Judaica Store Blog

If you’re thinking about your favorite people this Purim, you should buy them a gift basket for mishloach manot and spread the love! There’s nothing nicer than coming home to see a beautiful Purim basket sitting on your kitchen counter. Purim was my favorite holiday when I was a tyke, and it wasn’t just because of the candy. Purim reminds you of who your friends are and it can help you make new friends too! In fact, I met one of my best friends at school when I gave him misloach manot. Giving is a way for us to remember that all Jews are entitled to some tasty food and drink on this holy day.

In these baskets, gourmet goodies are presented with lots of flair, and tons of taste. Wafers and chocolates, hamentashen and wine, flowers and candy all remind us that spring isn’t so far away, and that when it comes you’ll have plenty of friends and family to celebrate with in the warm weather.

You don’t have to splurge, but you can if you want. Eichlers.com has a wide variety of Purim baskets available in all styles and sizes. So go ahead and give on this day of feasting and gladness – besides, it’s a mitzvah!

Now that my family and I have moved into a larger house, I’m eager to start hosting my own Shabbat dinners, in particular to thank my mother for all the hard work she’s put into our meals over the years.

But before I could start inviting people over, I needed supplies, both for preparation and presentation. It’s amazing how many Shabbat items I found at an online Judaica store, www.Eichlers.com.

We actually already have a Challah board, a beautiful hand painted wooden piece with a matching knife. Or, it used to have a matching knife—I think that got lost somewhere in the moving process. I’m currently torn between two replacement options: a silver-plated Challah board with an engraved knife, or a wooden board with crumb trays and a built-in slot to store the matching knife that comes with it. I’ll probably choose the latter, to avoid misplacing another knife. Plus, wood like that will go with any Challah cover.

For some help behind the scenes, I’m eyeing a cool bug checker for lettuce available online at the same Judaica store. On such a holy day, the last thing I want to be worrying about is insects!

And now for my favorite Judaica Store subject: Kosher Inventions! Yes, too many good Jews are focusing their minds on fancy stuff like physics and biology, but luckily for us, there are still a few thinkers out there that just want to make our life easier. Kudos.

You know, when Tevye the milkman had to wake up on Shabbat mornings, he had a rooster as an alarm clock. But most of us do not live in Tsarist Russia anymore and don’t have chickens in our back yard. So how can you make sure you wake for Shabbos Shacharis without accidently touching the alarm buttons in your dreams?


Well, that’s why they invented the KosherClock! Yup, the KosherClock features:

• Shabbat Mode- All alarms shut off by themselves after one minute! Once set, no need to touch your KosherClock on Shabbos! NO PROBLEM WITH MUKTZAH.
• 5 Beep Alarms- on Shabbos wake up for shacharis, enjoy a snooze, don't miss your chavrusa and be on time for mincha.
• Record Feature- on weekdays only, wake up to the voice of a loved one, or a recorded melody. (Do not use recorded alarms on Shabbat.)
• Photo Frame- holds a 2.4" x 2.7" picture.

How does it work? Good question. You set the first alarm to 7:30am… na… to early. How about 8:00am. Sounds better already! Then you set the second alarm to 8:15am. Each of the alarms will ring for one minute before it shuts itself automatically and you don’t have to do anything!

For more info about the KosherClock, visit you one-stop Judaica store at www.Eichlers.com!

The cool thing about the Internet is that anything you would or could need - a service, a product, a company, a phone number or anything else - you CAN find online. Over 3 billion people use the Internet every day, some of which are searching for the same things you are! In this case, quality made Chanukah Menorahs. So yes, you can definitely find these online - quality made, designed your way, and very cost efficient. There are many types of Chanukah menorahs available, ranging from the traditional olive oil menorah and also sterling silver menorah, glass made, hand crafted, ceramic, metal, clear, etc.

Seriously, any style you may have going on in your home, your olive oil menorah can "fit" in with your decorating styles! www.Eichlers.com is a wonderful place to find Chanukah menorahs, sterling silver menorah, and olive oil menorah and as a one-stop Judaica store, they even sell other accessories as well such as special oils, candles, and even Menorah mats to place your menorah on.

The styles of these sacred pieces of ceremonial art may have changed, but the symbology is still the same. If you want something a little more your style, you can now choose from all kinds of really terrific options!

When I think of specific religions I think of specific symbols. Each individual religion seems to have religious symbols that they are not only known for visually, but the actual symbol also has a particular meaning behind it. For example, when it comes to Judaism some people may think of the Star of David, while others think of the Menorah.

These are really incredible symbols that have an amazing history behind them! Seriously, if you aren't Jewish, it's time to read up on how the Chanukah menorahs came about because it's a very riveting story! It seems, like most other religions that these symbols are oftentimes with the barer of the religion. In this case, the Chanukah menorahs can almost always be found in the home of a Jewish person. I imagine that like most other artifacts that once in a while you may either need to purchase a new Chanukah menorah.

