Gift Ideas for Jewish Traditions

Rosh Hashanah, Shavuot, Purim, Passover and Hanukah are all Jewish holidays with rich traditions and customs. In accordance with Jewish law, some Jewish holidays commemorate great moments in Jewish history while others are festivals given or passed down by the Torah.

Many of these celebrations involve gift giving, Jewish feasts and tasty treats. Traditionally most would prepare their own feasts and treats for the holidays. Nonetheless, as schedules have become more hectic, many are interested in purchasing prepared items. As a result, various manufacturers and retailers have responded to the need for kosher gifts and other kosher items.

Kosher Foods & Treats to Help With or Add to Your Upcoming Feast

There are many prepared foods and treats on the market that can help in the preparation of or add to your traditional Jewish feast. These include smoked fish, shrimp, dried fruits and nuts, tourquoise, soup mixes and baked goods such as hamantashen or babkahs.

Kosher Gift Ideas

Holiday Gifts - To celebrate the holiday, consider a gift basket with traditional Jewish treats like sugar sticks, mixed nuts, bamba snacks, gilboa or other cheeses and festive wines. If looking to purchase gifts in large quantities, consider customizable gift boxes of Enstrom's toffees or truffles.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah - Tasty treats will be a welcome gift for the young man or woman celebrating their coming of age. Combine kosher treats in a festive tin can, popcorn bowl or coffee mug. Some kosher goodies to consider include jelly beans, lollipops, popcorn, licorice or hot cocoa mixes.

Shiva (Condolence) - Gourmet snacks and foods can be a wonderful way of showing others that you care. Show your concern with a gift basket with assorted coffees or teas, dried fruits, rugelach or smoked fish with crackers.

Wedding - Commemorate this festive occasion by presenting the bride and groom with a jar of clover honey along with a honey dish or server. Other ideas include a wine and cheese basket, candy dish with assorted candies or a gift box of condiments such as mustards, hummus dip, relishes, olives and pickles.

Kosher foods also make great gifts for other occasions such as birthdays, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Father's Day, new home, retirement or a new baby.

How to Buy Kosher Items

Kosher products must be handled and prepared according to specific regulations. Because of fraud and misrepresentations, it is important for a consumer to research a company and learn about its policies before making purchases. Look for a commitment or statement from that retailer ensuring consumers that products sold by them meet regulatory kosher standards. Most often this assurance is made through kosher certification such as those offered by agencies like the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations, Star-K, Kosher Supervision of America, OK or the BCK Kosher Certifying Agency.

Written by Dee Dee Smith

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• Filed under: Jewish Holiday Traditions
• Tags: jewish tradition, kosher gifts, gift ideas, kosher foods, enstrom, shiva, bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah.