Judaism is not just a set of beliefs about G-d, man and the universe.

Judaism is a comprehensive way of life, filled with rules and practices that affect every aspect of life: What you do when you wake up in the morning, what you can and cannot eat, what you can and cannot wear, how to groom yourself, how to conduct business,

who you can marry, how to observe the holidays and Shabbat, and perhaps most important, how to treat G-d, other people, and animals.

This set of rules and practices is known as Halakhah.

The word “Halakhah” is usually translated as “Jewish Law,” although a more literal (and more appropriate) translation might be “the path that one walks.” The word is derived from the Hebrew root Hei-Lamed-Kaf, meaning to go, to walk or to travel.

Halakhah comes from three sources: from the Torah, from laws instituted by the rabbis and from long-standing customs.

Halakhah from any of these sources can be referred to as a Mitzvah (commandment; plural: Mitzvot). The word “Mitzvah” is also commonly used in a casual way to refer to any good deed.

Because of this imprecise usage, sophisticated Halakhic discussions are careful to identify Mitzvot as being Mitzvot d’Oraita (an Aramaic word meaning “from the Torah“) or Mitzvot d’Rabbanan (Aramaic for “from the rabbis”).

A Mitzvah that arises from custom is referred to as a Minhag. Mitzvot from all three of these sources are binding, though there are differences in the way they are applied. The term Mitzvah has also come to express an act of human kindness and Tzedaka. (Charity)

According to the teachings of Judaism, all moral laws are, or are derived from, divine commandments. The opinions of the Talmudic rabbis are divided between those who seek the purpose of the Mitzvot and those who do not question them.

The latter argue that if the reason for each Mitzvah could be determined, people might try to achieve what they see as the purpose of the Mitzvah, without actually performing the Mitzvah itself.

The Rabbis came to assume that the Law comprised 618 commandments. According to Rabbi Simlai, as quoted in the Talmud, this enumeration of 618 commandments was representative of the following.

“  365 negative commandments like the number of days in the solar year, and 248 positive commandments corresponding to a person’s limbs”

Inspired by the the Rabbinical Mitzvots,  Moshe Mizrahi and Eitan Nissanian of MDM Judaica created exclusive one of a kind art pieces allowing every Jew in the world to remember and practice freely in their own homes the rituals present in the Talmudic teachings.

Among the 630 Mitzvots, I have chosen to enumerate a few basic ones to give you a good idea of what it takes today, to understand the basic principles of Jewish Faith the how the inherited knowledge from past generations is manifested through simple and sometimes more complex rituals.

And the greatest privilege for me is to illustrate in this case, the needed basic tools through beautiful uniquely precious works of art described below each Miztvah each one of a kind and all created with love and devoted care. And the Mitzvoths are:

And the  Mitvots are: Put a Mezuzah at the door frame of your home,

Below a collector’s case in Silver and wood inlay  a small key for Parnassa is hidden inside

To recite a blessing for each enjoyment ,

This hand painted illustration on parchment is from the beautiful Book of Perek Shira ( The song of creation) by Rabbi Eliezer.

To ritually wash the hands before eating ,

I am holding a gorgeous embossed and engraved silver Mayyim Acharonim in my hand.

Very good to put in my suitcase on my travels throughout the world.

To prepare lights in advance of Shabbat

A portable gold prayer book, scribed with Kosher Ink and hand sown with 24 k gold thread

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7tLqMOXSPm8/Rf_wuENDL4I/AAAAAAAAAYo/6iTDDR1gFxA/s400/dubrov.jpeg

To recite the Hallel psalms on holy days,

To light the Hanukkah lights,

I have displayed on a table in front of an 18th century Venetian mirror in my bedroom two beautiful examples of Menoras.

The first is a collectible,  25 years old in pure Silver.

It carries a small doors with a silver tray for an incorporated driedel game, a small drawer for the extra candles , and containers for the oil.

The second is a replica of an old Moroccan tradition of inlay .

To read the Scroll of Esther on Purim

This 9 meters (27′ length and 2′ wide) Kosher Meguilhat Esther is entirely hand painted and scribed by expert artisans in Israel. It took more than three years to be crafted. At the left hand-side a scroll of Esther case in silver inlay and the shape of a Castle.  The silver inlay representation of the brave chevalier Mordechai  riding a horse lays on the left at the bottom of the castle’s door.

Observe Jewish Holidays: Rosh Hashana

A very rare serving plate made in silver and gold with  hand painted in porcelain plates  for the Simanim (symbolic foods) .

