Showing posts with label hamsa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hamsa. Show all posts

4.15.2012

9.03.2011

The New Year is Coming: A Tashlich Tutorial


Tashlich (tahsh-leek) comes from a root word which means "to cast away". It is the custom when Jews walk to a moving body of water on the first afternoon of Rosh Hashana (or the second day if the first happens to be Shabbat) and "throw away" their sins by tossing bread or cracker crumbs into the water. The concept is taken from a verse in the book of the Prophet Michah where it says,
"And Thou wilt cast ("ve-tashlich") all their sins into the depths of the sea" (Michah, 7:19)
A River Runs Through It Beads by Tracey Lipman

The preferred body of water is one where there are fish. Fish never close their eyes, a reminder of the ever-watchful eyes of G-d, who records and remembers everything and constantly watches us with mercy.
Additionally, Jewish mystical tradition teaches that fish are immune from the Evil Eye. By casting our sins away where there are fish, we are also asking for protection from the evils of the world. 
White Braided Leather Wrap Bracelet by charmeddesign1012

 During Tashlich, you walk to a nearby body of water. A river, sea, or lake are the best choices although, in their absence, a well or reservoir is acceptable. There is no special prayer for Tashlich. However, there are several Scriptural chapters relating to the idea of penitence and Divine forgiveness which are recited.
The water has SYMBOLICALLY carried away misdeeds and you are free to start over. This action gives one a new starting point for the New Year.

Jellyfish Earrings by markaplan






 Next: Traditional Greetings for the New Year
Post by April Grunspan 

 

11.13.2010

claybeadsandmore

Penny Stern, the creative force behind Clay Beads and More, has been creating since the tender age of five when she first learned how to knit. A few years ago she discovered polymer clay and found her calling. Her shop is filled with original jewelry,decorate all manner of objects, including key chains, pens, frames, mezuzahs, greeting cards, tins, and boxes. She even sells the polymer clay canes and beads for the do-it-yourselfer.

Here are a few of my favorites from Penny's shop:




Polymer Clay Hamsa










Retro Cube Beads













Polymer Clay Hair Clip











The patterns and colors in her work are beautiful. The barrette looks polished and glossy. Clay Beads and More is offering free international shipping on two or more items that total over $35, PLUS 10% off the least expensive item if you purchase 3 or more during Team EtsyChai's Miracles of Hanukkah sale. Tell Penny that GoofingOff sent you and don't forget to say Candles (JW mag for you folks from Jewish Woman Magazine).

For a full list of Team EtsyChai's shops and the great deals offered during the sale click here.

Blog post by GoofingOff. Goofing off, it's what I do best.

11.11.2010

norunningwithscissor:

A love of history and Judaism provides Debbie with the inspiration she needs for her mixed media art. Her love is reflected in the use of illuminated manuscripts and kettubot along with vintage Israeli stamps and advertisements. Her ties to Israel are strong and her artwork represents that bond well.







Kippah Box
Debbie says she designed the Kippah Box after raising 2 boys whose kippot would magically disappear in the morning before school.
This Kippah Box is painted in blue acrylic paints decorated with highly colorful Israeli stamps with a collaged torah on the lid and glazed as a finishing touch. Completed with a magnetic closure.
Great solution!







Three Star Hamsa was created from a collage of illuminated manuscripts from Debbie's extensive digital collection and vintage Israeli stamps from her treasured personal stash.The images of children and Israeli life in stamps, early Israeli posters and vintage records are vibrant and colorful and stand out in the dark background.
The title comes from the 3 stars that come out at night signifying the start of a new day.

Hamsa is painted a dark midnight blue/purple and collaged upon. 3 gold stars were added with swarovski crystals in the center. Glazed to perfection.









Beloved

This is my very favorite. "Beloved" is a mixed media collage on canvas with little copies of kettubot (marriage contracts). It symbolizes the blessings given under the chuppah that the bride and groom should be worthy to build a home built upon the foundation of love and Torah values.



Check out NoRunningwithScissor during Team EtsyChai's Miracles of Hanukkah sale. Debbie is offering a Free gift with purchase during Team EtsyChai's Miracles of Hanukkah Sale going on now until November 23. Wonderful artwork, great deal. Can't do much better than that.

For a full list of Team EtsyChai's shops and the great deals offered during the sale follow this link http://etsychai.blogspot.com/2010/10/miracles-of-hanukkah-sale.html


Blog post by GoofingOff (aka Eileen). Got more goofing off to do. It's what I do best.



11.07.2010

LBolter

Laura Bolter is an accomplished artist, illustrator, and graphic designer with over 20 years of experience. Her high honors BFA degree in Visual Communications from the University of Kansas lead her to a job at the Lettering Department at Hallmark Cards, and then on to a job at Shoebox Greetings. Laura's work has been featured in numerous books, cards, brochures, and advertising. She is a member of the American Guild of Judaic Art. Her work is colorful, full of life and beauty.

Here is a sampling of her work:






Shema Mandala Soldered Pendant Charm


















Peace Hamsa Print- Reproduction
















Bat Mitzvah Print


Breathtakingly beautiful. So those are my faves. What's yours? Leave a comment. We'll compare notes.
Check out Laura's shop at Lbolter.etsy.com during Team EtsyChai's Miracle of Hanukkah sale. She's offering 20% off the entire purchase. Don't forget the secret word....it's candles. For those of you from Jewish Woman Magazine it's JW Mag.

Blog post by GoofingOff. Goofing off, it's what I do best.