Is your Kippah Kosher?

I don't keep a kosher home... I did not grow up in a kosher home. If I were to decide to keep kosher, I would become a vegetarian, not so much for the ease of it (no meat versus milk). Being Kosher means much more than simply keeping dietary laws, it means that you choose to treat all of Hashem's creatures respectfully- animals and people, alike. Can you ethically wear a kippah or tallit which was made by a person who made only pennies for their handiwork? I think not, and there are a lot of groups which agree with me.

MayaWorks creates lovely kippot...It markets the work of Maya artisans who otherwise have no outlet for their handiwork. As a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation, MayaWorks pays artisans at prices they set, provides technical assistance and educational opportunities and meets other Fair Trade criteria. MayaWorks is also much more than just an outlet for Mayan products. MayaWorks believes that community development happens through the economic development of women who otherwise have limited ways to participate or contribute to the economic stability of their families. Giving women an opportunity to earn an income from their skills gives them self-confidence and hope for themselves, their children, their family and their village.

ARCHIE GRANOT

There are so many beautiful pieces to choose from, so many talented artists. I would be remiss if I did not show the wonderful, wonderful and prolific work of Archie Granot And since yesterday I showed the letter MEM, today I will share an ALEF, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet.



Born in London, England in 1946, Archie Granot moved to Israel in 1967. Before moving to Jerusalem in 1978 where, the following year, he discovered his extraordinary talent, he was a member of an agricultural community where he milked cows and grew melons. He has a M.Phil in Russian Studies from the University of Glasgow, Scotland and a B.A. in Political Science and Russian Studies from the Hebrew University, Jerusalem.

And while Pesach (Passover) is still months away, I feel compelled to show Granot's intererpretation of the 10 Plagues... just one of the plates from his Haggadah.



And to usher in my next theme...in honor of Tu'bshevat his palm trees:

So what is Judaica

At its most basic, Judaica is simply ceremonial objects used for various rituals. For many of us, Judaica is much more- it is an expression of our faith, a way to channel artistic energy or for some a way to earn a living.
What makes Judaica such a wonderful art form is that pieces can be used on a daily basis, treasured for an annual celebration or displayed as an artifact.



How to make Judaica part of your life?

DAILY: Wear a star of David or Chai about your neck. Display mezuzot on all your door frames.
WEEKLY: Utilize special Kiddush cups, challah covers and havdalah sets every Shabbat.
MONTHLY: If you don't attend a mikvah, ritually wash your hands using a special cup and basin.
ANNUALLY: Be sure to find a special Hanukiah, seder plate, honey dish for the appropriate holidays.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS: Buy Art by Jewish Artists.
AND WHENEVER THE MOMENT STRIKES YOU: CREATE YOUR OWN!!!!


(Top photo from University of Chicago Library. Bottom photo from Theresa Rasmussen.)