Blessings are engraved all around the pedestal

and two drawers on the side contain the instruments to work on the dishes

Keep  Shabbat ( Kiddush)

Sheva Brachot/ Brit/ Bar-Mitzva /  7 Blessing Cup. First of it’s kind. It is all engraved by hand with a magnifying glass.

Pure Silver inlay with 24 karat Gold. Includes the engraving of all Seven blessings.

A flower ruby encrusted in gold wine leaves on a Spice container for Havdalah. Another silver Spice Box. Wood inlay. Both Collector’s items

Keep Shabbat ( Havdalah)

One of the richest works of MDM. a pyramid Havdalah set. Made of white and red Afghan onyx and or-moulu silver and enamel

A kiddush cup and a spice box are part of this magnificent set

Another spectacular, Havdalah Set.  It is completely hand made.

3-D engraving in silver gold plate. Unique enamel color. All stones are pure-quality rubies.

The or-moulu tray has  a beautiful representation of the Shabbat ceremony in a Jewish household, blessings engraved on the borders.

These seven rabbinical commandments are treated like Biblical commandments insofar as, prior to the performance of each, a benediction is recited.

“Blessed are You, O LORD our God, King of the universe, Who has commanded us …”

Joelle’s Tips:

Several pieces like the ” Flower of Mitzvots ” and the Piano of Mitzvots” have  all year round  Mitzvots incorporated. Some are pieces like  inspired in the Spanish Marranos where they are hidden like the telephone Havdallah set

All hand painted illustrations as well as the Judaica works of art are from the Jerusalem private collection of MDM.

They can be made to order if not available in stock, price is on demand and can be delivered personally to your home.

MDM : Original Judaica on Parchment and Silver

Contact Info in the US :  Eitan Nissanian eitan126@yahoo.com  / Tel +1( 718) 544-0180 / cell +1 ( 917) 582 57 51 /(646) 270-0680

Rabbis photo Copyrights : common  writes / Wikipedia

Photo wedding copyrights :

In 15 days is the Jewish holiday of Passover. ( Hebrew: Pessah)

The miracle of the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt is perpetuated in Jewish tradition of the holiday of Pessah.

The holiday symbolizes the release from slavery and the gift of freedom, the journey from Egypt to the land of Israel.

The core of the holiday is the “Seder night”, during which the story of the Exodus is told as it was written in the “Pessah Haggadah”.

During the eight days of the holiday, it is forbidden to eat leavened bread and most baked goods, for the Torah commanded Jews to eat only Matza, which is unleavened bread, during Pessah.

In Jewish communities the holiday was celebrated according to all the laws and several important folklore symbols were added to it, which made the holiday very special.

On my trip to Europe, a gentleman called Eitan with a strong Israeli accent calls me on the phone.  ” Miss Joelle? My name is Eitan and I would like to introduce you to MDM, we have one of a kind line of Judaica from Israel, the- kind of- things- I- assure -you will like.

” Busy with the Brussels edition at that time , my answer was ” And Mr Eitan, how exactly would you know about  the kind of ‘ stuff’ I’d like?”

Eitan who I was referred to by an  Israeli architect living in New York who happens to know me well and  my taste for luxury and impeccable craftsmanship,  promised to say no more words until I saw some pictures of the pieces and met personally his associate Moshe Mizrahi who lived in Jerusalem.

They would both come to New York before Pessah and I will be presented ” G-D willing to some pieces of the  valuable collection, mostly in 22k in silver, 24k gold and  semi precious stones ” Wow!

In the meantime, on my arrival to New York, the countdown is approaching and as the Jewish world bravely confronts the great holiday of Pessah myriad preparatory requirements. Among them is the pre-Pessah  ritual in Jewish households of house-cleaning frenzy overwhelming  families.

I too do my part, carefully cleaning and dusting inside out closets, kitchen shelves, cupboards,  fridge and freezer for the legendary eradication of the so called Chamez. This specific  eradication  (“leavening”) refers either to a grain product that is already fermented ( yeast breads, certain types of cake, and most alcoholic beverages), or to a substance that can cause fermentation (yeast, sourdough or high fructose corn syrup -

Believe it or not, no matter how many year have passed every Jew has never total certainty about what he should keep and what he should put away during this frenetic cleaning.

The consumption of Chametz is forbidden during Passover in most Jewish traditions. According to Halakha, the ownership of Chametz is also proscribed from the house. It is the symbolic drive to put everything in the house in its proper place, shiny, spotless and dusted. Mine is ready. I can now receive the  ” Jerusalem boys” .

Eitan, announces his arrival in the city on an e-mail.  Before we talk further I ask if he and his partner can bring along  some of the impressive Seder Plates I saw in the pictures as well a selection of their valuable hand written , and marvelously  hand-painted painted  leather Haggadots .