I suppose these can also be given away as gifts as well. The great thing about finding these for purchase is that you can very quickly look online at www.Eichlers.com that offers these kinds of pieces. Several different menorahs include an olive oil menorah (which has a TON of symbolism behind it!), sterling silver menorah, 7 branch menorahs, and much more! It's really going to depend on what you are looking for in terms of coloring and styles.

Like every other religion, Judaism has its own specific symbols, meanings, set way of living, etc. A lot of people take their religion very seriously, even still nowadays. One of the main "items" if you will that makes me think of Judaism right away is the Star of David. The other symbol is that of the Menorah. The Menorah, or more specifically the Chanukah Menorah, or Chanukia is really more than a symbol of Judaism - it has so much pure meaning behind it!

The story behind the Menorahs is that this is when the Jewish people were celebrating the re-dedication of the Temple after the successful revolt against the monarchy. They could only find enough pure oil to light the sacred Menorah for one day, but somehow by miracle it ended up lasting eight full days! If you have ever seen these Chanukah Menorahs you know that not only are they really quite stunning, but that they also have eight "branches" for eight candles or oil lamps, with only one branch higher than the other which is a symbol of the Shamash, that guards against secular usage.

This is actually a really fascinating story once you get into the nitty grityy details, but it’s also very interesting to read about Jewish history as well. I’ll be honest - I'm not Jewish so I wasn't even sure you could buy them online if you did indeed want one, but after a friend had asked me about purchasing one I figured I would give it a go and see where the road led me. Surprisingly (or maybe not) I found www.Eichlers.com.

They had all kinds of different colors and materials such as a sterling silver menorah, Chanukah menorahs and yes, even oil menorahs. So if you’re looking to buy the perfect gift for a Jewish co-worker, I think that there’s nothing better than a Menorah.

Are you bothered by the fact that your kids spend the entire day in front of the computer? Are you troubled by the fact that your kids are playing Pac-Man? Well you should! Who knows if those pac-dots he's eating are even kosher or not. And ghosts? Are they considered meat?

But before you run to the Rabbi, check out the Pac-Man’s Jewish brother-in-law, the Mitzvah Man. That’s right boys and girls, the Mitzvah man is an easy and fun way to learn some serious Jewish concepts while engaging extreme finger activity.


This video game will help your children to absorb 1000 important Jewish traditions and laws while escaping all sorts of spooky Golems and Dybbuks. You got your Laws of Shabbat covered, and Blessings and Prayers, Jewish History, Ethics & Rabbinical Laws and Kashrut questions, all in a colorful interface and cool sound effects.

Visit us at www.Eichlers.com for more entertaining and educational Jewish video games and computer software.

Your Sukkah is up and running, ushpizin are coming and going, but suddenly you discover that your sister’s cousin broke the Pitam off your esrog. No problem! At Eichler’s Sukkot Center we have everything you need, ready to be shipped to your sukkah’s door.

Like this certified Sukkah Bee Trap! Because some guests are not so welcome…

And if you need a kids trap because the little ones are driving you nuts, get them a children’s sukkah!

Children can sit in their Sukkah day and night, play in it, learn in it and have so much fun!

But what if rain came down and washed your sukkah's decorations? Don't worry! We got an extensive selection of colorful decorations like this lovely Fruit Garland:

Sukkah Emergency? Don't worry! We got you covered! All you need to do is visit the Succos Center at www.eichlers.com, your one-stop High-Holiday-Shop.

Nobody likes a broken Pitam during Succos. You've been putting so much energy in finding that perfect Etrog and you probably want to see it survive through the holiday.

There are many Esrog Boxes and Esrog Cases to choose from. Take a look at this lovely Velvet Esrog box:
This colorful, velvet etrog box is beautifully decorated to add a great touch to your Sukkot and it comes with a magnetic snap closure for maximum security.
The one and only Yair Emanuel has a selection of unique esrog boxes just like this Jeruslam design box. This stunning wooden Esrog box is hand – painted using acrylic colors and then finished with three layers of lacquer.

This Sterling Silver Esrog box can make the perfect gift this Succos. The traditional design features a classic pattern and a snug fit for a decent sized etrog.

If you are looking for that special esrog case, or just the esrog itself, or maybe an esrog with lulav - you can find them all at www.Eichlers.com your one-stop holiday store.

Because of brilliant, innovative and fun ideas like the ShasPod, we’re proud to be Jews.

This is simply a genius idea – I mean, how can a traveler easily carry and study a 2,711 page book? If that book is the Talmud, the wise traveler obtains the ShasPod, an Apple iPod packed with audio commentary on this massive compendium of Jewish oral law. Brilliant!

