The Shiviti, Menorah and Mizrah plaques
were hung in the Synagogue and the home. They are used for meditation,
concentration, a reminder, during prayers, and the direction to face during
prayer. The basic theme being, “The Lords presence, should should
be with me forever. The Kameah is an amulet hung in the home or business,
but not in the synagogue, used to ward off evil.
Traditionally the theme of all plaques is based on a verse from Psalms
which states, I have set the Lord before me always (Psalms 16:8). The
plaques that were placed in the synagogue were done in graphics, using
the letters to form designs. Figures of people are not permitted in the
synagogue.
In recreating some of these plaques I have added another dimension, by
the use of color in the designs, which make then more pleasing to the
eye. By so doing they may occupy a more prominent place in the homes.
THE
MENORAH
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The “Menorah” plaques are designed with words in the shape
of the Menorah containing Psalm 67, which is written in the shape of a
menorah, and are called “The psalm of the Menorah.” Traditionally
these plaque are hung in the synagogue. Today people are hanging them
in the home, feeling that one should always be conscious of G’ds
Presence.
The psalm contains seven verses which represent the seven branches of
the Menorah. The first verse has four words, which represent the two tongs
and two snuff dishes that were used in the service of the Menorah. Then
there are forty nine words which represent twenty two cups, eleven buttons,
nine flowers, and seven lamps, a total of forty nine, that were part of
the design of the Menorah.
Rabbi David Abudraham (Seville, Spain late 13th - 14th cent.) writes that
this psalm is symbolic of the lighting of the Menorah in the Temple.
Included are many other verses and motifs which are interwoven in these
plaques. Some have Kabbalistic words, prayers, angelic names, and the
four letters of the tetragrammaton usually occupying a prominent place.
The idea behind these plaques is to keep the Lords Presence before ones
mind at all times.
One who recites the psalm every day from the form of the Menorah is considered
to have lit the Menorah in the Temple and beheld the divine presence.
THE
SHIVITI
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“Shiviti ‘H Lenegdi Tamid” Hebrew meaning “I set
the Lord before me always”. The “Shiviti plaques are similar
to the Menorah plaques with the exception that they do not contain the
shape of the Menorah. They contain the four letter word of the tetragrammaton
in a prominent place. The theme being “The Lords presence, should
be with me forever. This may contain names of angels words from the Bible
or the Kabbalah or angelic names etc.
THE
MIZRAH
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The “Mizrah” meaning “East” in Hebrew. Jews everywhere
turn in prayer in the direction of the Temple mount in fulfillment of
Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple. “And they
shall pray to you toward their land which you gave to their fathers, the
city which you have chosen and the house which I have built to Your Name”
(Kings I 8:48). In countries west of Israel, they turn toward the east,
and the Ark in placed on the eastern wall of the synagogue. Plaques with
the word “Mizrah” are surrounded by artistically drawn figures
and Biblical or Kabbalistic inscriptions. They adorned many synagogues
and homes in Europe and are still in use everywhere today.
THE
KAMEAH
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The “Kameah” meaning “Amulet” in Hebrew. These
are not used in the synagogue but hung wherever real or imaginary danger
lurks in the homes and businesses. They contains verses from the bible
which refer to protection from harm, or sacred letters and symbols, names
of angels mystical signs, stars of David etc.
Kabbalah gives a further impetus to amulets, increasing belief in the
efficacy of the Divine name represented by various letter combinations.
Formulas are as common as scriptural verses in amulets.
There are abbreviated forms of the written Kameah which are made into
jewelry and artifacts which are hung. Very popular is the form of the
hand with inscriptions on the palm and fingers. The number five, (hence
the five fingers) denotes the evil eye. Wearing or displaying this is
thought to ward off the evil eye.
THE CHILDREN
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Rabbi Eliezer said in the name of Rabbi Hanina: “Torah scholars increase peace in the world, as it is stated: (Et Yosef) “All your children shall be students of Hashem and your children shall have much peace”: “Call them not your children but your builders.” (Trac Berachot 64a) The Hebrew Banayich means your children, and Bonayich means your builders.
The sum of the verse is that justice and ethical behavior of the Torah promotes uprightness in the world.
THE
TORAHS - Go
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The Sephardic Torah (Scroll of the Law) is encased in a Teik which is
made of wood or silver and is placed upright on the Tebah (reading table)
and read from an upright position. The Torah is adorned with ornaments
to express the love and reverence in which it is held. When the Teik is
made of wood, it may be overlain with precious metal. In my rendering
of the torahs I used Hebrew words to adorn the cases. The Torah on the
left side reads: "B'H" (With the Help of the Almighty) "You
should be worthy of living a long life." The Torah on the right side
reads: " The Candle is the Commandment and the Torah is the light."
(Proverbs 6:23)
COHEN'S
BLESSING -
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After performing the service in the Temple the Cohanim (Priests) would
pronounce the blessing on the nation (Numbers 6:24-26). The prayer concludes
with the verse "They shall place My Name upon the children of Israel and
I (G'd) will bless them" (Numbers 6,27).