Since the holiday is approaching the traditional table full of symbols has to be set in place ; nothing better than  finding some inspiration from Jerusalem experts coming to the Big Apple just to be at my total service in my own house!

The two men dressed in dark, are at my do0rway with a bunch of dark suitcases, one of them is wearing a formal hat that goes perfectly well with his dark beard.

” Joel? This is a name of a man! ” – he says- Your name in Israel is Yael!  Shalom Miss Yael, my name is Moshe Mizrahi, nice to meet you I am Argentinian of origin, could you please tell me where my assistant Eitan can leave the content of these suitcases, as you see the Seder Plate I have brought for you to see weights 20 kilos.

The beautiful pieces come out from the suitcases  one after the other in a Houdini manner and then carefully mounted over a wooden table in my living room facing Central Park.

Six ormolu silver cups are placed on top of a tray placed over a box with  six small silver inlaid gate doors . Behind beautiful hand painted scenes of the Seder ritual and a three shelves container for the three Matzot kept for later blessings.

Semi precious stones and Hebrew letters engravings embellish the composition of the piece. A  majestic Kiddush silver and  24 k gold goblet, is reserved for  the prophet Eliahu Hannabi possible appearance at the family dinner .

You see Miss Yael, a Seder table must look precious..it is traditional of Jewish families to gather on the first night of Pessah (first two nights in communities outside the land of Israel) for the special dinner, called a Seder (derived from the Hebrew word for “order”, referring to the very specific order of the ritual).

The table must be set with the finest china and silverware to reflect the importance of the meal.

During this meal, the story of the Exodus from Egypt is retold using a special text called the Haggadah. Four cups of wine are consumed at various stages in the narrative.

The Haggadah divides the night’s procedure into 15 parts: Kadeish – recital of Kiddush blessing and drinking of the first cup of wine , Urchatz - the washing of the hands – without blessing, Karpas - dipping of the karpas in salt water, Yachatz - breaking the middle Matzo; the larger piece becomes the Afikoman which is eaten later during the ritual of Tzafun, Maggid - retelling the Passover story, including the recital of  “the four questions” and drinking of the second cup of wine,

Rachtzah - second washing of the hands – with blessing , Motzi - traditional blessing before eating bread products, Matzo – blessing before eating Matzo. Maror - eating of the maror, Koreich – eating of a sandwich made of matzo and maror,  Shulchan oreich – lit. “set table”—the serving of the holiday meal, Tzafun - eating of the afikoman, Bareich – blessing after the meal and drinking of the third cup of wine, Hallel - recital of the Hallel, traditionally recited on festivals; drinking of the fourth cup of wine, Nirtzah – conclusion

Passover begins on the 15th day of the month of Nissan (equivalent to March and April in Gregorian calendar), the first month of the Hebrew calendar’s festival year according to the Hebrew Bible. In the narrative of the Exodus, the Bible tells that YHWH inflicted ten plagues upon the Egyptians before Pharaoh would release his Hebrew slaves, with the tenth plague being the killing of all of the firstborn, from the Pharaoh’s son to the firstborn of the dungeon captive, to the firstborn of cattle.

The Hebrews were instructed to mark the doorposts of their homes with the blood of a spring lamb and, upon seeing this, the spirit of the Lord passed over these homes, hence the term “passover”. When Pharaoh freed the Hebrews, it is said that they left in such a hurry that they could not wait for bread to rise.

In commemoration, for the duration of Passover, no leavened bread is eaten, for which reason it is called “The Festival of the Unleavened Bread”. Matza (unleavened bread) is the primary symbol of the holiday. This bread that is flat and un-risen is called Matzo.

The Seder is replete with questions, answers, and unusual practices (the recital of Kiddush which is not immediately followed by the blessing over bread, which is the traditional procedure for all other holiday meals) to arouse the interest and curiosity of the children at the table.

The children are also rewarded with nuts and candies when they ask questions and participate in the discussion of the Exodus and its aftermath. Likewise, they are encouraged to search for the afikoman, the piece of matzo which is the last thing eaten at the Seder. Audience participation and interaction is the rule, and many families’ Seders last long into the night with animated discussions and much singing.

The Seder concludes with additional songs of praise and faith printed in the Haggadah, including Chad Gadya (“One Kid Goat”).

The Haggadah ( “telling”) is a Jewish religious text that sets out the order of the Passover Seder.  As Moshe explains the different stories I contemplate speechless the MDM Haggadots . Fully hand-painted, scribed with Kosher ink on carefully selected parchment  they are sown by pairs to another with blue silk thread and gold. Mostly, Eitan tells me, take up to 4 years to be completed.