The ShasPod is a 120GB iPod loaded with 2,711 shiurim, one for each page of the Talmud. A shiur is a brief (30-60 minute) discussion by a religious teacher. Each shiur is in English mixed with Aramaic (the language of the Talmud) and some Hebrew phrases. The compact iPod is not only more compact than the paper-based version of the Talmud, it is a lot smaller than the typical audio version, which runs to about 2,000 tape cassettes...

Click here to listen to a sample lecture: Mesechet Berachot Tape 1 - Side A (31:19)

Technical knowledge of mp3 downloading is not necessary, and in fact, a computer is not even necessary. As one person commented, it is almost like having “your rebbe in your pocket!”

The ShasPod is available to purchase at www.Eichlers.com - the world's Judaica Store.

Now it's easier than ever to buy a new certified kosher Tzitzis online, without worrying about size or material. The new Eichler's Tzitzis Wizard is incorporates the latest technology and the best Tzitzis on the market.

Here's how it works. First you choose Adult or Child size. Let's go with Adult.

Then you choose your lineage. If you are not sure, choose Ashkenazic.

Now you need to choose the fabric, let's say Cotton:

Size...
And Style...
And you are good to go. Isn't it cool? Chances are, you will not find another place where you'd be able to create your on Tzitzis like Eichler's. So go ahead, visit www.Eichlers.com and have fun with our Tzitzis Wizard.

Our Israeli friends in the Middle East are always happy to get support. If it’s by tourism, media coverage, parades, contributions, or even little gestures such as having “the greatest country in the world” mug in your office.

Now, more than ever, it is important to pitch in and show our endless love and appreciation for Israel, wear an IDF shirt or proudly hang the Israeli flag on our front doors.

They might be talking about crisis in the White House but we know that Israel is the 51st State and we're going to prove it by wearing the JerUSAlem T-Shirt:
Or you can go all IDF with an Israeli Defense Force IDF T-Shirt, worn by new Israeli recruits:

And how about an original army cap to finish the look?


If you're looking for something more personal, there's a great gift idea for you:
It's a cute little wallet with the Israeli flag and chain.

And here's another great addition to any home or office:

A ceramic mug that celebrates 60 years since the founding of the state of Israel.

Feel free to visit www.Eichlers.com, browse our Support Israel section for the entire selection and take an active role in the future of Israel.

Keeping Kosher doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t eat lettuce… If you just avoid eating veggies and leafy green herbs we want you to have a look at the new Bug Checker.

The professional mashgichim at OU use large photographic light boxes to help check for infestations and the new Bug Checker is a quick and thorough way to keep up to the highest kosher standards/ The Bug Checker provides all the benefits of a professional light box, but designed specifically for the private kosher kitchen.

It's compact in size for easy storage, uses safe low voltage LED lights and rechargeable batteries and is reasonably priced. Once the lettuce leaf is ready for checking, simply place the leaf on the Bug Checker and turn on the LED light switch. The bright LED light shines through the leaf but not through the bugs, making them easy to spot. Don't worry about the lettuce leaf being wet - the Bug Checker light has a waterproof surface and is safe to use.

The Bug Checker is now featured at www.eichlers.com at an amazingly low price. Log on to www.eichlers.com and check out our wide collection of Kosher Inventions.

Dudu Fisher, one of the greatest Israeli artists, is planning a fall tour here in the East Coast. Fisher is known all over the world thanks to a magical performance as Jean Valjean in the original cast of the hit musical "Les Miserables." Actually, he was the first actor to be excused from weekend performances of the London production - as he is Orthodox.

During October 2009, Fisher will perform here in New York, Long Island, New Jersey, Boston, Baltimore, head up to Canada to do some more singing and end up in Kansas City before going back to Israel.


Here is your chance to get ready for the show. Check out Fisher's CD Shabbat Shalom - a treasury of Shabbat songs. It is a traditional collection with songs like Lecha Dodi, Shabbat Hamalka and other songs that have been a part of the jewish people for generations. This album brings you all the classic melodies coupled with a touch of the modern.

This CD and more of Fisher's music is available on line at www.eichlers.com together with all of your Judaica needs. Give us Eichlers a visit, and in the meantime, enjoy Fisher's Chazonim Oif Probe:

Yair Emanuel is a true Israeli artist. Being born on a Kibbutz and growing up in an Orthodox home in Jerusalem, Emanuel’s art is deeply influenced with a unique fusion of traditional Judaic motifs and modern Israeli and Asian art which he also acquired during his studies at the prestigious Bezalel Academy of Art and Design.

Emanuel hand crafts his Judaic art in a Jerusalem studio and uses special techniques such as silk painting, hand embroidery and wood painting.

