work done in very fine metal wires, intertwined to form exquisite handcrafted objects.

Though there are not much antique silver Judaica that have sustained the ravages of historic turmoil, so Judaica before the 16th.century does not exist and the objects of Judaica are mostly in private collections, that date back to the 16th and 19th century.

The renewal of interest in silver Judaica has brought a wave of replica artifacts which are easily available on the web stores and brick and mortar stores across the country. You can however, find good bargains on sites as some of then give a discount which may not be available in a real time store.

The main advantage of buying online is that the religious objects can be bought directly from Israel, giving an impetus to the craftsmen working there. Genuine silver Judaica handcrafted in Jerusalem is authentic, sculpted by traditional artists. However, you can always browse the web to find a piece of your choice which may not be available in the stores near your house. You should buy from authentic stores and check the product from the photographs before buying. Checking out Return policies is also useful. These sacred objects are available worldwide to suit all budgets and preferences so there must be something for you too!


from: Privendo.com

To find more about Judaica
click here

Do You Know How A Mezuzah Is Crafted?

There are numerous Jewish homes that put a Mezuzah on every door both inside and on the outside entrances and exits, while some homes only display a Mezuzah on the outside entrances.
A Mezuzah has many defined steps that have to be followed as per the religious Jewish Laws on how to protect the 'Halacha', which is the Mezuzah scroll. There are Jewish Laws on how to position the Mezuzah, the doorways of where to locate the Mezuzah, and how often to check the Mezuzah. The silver Mezuzahs are purely hand-crafted oblong cases styled in many designs and Mezuzah covers do need special care.
There are other materials which are used to handcraft a Mezuzah besides silver.

A Mezuzah is a beautiful handmade silver Judaica object, which contains the written Jewish prayers by a scribe on a parchment in Hebrew. It is hung by a nail on the door post of Jewish homes as a constant reminder that God is in your thoughts at all times. The Mezuzah is a physical reminder to keep God in mind as you come and go to and from your blessed home. There are numerous Jewish homes that put a Mezuzah on every door both inside and on the outside entrances and exits, while some homes only display a Mezuzah on the outside entrances.
A Mezuzah has many defined steps that have to be followed as per the religious Jewish Laws on how to protect the 'Halacha', which is the Mezuzah scroll. There are Jewish Laws on how to position the Mezuzah, the doorways of where to locate the Mezuzah, and how often to check the Mezuzah. The religious Jewish Law states that the Mezuzah Scroll must have two covers, with one being the protective material of a wax paper or any type of greaseproof and waterproof paper. The second cover would be of round tube like casing made of silver for the rolled up scroll to be securely put into. The silver Mezuzahs are purely hand-crafted oblong cases styled in many designs and Mezuzah covers do need special care.
When using a Silver Mezuzah make sure that it is of the right size so that there is enough breathing room for the scroll, as not to damage it. The other concern is problems of oxidation of silver which may damage the inner scroll, if care is not taken. Make sure to polish your silver Mezuzahs often, but remove the scroll first.

There are other materials which are used to handcraft a Mezuzah besides silver. The main point of consideration before choosing the metal mezuzah is whether it are going to be placed outside or inside the home. When placing the Mezuzah outdoors the materials must be able to weather extreme climate appropriate. Materials such as silver, gold, stone, wood or any whitish tone of protection should be considered so as to deflect strong sun light, unlike darker colors or transparent materials. Moisture is also an important concern, if there is a lot of rain, moist humidity or condensation would start affecting the Mezuzah on the outside or the parchments inside.



from: Privendo.com

To find more about Judaica
click here