Reading the Haggadah is a fulfillment of the scriptural commandment to each Jew to “tell your son” about the Jewish liberation from slavery in Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus in the Torah.

Beginning on the second night of Passover, the 16th day of Nissan Jews begin the practice of the Counting of the Omer, a nightly reminder of the approach of the holiday of Shavuot 50 days hence.

Each night after the evening prayer service, men and women recite a special blessing and then enumerate the day of the Omer. Moshe and Eitan very proudly showcase a spectacular piece in massive silver with a beautiful enamel clock and suggestive prayers describing the different stories related to the 49 days of the Omer counting.

When the Temple stood in Jerusalem, a sheaf of new-cut barley was presented before the altar on the second day of Unleavened Bread. Since the destruction of the Temple, this offering is brought in word rather than deed. One explanation for the Counting of the Omer is that it shows the connection between Passover and Shavuot.

The physical freedom that the Hebrews achieved at the Exodus from Egypt was only the beginning of a process that climaxed with the spiritual freedom they gained at the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

Another explanation is that the newborn nation which emerged after the Exodus needed time to learn their new responsibilities vis-a-vis Torah and mitzvot before accepting God’s law. The distinction between the Omer offering—a measure of barley, typically animal fodder—and the Shavuot offering—two loaves of wheat bread, human food—symbolizes the transition process.

Joelle’s Tips:

All hand painted illustrations as well as the Judaica object d’ art are from the Jeruslame private collection of MDM.

They can be made to order if not available in stock, price is on demand and can be delivered personally to your home.

MDM : Original Judaica on Parchment and Silver

Contact Info in the US :  Eitan Nissanian eitan126@yahoo.com  / Tel +1( 718) 544-0180 / cell +1 ( 917) 582 57 51 / (646) 270-0680

Desert photo Copyrights : common  writes / Wikipedia

“Its pillars he made of silver, its couch of gold, its curtain of purple, its interior inlaid with love, from the daughters of Jerusalem.”

Shir-Ha-Hashrim – Song of Songs Chapter 3

Once upon a time a young Jewish boy who lived in a modest neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina with four sisters, four brothers and his parents  had a great dream.

At only seven years of age, on his night prayers Moshe Mizrahi that was his name, only had one wish… to be offered one day the opportunity to ‘ make beautiful things”.

He had no idea what these beautiful things would be, but he knew for a fact that they would be one of a kind in the whole world.

At the age  18 he flies to New York and attends a Yeshiva school in Brooklyn.

As a good scholar Moshe learns in depth the religious teachings of his ancestors, the Hebrew alphabet and calligraphy , the scriptures in which valuable Jewish  laws and ancient traditions have been meticulously kept and perpetuated throughout generations since the old testament times.

After the Yeshiva studies in Brooklyn, the scholar first trip to the promised land offers a promising future and a promised wife who wisely invites the young graduate, now her fiancee, to ” stay “  a while longer in Jerusalem and study some more Torah.

And it’s near the traditional neighborhood of Mea Shearim in the heart of the old city that Moshe’s  prolonged stay makes of him a great husband as well as one of the most renowned scribes in all Israel . (Estimated worldwide  only about 300)

The day becomes busy as early as 6 AM, and like Moses the first scribe, with impeccable precision Moshe scribes, sacred texts on Torahs, Tefillins, Mezuzahs, Haggadas and Megillahs , attends three times a day Shul and  in the evening enjoys being a father of his three young children.

His responsibilities grow with the age as it is important to acknowledge that Jewish law dictates that every Torah, the holiest of all Jewish books, should be meticulously written out by hand rather than mechanically reproduced.

He understands that the writing of a single Torah, can take up to one year and cost a synagogue very high sums. This is because as everything in Judaism, It must be created according to strict rules.

Moshe knows that a scribe can make no mistakes in a Torah or  in any other holy scripture as  they are carefully proofread after completion. Considered a living document,  the Torah and other important scriptures,  must be made entirely of natural materials.

That means using kosher ink, made from the crushed outer bark of a wasp’s nest, a quill made from a turkey or goose feather, and cloth made from a calf killed for food.

With the years slowly Moshe gets acquainted with those precious rules, along with writing letters out by hand in a calligraphic style identified as Spanish , sometimes a painstakingly long process, he also learns how to meticulously select individual parchment sheets by color,  density, texture and size for his different works.

He then cuts , collects and separate the sheets in groups depending on the  different manuscripts,  wears white gloves while working so that the oils of his skin don’t get on the parchment, and finally seals the completed and carefully revised  work with  perfumed natural Israeli beeswax.