Although we do not have the Temple, the ritual of the Cohanim blessing
the people is done daily today during the morning prayers by the Sephardic
people. The reason is that the daily prayers have replaced the Temple
Service and the blessings by the Priests followed the service. The blessing
contains 60 letters which symbolize the 60 tractates of the Talmud, and
are a reminder of the blessings bestowed upon us by G'd.
The tree in the picture is an orthographic picture of a tree made with
the words of the blessings and concludes with the word Shalom (Peace)
HOUSE BLESSING
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The Hebrew word for blessing is “Beracha.” It’s used in the regular invocation to prayer in a blessing for giving thanks and in petitions to G’d. The power of a blessing is held to be very great.
This “House Blessing” is addressed to Ribbon Ha’olamim “Master of the Universe.” It is a request for blessing of the home, to have a light filled, happy atmosphere with peace and tranquility to pervade throughout the home.
KIDDUSH FOR ALL OCCASIONS - Go Back -
The Kiddush is the blessing recited over wine on the Sabbath, all Holidays, and all happy events in the life cycle. The first two words of the blessing on the evening of the Sabbath begin with "The Sixth Day," (Genesis 1, 31). They are the last two words of the verse in the bible.
These words precede the next two words "and they Were Completed" (Genesis 2,1) which begins in the next verse in the Bible. What connects these words? The answer is, that the first two letters of the words in the Hebrew begin with "Y" and "H", respectively and first two letters of the next two words "V" and "H", respectively, combine to form G'ds four letter Name.
On the Sabbath Psalm 23 (written in the shape of the Menorah) is recited, then the appropriate night or day blessings. For the Festival Holidays, which are on the bottom are the blessings which are recited on the eve of the holiday, and those recited during the day.
SHAAR HASHAMAIM - Go Back -
Shaar Hashamaim is the gateway to Heaven. It depicts the three things mentioned by the men of the Great Assembly. that help to sustain the world's existence. Following these rules is an assurance of going thru those gates These are the foundations of the world, upon which it was created. Rabbi Simeon says the world owes its permanency to the three things.
In Ethics of the Fathers, Simon the Just used to say: "By three things the world stands: by Torah, by prayers, and bydeeds of loving kindness. (Ethics 1,2)
Also (Ethics 1, 18) Rabbi Simeon ben Gamliel (president of the Sanhedrim 80 CE) said: By three things the world is sustained: By truth, justice, and peace, as it is said (Zechariah 8,16): Render in your gates judgements that are true and make for peace.
YEHI RASON JERUSALEM - Go Back -
This prayer is said after reciting the silent prayer three times a day. It's about the rebuilding of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
"May it be Your will, G'd our Lord and Lord of our fathers, that You build the Holy Temple speedily, in our days and place our portion in Your Torah, so that we may properly perform the laws that You disired that we uphold and serve You wholeheartedly."
BAT MITZVAH REMEMBERANCE - Go Back -
The Bat Mitzvah is a ceremony on the occasion of a girl reaching her religious majority. According to Jewish Law, at the age of 12 years – a year earlier than the comparable ceremony in the case of a boy, but general it postponed to the age of 13 or later. The conservative and reform synagogues have introduced a confirmation ceremony in the synagogue. The orthodox generally do not favor participation of females in the synagogue service, although in the past century some orthodox synagogues have introduced a modified service for girls. The late British Chief Rabbi Dr J.H. Hertz was a pronounced advocate of it. The Israel Chief Rabbi Nissim has advocated a religious ceremony to take place in the home at the Occasion of the Bat Mitzvah. Unlike in the past, many girls today are attending yeshiva or Hebrew school classes and the custom is spreading. In the girls ceremony the girl recites the Hafotrah whose story theme is generally taken from the bible being read that week. The text surrounding the picture is the Haftorah of the Sabbath of that week written in Stam letters, and can be changed to a font of your choosing. It will be inscribed with the girls name, parent’s name, and date of the occasion. A photograph you supply will be placed in the center or we can supply an appropriate generic. Each one is made to order and can be tailored to suit your needs.
Price $98.50 Framed 10X13. Rendition on canvas additional $19.00
BAR MITZVAH REMEMBERANCE - Go Back -
In the Ethics of the fathers Pirke Avot it says: “At five a child is brought to the bible, at ten to the Minshna and at thirteen to the commandments”. This became a general acceptance when a boy becomes a “Bar Mitzvah,” obligated to follow the laws and customs of Judiasm. From that time on, the wearing of Phylacteries Tephiline at morning prayers became compulsory. Before this age, a boy may be unable to maintain the proper degree of piety and carefulness necessary for the observance of this ceremony. The text surrounding the picture is the complete portion of the week of the boys Bar Mitzvah. If you wish, the “Haftorah” can be used instead. It is written in “Stam” letters as is in the Torah. The vowels and signs for sentence structure have been added for easy reading. Inscription of the boy’s name, parents name and date is included. A photograph you supply will be placed in the center or we can supply an appropriate generic. Each one is made to order and can be tailored to suit your needs.
