How have the Jewish tradition and collective identity survived these turbulent times, overcoming many obstacles? Since the Jewish people was expelled from the land of Israel, two thousands of years ago, traditional symbols and ritual objects have played a significant role in preserving the bond between the distant Jewish communities and the holy land. These signs and rituals have distinguished Jewish minorities in all parts of the world, often resulting in their prosecution.

In the last century, especially since World War Two and the establishment of Israel, the Jewish identity has become a source of pride. Judaica has turned into a popular way to express religious faith and national pride. Within the Jewish community, it has become a popular custom to give and receive gifts that carry Jewish symbolism, commonly referred to as Jewish gifts. Today, it is common to exchange ritual objects and symbolic Jewish jewelry that bring religion and art together, and so celebrate the richness of the Jewish culture. The growing demand of wide markets has led to a drastic development in the field of Judaica art and jewelry. In recent years Judaica artists have created a vast selection of Jewish gifts, from small rings decorated with Jewish motifs to impressive and elaborate Hanukkah menorahs and Seder plates.

Nowadays, you can also find new ideas for Jewish gifts that have not been considered before. We can recognize, for example, the influence of the feminist movement in many religious practices. One such new Judaica object is a Tallit especially designed for women. Another object is Miriam's Cup placed on the Seder table beside the traditional Cup of Elijah. The ritual of Miriam's Cup is intended to draw our attention to the significance of women in the story of Exodus. Filling this Cup in Water at Passover dinner signifies Miriam's Well which turned to be a miraculous source of water for the Israelites in the desert. These new objects successfully reflect the changes in the modern Jewish society over time.

But Jewish gifts include much more than ritual objects. The Hamsa Hand, for example, is a symbol that has been widely adopted by Judaism and used by Jews to this day. The Hamsa Hand is believed to draw positive energies and good luck and ward off any evil. It is not surprising then to find the Hamsa Hand on many jewelry accessories, key chains and a wide variety of other decorative objects. Notwithstanding of its original use, it's fair to say that many people are drawn to the Hamsa symbol because they simply like the way it looks.