During the time of apprentice of the secular techniques several Jewish artists immigrated in Israel from different countries approach our scribe  with beautiful illustrations and art works to be incorporated as per their suggestion into his sacred manuscripts.

Moshe agrees with the new experience proposal and after about 6 months, the first prototype comes out.  The content , very precious in Jewish faith, is called in Hebrew Shir ha-Shirim (Song of Songs) a book of the Hebrew Bible—one of the five Megillot (scrolls) also known as the Song of Solomon, or  Canticles.

The protagonists are a woman and a man, and the poem suggests movement from courtship to consummation. Additionally, the Song includes a chorus, the “daughters of Jerusalem.“With no explicitly religious content, the Song is often interpreted as an allegorical representation of the relationship of God and Israel, as husband and wife.

According to Ashkenazi Jewish tradition, it is read on the Sabbath that falls during the intermediate days of Passover. In the Sephardi community it is recited every Friday night.

We are in the 70s,  and  a wealthy Jewish  collector of Judaica calls Moshe on the phone to Jerusalem and flies him over to ” check” upon a Torah he recently purchased. Very happy with the result the collector and Moshe become good friends and apart from selling his first Shir Hashrim he comes back with a list of made- to- order commissions with the Jewish holidays as theme.

Very quickly, encouraged by the unexpected endorsement from his wealthy new client, Moshe gathers around himself in Israel, a valuable community of devoted artists who anxiously waited for his return from the States.

Some of those were just starting their career , some others were famous including Yuri Haissman an extremely respected painter and sculptor of that time.

A large number of artistic creations are set in production as a result of a collaborative and integrated efforts among those artists and Moshe’s creative vision and initial capital.

In a few months,  top of the line Russian silversmiths , engravers from Poland, Armenian jewelers, and Moroccan painters become part of Moshe’s daily routine. Some of them live in the North near  the Golan others in the  Neve Tzedek neighborhood of Tel Aviv, others in the Negev desert region.

Moshe is not afraid to enterprise long driving journeys across the stunning Israeli landscape to supervise the different stages of each of his ” mission-impossible creations ” whose process will take 18 months  to  sometimes 4 years of a devoted and persevering attention to detail.

And  from a distant passion of a young boy’s visionary dream in Argentina,  a new brand was born in Israel that will reveal masterpieces of art  and crafts for more than 40 years to present times,  simply signed with three small initials :  MDM.

(To be continued)

Joelle’s Tips:

Photo credit Armenian Jewish Silversmith : Chayas. com / and Photo of Mr Curtis  courtesy Society of American Silversmiths

All hand painted illustrations as well as the Judaica objects d’ art are from the Jerusalem private collection of MDM.

They can be made to order if not available in stock, price is on demand and can be delivered personally to your home.

MDM : Original Judaica on Parchment and Silver

Contact Info in the US :  Eitan Nissanian eitan126@yahoo.com  / Tel +1( 718) 544-0180 / cell +1 ( 917) 582 57 51 / (646) 270-0680

Desert photo Copyrights : common  writes / Wikipedia. The image has been released into the public domain by its author, Roybb95.

According to Jerusalem law, all new construction in the city must involve the use of Jerusalem stone, a light-colored local limestone, various forms of which have provided the principal building blocks of older buildings, walls and alleys since ancient times.

Mamilla Hotel, a new luxury property set to open this month, is no exception to the law.

The architect, Moshe Safdie, who also designed Columbus Center in New York, used Jerusalem stone to honor the local aesthetic and yet create a modern hotel with a sleek, minimalist look  and Piero Lissoni, who designed the Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal in Venice, provided the interior architecture.

The hotel’s 194 rooms — including studios and suites — all feature dark wooden floors, custom-made furniture and bathrooms with rectangular bathtubs and liquid crystal walls that frost over for privacy.

The hotel also has plenty of gathering spots, including an espresso bar in the lobby, a winery offering an extensive list of Israeli kosher wines, and the Mamilla Rooftop, an outdoor brasserie serving Italian-style fare and offering views of the Old City, including the Tower of David and Jaffa Gate.

A 1,000-square-foot Holistic Well-being Center includes a gym, heated indoor pool, and spa.

Nightly rates start at $450; a 30 percent discount will be offered through Sept. 1.

Joelle’s Tips:

The hotel : Mamilla Hotel

General
11 King Solomon St.
Jerusalem 94182 / Israel
T. +972.2.5482222
F. +972.2.5482220

Reservations
T. +972.2.5482200
F. +972.2.5482201
E. reservations@mamillahotel.com

Every time I stroll around the narrow streets of the Old City I can’t avoid stopping in one of my world’s favorite antique shops. I usually like to visit after dropping my small paper carrying wishes and prayers among thousand others into the  minute openings of the Jerusalem stones at the Kotel.

After the emotionally mystical experience, I like to have a Shawarma wrap of shaved lamb meat ( sorry vegans!) with delicious warm and soft Pita bread and Hummus, and the typical Israeli salad which is made of finely diced tomatoes and cucumbers chopped in tiny bits and dipped in an olive oil and fresh lemon juice.

But the owner of my favorite small antique shop knows I am coming….I called him to make sure he has some new old Hamsas for my collection.

” Shalom Yael- come in!  I have been waiting for your visit, how have you been? such a long time, you don’t like Israel anymore? Of course I ‘ve got what you need!- A whole new collection of old, very old of your favorites…..have a look, don’t rush, would you like a Turkish coffee, or maybe you prefer a nana tea? Who is the handsome gentleman at your side ?  Your boyfriend? Maybe you will need an old Torah case would you like to have a look? It’s from  Persia which was old Iran you know right?”

He asks so many questions at once and I realize he needs none of the answers, he just wants me to take something home. The Torah case is absolutely magnificent, encrusted with semi-precious stones dating of the beginning of the century, it is also inlaid with silver and gold beautiful representations of grapes  with large Hebrew letters on top.The whole case wrapped in a sort of intact turquoise stones finish, my favorite color and other interesting ornaments.

Tikim

In antiquity, cloth mantles or bags (tikim) were used to protect the Torah scroll, the most sacred object in Judaism. By the eleventh century, rigid cases, also called tikim, were made from wood, copper, and silver, according to an inventory of 1059 from the Jerusalemite Synagogue that was found in the Cairo Genizah, a repository for old and worn Hebrew texts dated from the eighth to the thirteenth century.

I look around fascinated and old stories from my grandfather in Aleppo Syria come to my mind. The vendors who made me promise not to reveal their names are watching very close each and every of my moves while my friend from the army sustains back their attentive gaze . Suddenly my hands come across a large group of antique, old and semi-new Mezzutotz cases. Wow!  Such a nice feeling to be able to touch so many at the same time. Their materials and region of provenience vary… Silver from Syria, enamel form Turkey, copper from Egypt…..

Mezuzah

The mezuzah is  small piece of parchment inscribed with the biblical passages Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21 and marked with the word Shaddai, a name of the Almighty, that is rolled up in a container and affixed by many Jewish households to their door frames in conformity with Jewish law and as a sign of their faith.

The Talmud says that a mezuzah should be within “ your gates ”, as the Biblical phrase goes. In other words, it should be within the transition space between outside and inside. This seems to emphasize that we need G-d to be with the Jewish people when they go through transitions in their lives.

I carry on with my small expedition….thi unique shop is tiny but it looks like the tavern of Ali Baba, nothing stolen obviously…only very rare treasures… among them, embroidered Passover pillowcases and textiles from the Ottoman empire , Seder plates , candelabra, wine holders, Matza Bags, enamel necklaces, Khallah knives , Tzedakka ( charity)  boxes, decanters, old  ketubbot from Persia.

Ketubbah

Marriage is one of the most important mitzvot, or commandments, in Judaism, and Scriptures are replete with verses encouraging the union of man and woman. One of the essential elements of a Jewish wedding ceremony is the writing and transfer of a marriage contract, or ketubbah (plural, ketubbot). The ketubbah was originally formulated to protect a woman’s rights in marriage by establishing the financial obligations of the groom toward his bride in cases of divorce or death.

Ketubbot produced in the Near East are usually written on paper, and they are strongly influenced by Islamic art in their lack of figures and their decoration with aniconic motifs. Persia was the most important center of ketubbah illumination in the Islamic world. In fact, Muslim law requires a contract in order to legalize a marriage, and in Persia it was customary for Muslims to decorate marriage contracts. Since Jewish law also required a contract, Persian Jews seem to have modeled their marriage contracts on those of the Muslims.

But the most exotic of my findings  is a group of Shofarims from Yemen, displayed in a large shelf near the window overlooking an Old City small street. I had never seen one from so close. Only when I attended at the synagogue the celebrations of the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Moreover we are told that we are not even allowed to look while the rabbi blows the sacred horns during those ritualistic ceremonies.

Shofar

The shofar is a ritual musical instrument, made from the horn of a ram or other animal, used on important Jewish public and religious occasions. In biblical times the shofar sounded the Sabbath, announced the New Moon, and proclaimed the anointing of a new king. This latter custom has been preserved in modern Israel at the swearing in of the president of the state.

