A conversion to Judaism is one of the most significant events in a person’s life. It isn’t a small decision that’s made spontaneously. For most Jewish converts, the process takes months of study, observance, and reflection. A gift that commemorates the occasion should reflect the hard work that’s gone into the process.
This guide highlights some of the best choices for conversion to Judaism gifts. Read on to find the perfect gift to welcome them to their new religion.
Why Give a Conversion to Judaism Gift?
Conversion to Judaism is a serious endeavor. Someone who has converted to Judaism has invested a lot of time and effort to do so. They’ve learned Hebrew, studied Torah and Jewish law, attended religious services, learned holiday rituals, and built their own, meaningful practices. Unlike someone born into a Jewish family, many have to do much of this work on their own, without a Jewish family to guide them.
A conversion to Judaism gift commemorates this massive effort. Rather than gifting something generic, give a gift that reflects the significance of this milestone. Something they’ll actually use in their Jewish practice, like a ritual item or guide book, shows that you recognize them and welcome them to Judaism.
Gifts for Celebrating Shabbat
Shabbat is one of the first regular practices most new converts participate in. That makes it one of the best categories of gifts to give for a conversion to Judaism. Consider one of these Shabbat items as a gift:
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Candlesticks: Every Shabbat begins with lighting the candles. A nice pair of candlesticks is an excellent gift that they’ll use for decades to come.
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A challah plate: The last step in every Shabbat ceremony is partaking in the challah. To elevate the act, most people place the challah on a special plate decorated with Jewish symbols and Hebrew words.
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A challah cover: Until the blessing is said over the challah, it remains covered with a decorative cloth known as a challah cover. Because the cover is used week after week, most people keep a few on hand in case they need to be washed.
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A Kiddush cup: Kiddush cups are used during the blessing of the wine on Shabbat and all other Jewish holidays. Choose a kiddush cup with personal meaning, like an engraved name or design, or a contemporary kiddush cup to match their table decor.
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A Shabbat candle lighting guide: Shabbat never falls at the exact same time week to week. For someone newer to Jewish practice, a guide to weekly Shabbat times can be a lifesaver.
Gifts for Other Holidays and Ritual Items
Beyond Shabbat, all Jewish holidays call for their own ritual items. If they already have Shabbat essentials covered, give a gift tied to an upcoming holiday or ritual celebration:
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A seder plate: Seder plates are central to the celebration of Passover. A new convert may be hosting their first seder in honor of their conversion, so a seder plate is a great option for a conversion to Judaism gift.
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A menorah: When it comes to Hanukkah, you can’t have too many menorahs. Gift a new one to add to their collection.
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A talit: This prayer shawl is worn at synagogue and is a significant gift for someone who has recently converted. A talit makes a particularly good gift to give just before a conversion ceremony, so they can wear it on the big day.
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A mezuzah: Placing a mezuzah on the doorpost of a house marks it as a Jewish home. Some even choose to place one on each doorway in their home. Be sure to get a scroll for their mezuzah, too, as they’re typically sold separately.
Books and Educational Gifts
Because conversion involves a great deal of studying, it often attracts those with a lifelong appetite for learning. That makes books and educational gifts a solid choice for a recent convert. Look for a highly rated book on a specific Jewish practice or holiday, or choose a prayer book specific to their sect of Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, etc.). If you’re unsure which denomination they practice, consider asking a friend or their rabbi.
A set of conversation cards is the perfect choice for helping them continue their Jewish learning all year long. Each card includes a conversation prompt from the week’s Torah portion, meant to spark meaningful conversations around the Shabbat table.
Personal and Symbolic Gifts
Some of the most meaningful conversion to Judaism gifts are not ritual or religious objects, but personal ones that mark the big occasion. Consider these:
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A Star of David necklace: The Star of David is one of the most iconic symbols of Judaism. It signifies divine protection and the connection between God and the Jewish people.
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A piece of Jewelry with their Hebrew name: Choosing a Hebrew name is a significant part of the conversion process. Commemorate their new identity with a necklace or bracelet featuring their newly selected name.
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A donation in their name: Honor the Jewish practice of tzedakah by making a donation to their synagogue, a Jewish organization, or a non-profit in their name. This is a particularly good gift for those who value altruism.
Shop Conversion to Judaism Gifts from Oneg Home
A conversion is a significant occasion that calls for a personal gift. When it comes to a conversion to Judaism gift, it’s important to choose something they’ll use throughout the year. Rather than choosing an outdated item, look for a contemporary ritual object that blends in beautifully with their most cherished belongings.
That’s where Oneg Home comes in. Shop our collection of ritual items in a modern aesthetic to welcome your friend into their new, Jewish life.
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