Price $98.50 Framed 10X13. Rendition on canvas additional $19.00
BAR
MITZVAH CERTIFICATE
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In Pirke Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), it says: "At five a child is brought
to the Bible, at ten to the Mishna and at thirteen to the commandments".
This became a general acceptance when a boy becomes a "Bar Mitzvah", obligated
to follow the laws and customs of Judaism. From that time on, the wearing
of Tephillin (Phylacteries) at morning prayer on weekdays becomes compulsory.
Before this age, a boy may be unable to maintain the proper degree of
piety and carefulness necessary for the observance of this ceremony.
The border surrounding the picture is part of the portion which is read
on the week of the boys Bar Mitzvah. It is written with Stam letters as
it would be in the scroll of the Torah. The vowels and signs for sentence
structure and manner of cantillations have been added for easy reading.
The certificate contains a picture of the symbol of a Bar Mitzvah reading
from a book. The page can be inscribed with the name of the boy and date
of the occasion.
The Bar Mitzvah Certificates are made to order. They can be made with
any portion from the 5 books of the Torah, or the Prophets, according
to the date of the occasion. You can choose either Stam, or Siddur lettering.
The name of the person and date of the occasion can be inserted in the
book the Boy is holding either in English or Hebrew lettering. When ordering
specify your choices.
THE
SHEMA'E - Go
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The Shema'e is a prayer which is read morning and evening. We express
our beliefin the unity of G'd. It begins "Hear Israel, G'd our Lord is
One. The first word inHebrew begins with the letter "ayeen" ends with
the letter the"dalet". These two letters are written large, they spell
the Hebrew word "ehd", meaning witness. They are written large so they
should be enunciated clearly, otherwisethey could have a different meaning.
The three letters of the word Shema'e are the first letters of the words,"Raise
your eyes heavenward". To whom"To the almighty king of the world". When?
"During morning, afternoon and evening prayers". If one does so, he will
have accepted (Shema'e spelled backwards) "The yoke of the heavenlykingdom"
(Avudarham).
THE
TRIBES OF ISRAEL
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All these are the Tribes of Israel, twelve in all. The following is an
excerpt of what there father Jacob said to them when he blessed them.
The stained glass window depicts their traits as described by their father
Jacob, (Genesis 48,1-27) and/ or Moses (Deuteronomy (33, 6-24).
Gather near, sons of Jacob and listen to your father Israel. Reuben, my
first born, unstable as water... His ranks are numbered. Shimon, weapons
and violence are your wares ... Levy, your Urim and Tumim (breast plate)
belong to Your pious one. May G'd bless his effort and favor the work
of his hands. Judah, your brothers will praise you... he crouches like
a lion... Zebullun, shall dwell by the seashore...and he shall be a haven
for ships.... Yissachar, is a strong- boned donkey. Dan shall fight for
his people... let Dan be a snake on the road.... Gad, He came with the
first of his people, doing what is just with G'd, and lawful with Israel
Asher shall have the richest foods... Naphtali is a deer running free...
Joseph is a fruitful son... By a fountain with branches running over the
wall... Benjamin is a wolf. G'ds beloved one shall dwell securely beside
him. G'd protects him all day long and dwells among his slopes.
CANDLE LIGHTING BLESSING
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KINDLING THE SABBATH CANDLES
Candles are lit before the Sabbath because the Shabbat meal had to be eaten after dark. Before the advent of electric lights they were used to illuminate the house. That allowed the people to see what they were doing. They also brought peace and harmony into the house.
Nowadays most homes are well lit even without candles. Shabbat lights were kindled as to enhance the meal. There are also Kabalistic reasons for lighting the candles. (see Ben Ish Hai II Noah, P1. Even the secular people for a pleasant dinning atmosphere prefer to eat by candle light.
Sephardic women recite the blessing first, then light the candles. Ashkenazi women recite the blessing first, then, light the candles. The blessing is a petition to G’d on behalf of herself and her husband to be blessed with children, health, happiness and long life.
KETOUBOT
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KETOUBAH According to rabbinic law, preceding the wedding ceremony the bridegroom undertakes a statement of obligation to his bride. The document is called “Ketoubah” (Writ) and is written before the ceremony. Originally the rabbi wrote the document before the wedding ceremony. In today’s times the forms are usually printed leaving out the names dates and relevant information to be filled in prior to the ceremony. Some couples choose a document with elaborate decorations made especially for them. The document is signed by two witnesses unrelated to the bide or bridegroom. The groom then performs the act of Kinyan account of agreement in acceptance with the obligations. Orthodox texts come in Sephardi or Ashkenazi formats. Conservative and reform have there own formats. The Ketoubah is read before the congregation and is given to the bride who keeps it as a legal proof of obligations towards her. Our “Ketoubot” are individually made according to your choice of style and text, orthodox, conservative, reform, anniversary, Sephardic or Ashkenazi. Also, choice of text style and color. If you wish all information can be filled in with the exception of the signatures.
Size 11X14 or 11X17. Your Choice Price $98.50
Available on canvas size 8 ½ X 11.