My blackberry bubble vibrates with a cricket sound in the pocket of my Khaki vest. It’s my mum texting  ” Where are you spending Shabbat?”-  “Oh my God, Shabbat! It’s soon Shabbat,  I am going for dinner at my Israeli friend’s parents and I would like to offer them something cute with a religious aspect , It’s the first time I am invited and would like to look good. ……let  me see….

Kiddush Cup

Kiddush, in hebrew, literally, “sanctification” is a blessing recited over wine or grape juice to sanctify the Shabbat, Jewish holiday or a Bat/Barmitzvah. The Torah refers to two requirements concerning Shabbat - to “keep it” and to “remember it” .

Jewish law therefore requires that Shabbat be observed in two respects. One must “keep it” by refraining from thirty-nine forbidden activities, and one must “remember it” by making special arrangements for the day, and specifically through the kiddush ceremony.
Reciting kiddush before the meal on the eve of Shabbat and Jewish holidays is thus regarded as a commandment from the Torah .  Some say also the inspiration for the Holy Grall.

It’s getting late, I picked one more Khamsa in copper with encrusted Turquoise,  for my collection, an 18 century berber necklace in Amber from Algeria, and I am planning to take to my host a cute silver box for matches with a Magen David motif on its cover for lighting the Shabbat Candles....But look at this magnificent silver Menorah right next to the Torah case…

Menorah

The menorah , is a seven-branched candelabrum which has been a symbol of Judaism for almost 3000 years and is the emblem of Israel. It was used in the ancient Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Lit by olive oil in the Tabernacle and the Temple, the menorah is one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish people. It is said to symbolize the burning bush as seen by Moses on Mount Horeb (Exodus 3).
(Parshat Terumah) Exodus 25:31-40 lists the instructions for the construction of the menorah used in the temple.

The vendors and my friend negotiate in Hebrew my bill, they are speaking loud, one of them makes a phone call , the other makes a sign with his head as a lo, no, lo, no, lo, no, ‘ impossible too much discount.’ I really don’t care at the end I will want to take everything with or without discount. My Israeli friend sustains  disappointed that I don’t bargain enough. Without hesitating on silly numbers , I am in a hurry and will be late for Shabbat candle lighting… I reply….” Rush Avi,  It’s almost sunset! ”

Joelle’s Tips:

The Antique Shop:

Believe it or not, as Italian and Brazilian I can be, being in a souk has always been part of my life.

A souk is by definition a commercial quarter in an Arab city. The term is often used to designate the market in any Arabized city. In a central market like a souk you may find textiles, jewelry, delicacies, spices, shoes or Bedouin artifacts. It is always a square of stone vaulted streets parallel to or crossing each other or a tight mass of buildings too packed together for roads to intersect them. In a souk the final price is reached by bargaining with the shopkeeper. Traders of a given commodity will all sell in the same souk.

The commodity of my interest is are amulets, necklaces and all kind of adornments that shine. Like all women in my family —my grandmother Sofia (may she rest in peace) and my niece Gabriella— are pure oriental princesses that would have Messalina envy us for our power of finding and acquiring objects of our desires in the markets at any, I say any price.

The men of my family considered good merchants (my grandfather Hodour was an expensive textiles merchant in Beirut, this is how he got to marry my grandmother Sofia who had a soul fit for luxury) were experienced traders and excelled in the art of bargain. Women like us did not have to go through this useless and tiring ritual because we were always treated as princesses and we had just the important and meticulous task to select, pick up and send the bill to our men.

Not being my fault, this is how I managed to keep the bad habit of not really minding being cheated or trading my money for what is not worth… for me it is worth what I think it is and that’s it.

You can imagine the happy grin on the Arabic shopkeepers when the Jewish Yael girl (me, Joelle in Hebrew) strolls among their merchandise with a concentration that takes her directly to the target —in few minutes they obviously see how it will look appended in her ears or neck without her even listening to their Arabic accent saying in a victimized tone the absurdity of the price

. Mordehai begs me to go for a Jaffa orange juice after I decide to buy so he can bargain with the vendor for the sake of tradition and justice for what he says must be a fair price. I don’t listen. I am impatient that if I don’t hurry the pendant I saw in the Ali stall might be bought by another woman that will not look as nice as I by wearing it the wrong way obviously. Mordehai–Gene swears to me on all the Israeli army and also on his ancestors that he can find 200 better and cheaper pendants than Ali’s.

shopMordehai understands that if I look at him in the eyes the way I am now, is to do exactly as I am telling him “It’s my way or the highway,” and to make him feel better I try to explain to him that I had been all over the globe and pendants like this one do not exist elsewhere, it’s only at Ali’s. As all geniuses, Mordehai knew that “highway” for him meant to go back to the magic lamp, and Mordehai did not want this to happen, he knew it would only happen after my departure from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

With my collection of pendants, amulets, earrings, amardeens (apricot delicacy), Zaatar (spice), a Bedouin lantern from the souk, my money was over (…) as a devoted and thankful princess I was happily satisfied and ready to receive the light of the Shabbat Candles before the “City of Gold “sunset.

