Whether you’ve been invited to a Shabbat meal or simply want to say, “I’m thinking about you,” a Shabbat gift is just the thing to do so. Read on for our complete Shabbat gift guide. We’ll cover the basics of Shabbat, when to give a Shabbat gift, and a selection of the best Shabbat gifts for every budget.
What is Shabbat?
Shabbat is the Jewish holiday of rest, inspired by the story of God’s creation of the world. According to the Torah, God spent 6 days creating the world, and on the 7th day he rested. To sanctify his creation, we also rest on the 7th “day” of each week, from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday.
Shabbat is a time to be present with one’s family, friends, and Judaism. The holiday is spent in prayer, religious services, and with family. Some families keep Shabbat very strictly, meaning they abstain from technology, electronics, work, and driving, among other things. Other families simply focus on spending time present with one another. All are valid and meaningful ways to celebrate Shabbat.
When Should I Give a Shabbat Gift?
If you’ve been invited to participate in a family’s Shabbat practices, you may want to bring along a Shabbat gift to thank your hosts. There are a few logical times to give Shabbat gifts. Friday night’s dinner or Saturday’s Shabbat lunch make a lot of sense. But it’s important to do your research before handing over a present to your gracious hosts.
Here’s the thing: observant Judaism teaches that gift giving and receiving is strictly forbidden on Shabbat. Both are considered to be a transfer of ownership, which isn’t allowed on Shabbat because it’s too similar to buying and selling, both forms of work. If you think your hosts may keep a strict Shabbat, try giving the first before the holiday begins.
Best Shabbat Gift Ideas Under $25
A Shabbat gift doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. If you’re attending a new acquaintance's Shabbat lunch or simply don’t have a lot to spend, a gift under $25 is perfectly appropriate. These are some of our favorite ways to thank your host with a Shabbat gift under $25.
Shabbat Candles
Lighting candles is the primary way to begin any Jewish holiday, and Shabbat is no exception. The holiday begins by lighting two candles and reciting a blessing. Jewish families go through more than 100 candles each year, so a gift of Shabbat candlesticks is always appreciated.
To ensure your gift is both practical and meaningful, skip the box of white candles and look for a special set that stands out. There are many handmade candles available that are dipped in different colors or have unique decorations. Find a set that speaks to you.
Matchbox or Dish
Along with candles, Jewish people also go through plenty of matches. A lovely set of matches is the perfect gift. For those who light the candles with a kitchen lighter, an elevated set of matches sets the tone for a meaningful Shabbat where every item reflects the care and attention that goes into the holiday.
Similarly, a match dish is a practical Shabbat gift that most people simply wouldn’t think of themselves. It allows for a safe and stylish place to rest the match once the candles are lit, without needing to step away from the table to toss the trash.
$18 Donation in Their Name
18 is an auspicious number in Judaism. According to the ancient Jewish system of gematria, each Hebrew letter has a corresponding number. The word “Chai,” which means life, is made of a chet, which has a value of 8, and a yud, which has a value of 10. Together, the two letters make up 18.
Gifts in increments of 18 are a longstanding tradition in Judaism, believed to be a blessing for a long, healthy, and prosperous life. Similarly, tzedakah, or charity, is a core value of Judaism. Honor both of these traditions by making an $18 donation in your hosts’ names.
Best Shabbat Gift Ideas Under $50
For a friend, a Shabbat gift under $50 is a meaningful way to show your appreciation for being included in Shabbat celebrations. Here is our Shabbat gift guide to gifts under $50.
Gratitude Journal
We could all use a bit more gratitude in our lives. Research suggests that infusing your life with gratitude can boost your mood and improve your relationships. Like all things, developing an attitude of gratitude takes practice, and a gratitude journal is the perfect tool to do so. To tie this gift back to Shabbat, choose a journal that’s inspired by Jewish wisdom and helps them develop a more meaningful connection to their religion.
Challah Cover
Challah, the braided bread we eat on Shabbat, is always covered before the Friday night prayers begin. It’s taught that covering the challah has many different meanings. One interpretation explains that our ancestors wandered the desert for 40 years, consuming only manna that fell from heaven every day. The manna was preserved by layers of dew that encased it. To remind us of this, we encase our challah between the plate or dish and a challah cover.
Another interpretation says that the challah is like the Shabbat bride, covered with a veil during blessings and then revealed.
While any cloth or napkin can be used to cover the challah, most Jewish people have a collection of challah covers adorned with Jewish symbolism. A new challah cover is the perfect Shabbat gift to add to help grow your hosts’ collection.
Best Shabbat Gift Idea Under $100
For a family member or a special occasion, like the Shabbat before a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, you may want to spend a little more on a Shabbat gift. This gift under $100 is a beautiful and meaningful object that can be cherished for years to come.
Kiddush Cup
The Kiddush, or blessing over the wine, is a central facet of each Shabbat. It’s said at the beginning of Shabbat during Friday night prayers and again on Saturday before Shabbat lunch. Each time, we fill the Kiddush cup with wine and drink from it. Though we don’t say Kiddush during Havdalah, the final Shabbat ritual, we do drink from the Kiddush cup for a third time. However you slice it, the Kiddush cup is in high demand.
When selecting a Kiddush cup as a gift, it’s important to think about your hosts’ preferences. Do they like traditional items, or do they have a more modern home? If so, a modern Kiddush cup makes for a perfect Shabbat gift.
Get Meaningful Shabbat Gifts from Oneg Home
For the modern Jewish family, contemporary Jewish ritual objects make for the perfect Shabbat gift. At Oneg Home, our handmade ritual objects make celebrating Shabbat more accessible and meaningful, and an easy part of modern Jewish life. Shop the best Shabbat gift ideas for your friends and family from Oneg Home.
Ready to begin your Shabbat practice?