Check out this lovely Oriental Shabbat set:

The Shabbat set consists of two Shabbat candlesticks and a Kiddush cup. When the candlesticks are overturned they become a Havdala set. The vivid and harmonious colors characterize Emanuel's hand-painted ritual articles. Each wooden article is hand-painted with brush using acrylic colors and than lacquered.

This is another lovely piece, a "Jerusalem" Challah Board and matching knife:

Both the Shabbat set and the Challah set can be used for eating and drinking, and can be washed in water since it is coated with several layers of lacquer.

At www.Eichlers.com you can find many of Emanuel art, including a Raw Silk applique'd Tallit setand and adorable Mayim Achronim cups. For all your Judaica needs drop in to www.eichlers.com and don't miss out on the great deals going on every day!

One of Israel’s most celebrated artists is the singer songwriter - Adi Ran. Ran started his musical career back in the 1990’s in Tel-Aviv’s underground bar scene. His songs were heavily critical, humorist and even anarchistic, influenced with punk music, Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin.



In 1993 Ran became a baal teshuva and got closer and closer to the Breslov Hasidim that dance around the streets of Tel Aviv and spread the word of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. But Ran’s music only got better and better. He kept his rock influence and humorist spirit (he’s got a song titled “It’s so fun to be Jewish) and began recording albums that can only be defined as Hasidic Underground.



Today, Adi Ran leads the Jewish original alternative music, and proudly carries the title “the Rocker” of Jewish music. It’s hard to even try and explain the magic that is happening in Ran's live concerts, as his music brings together all kinds of Israelis from all over the religious spectrum. People can not stay still when Ran starts to jam live on his guitar, and the next couple of hours are accompanied with wild dancing, jumping and singing like in no other show.


No need to travel to Israel - 3 of Adi Ran's albums are available online at www.eichlers.com and they are all really good. So log on and get yourself into the underground Hasidic scene.

Mazal Tov! Your little boy made it to the Tora. We hope you tossed the candies hard enough… I remember my Bar-Mitzvah like it was yesterday. Most of all, I remember the gifts. Oh, the wonderful gifts. My family and friends gave me so much money on my Bar-Mitzvah – I had enough to put a down payment on a house. Of course that my parents took the money and put it in a bank account or something stupid like that. They took all of the money. I was devastated. Oh, the humanity!

Children, what is our lesson for today? Well, the lesson we’ve learned is ‘don’t give money to Bar-Mitzvah kids because their parents will take it.' Good! So, what should you give the Bar-Mitzvah boy?

How about the The Kestenbaum Edition Tikkun?

Just look at this! It is a Tikkun like no other. It includes the entire Chumash, the Haftaros, and the Five Megillos, in newly set Torah script. For the Bar Mitzvah boy this will be the Tikkun of choice because this Tikkun is unique - not only in the quality of its presentation, but in these many new features:

• Facing the Tikkun page is an English translation and a concise new commentary of Scriptural songs, dotted letters, and so on
• Laws and customs of the Torah reading
• Bar Mitzvah Anthology with the laws and meaning of tefillin and the halachic customs of the Bar Mitzvah

There is no better Bar Mitzvah Gift - it's thoughtful and useful for anyone with a love of the Torah reading and a desire to understand it better. And - this is a gift for a lifetime, because its usefulness never ends.

Got one already? No sweat. How about a KOSHERLAMP?


For that Bar-Mitzvah kid that won't stop reading - here’s an easy way to read in bed on Shabbat!

It’s called KOSHERLAMP and he'll be able to Direct the light -- Dim the light – and even “Turn it off!” thanks to a technology which allows you to direct the light and set the brightness of your lamp with a simple twist of the shade.

And last but not least, give that Bar-Mitzvah kid something to talk about with a special gift-boxed set of The Weekly Halachah Discussion:

Breaking the ice was never easier with this comprehensive review of practical halachic issues related to the weekly Torah portion. Presented in a thorough, decisive manner with classical and contemporary halachic opinions. From separating challah to the laws of yichud and the blessings made on various breakfast cereals, this work is an asset to every Bar-Mitzvah boy.

So what are you waiting for? For all your Judaica needs drop in to www.eichlers.com - dont miss out on the great deals going on every day!

You’ve been holding off on buying a new Tallis for over a year now, because each time you walk into a Judaica Store to buy one, you get hit with frightening sticker shock. “A hundred eighty dollars! That’s an exorbitant amount of money for me to spend on a Tallis. Especially in these difficult economic times.” Procrastinate no more; buy a Tallis now! Eichlers on Coney Island are holding their annual Tzizis & Tallis Summer Sale; with savings of up to 40% you can find Talleisim of every stripe. For those who are wary of buying a Tallis over the Internet - Eichlers has created a Tallis wizard to help you through the process.

For all your Judaica needs drop in to http://www.eichlers.com - dont miss out on the great deals going on every day!