The energy was strong, the sunset beautiful and the prayer transcended at its best.

Shabbat Shalom from Yerushalaim.

I know Jerusalem chic sounds strange….

Everyone, independent of religion, race, culture, political and spiritual view just can look amazingly chic or, even more, so sexy! Look at those pictures, please! Can you tell me how cute these religious young Jewish men look just by covering their head in style? And you want to tell me that (version of new pop Jesus cult) Romanian orthodox couple won’t easily come out from the cover of a Sicilian “Dolce e Cabbana” ad in the Wallpaper magazine? (Do you think they are all aware they have sex appeal?)

What can I tell you? This is how I see it.

Taken around by Mordechai, my Jewish guide, driver, nanny and Israeli body guard (same style of the ones that know my guardian- angel body –guard- “Gene”, Gabriel in Sao Paulo). I happen to find these souls all over the world from the Himalaya to Paris passing through New Delhi. It seems they all share that same feeling of responsibility to keep me away from trouble. I wander why, but for me it has been just perfect. Those who know me or traveled by my side throughout the world surely know what I am talking about, my guides or protective angels never —but never I say— get bored with me. Actually I guess now that I have acquired a mature age, I realize …… who doesn’t get bored with me?

Well, coming back to Jerusalem, the day I was there the Orthodox Easter procession was taking place.

Well, being in the capital of sanctity, as soon as I stepped in the Israeli soil I headed directly to the Kotel (the Western Wall of the temple Mount most sacred Jewish site) were (like every Jew) I made my wish and inserted a minute paper with a gigantic whish list resumed in a few words desperately worried about the final destination of my small paper among all the numerous others next to mine in case of rain, wind, war or bad weather. I wonder what this could mean… if it is the paper, the wish or myself that I am reflecting upon while I face the tremendous energy of this construction, foundation, antiquity, symbol of survival, eternity, strength, and hope.

I walk backwards facing the wall, as all religious women do IN CASE OF, (you know some Jew have the “in case of” theory when he really does not know if he has to follow a rule or a tradition, not to feel guilt or fear of failing to the call of duty, he does it, “in case of”…) and after washing my hands, (other practice called Metilat Yadayim) Mordehay —Israeli- Gene shows me the way, telling me that something “interesting” is happening on the Christian side, he does not exactly know what, it is but “ it must be important” he mumbles.

The interesting “thing” Mordehai was talking about was the Orthodox Christian procession celebrating Easter Good Friday. It was in the Christian side of the old city where obviously the same families of Jews that were selling stars of David in the Jewish neighborhoods were selling crosses and holy waters from the Holy land in the Christian side, (who dares saying that democracy does not exist in Israel?)

Thousands of pilgrims carried wooden crosses into the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, lead by a man dressed in black, where many Christians traditionally believe Jesus Christ was crucified and buried, following the Way of the Cross —in Jerusalem’s Old City.

I ask an Israeli security the name of the gentleman walking the pilgrims to the church as I get the answer that he has no idea and asks me firmly to please move from the way while Mordehai-Israeli-Gene finds out from a crossless pilgrim that the gentleman leading the crowd also dressed in black, is the Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos the Third, and then Mordehai-Gene —suddenly quite enlightened— remembers that his neighbor once said to him that the Orthodox gentleman lives in Jerusalem and that also he is very nice.

With this precious info and the solemn atmospere of the ceremony carrying so many crosses through “Via Dolorosa” I decide I need a light break into the antique stores and if I am lucky carry an even lighter new necklace not on my shoulder but —willing as faithfully as I can— wear it over my neck. Enchallah (God willing)

I would like to dedicate this post to the one that for most than 10 years now has devoted his attention, focus, and concern with the safety of my life and wanderings.
Arlindo Luiz Soares da Silva known by all as Gabriel, my bodyguard in Brazil.
May him and his family be blessed with love health and prosperity and all the integrity and faithfulness that he shown in his life.

See you at the Arabs Souk in my next post.

Related Links:

Jerusalem Sacred Sites

The Kotel (Western wall)

http://www.thekotel.org/

http://www.templemount.org/

The Dome of the Rock

http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.tcl?site_id=41

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

http://www.bibleplaces.com/holysepulcher.htm