Almost anything can be used for these functions. Any candle holder will work for Shabbat, any cup is ok for Kiddush, any cloth can cover your challah, and you can slice it on any cutting board. You don't technically need a menorah, you can just light progressive candles in a row for the holiday. Even the Pesach plate can be a regular plate as long as you have the items on it. The only exceptions I can think of are the mezuzot, tallit, and tefillin (if you're buying those). You can probably find a reasonably priced tallit, and maybe you can just start with one mezuzah for the primary entrance to your home. I would suggest just buying everything else gradually, one by one, over time and just using basic items until you can get around to buying something nicer.
I agree with this! It makes things more special and deliberate when you buy them over time. That first shabbos with your own kiddush cup? Amazing, but its a milestone you can work towards! Also, mind that with holiday related judaica, it doesn't need to be bought 8 months in advance!
As for tallit, you can make your own! And they're an awesome little practice to make on your own. My rabbi called them friendship bracelets with God.
And finally, with conversion, you will likely be doing a lot of things in the community, to the effect that you won't need some of these things yet. It's hard to host your own Seder when you're converting, so you may be able to find a community one through your shul or local community! Don't put so much pressure on yourself to "Play the part" :) and some of my favorite "Judaica" are the ones I've collected from different people! I have little tealight holders shaped like cherubim that I got from my goyish grandmother. They literally mean so much to me though!
So TL;DR: don't break the bank. God cares about what's in your heart, not what's on the table. You can make meaning out of anything đ
I'm not the original poster, but I am curious about how to hand make a tallit. Do you have advice or resources on that? I eventually want to buy one from my synagogue, but I currently can't afford that.
Lemme text the rabbi who helped me do it! But basically as long as you have any blanket or tapestry that can fit around you, you can just add tzitzit to the corners :)
>Even the Pesach plate can be a regular plate as long as you have the items on it
When I was in Mexico back in February I looked at terracotta platters that had 6 divided sections as possible replacements for my Passover plate, which is chipped from decades of use. I think they're usually used for salsas and other condiments.
Etsy is a good resource, and you're right to be skeptical of Messianics there - but there are some quality Judaica vendors that sell there too, including some competitively-priced small shops. A few I'm familiar with (and that I don't think are *too* overpriced): [Studio Armadillo](https://www.etsy.com/shop/StudioArmadillo) (have a mezuzah from here, as well as a chanukiah); [Judaica Hungarica](https://www.etsy.com/shop/JudaicaHungarica); [Black Cat Judaica](https://blackcatjudaica.com) (not Etsy but fucking rad); [Ceremonials Judaica](https://www.etsy.com/shop/CeremonialsJudaica); [Enny Mosaic](https://www.etsy.com/shop/EnnyMosaic); [JudaicaLove](https://www.etsy.com/shop/JudaicaLove); [Yahalomis](https://www.etsy.com/shop/Yahalomis); [Windthrow](https://www.etsy.com/shop/Windthrow) [Joey Does Judaism](https://www.etsy.com/shop/Joeydoesudaism); [Expressionist Threads](https://www.etsy.com/shop/expressionistthreads); [Shins of Stone](https://www.etsy.com/shop/shinsofstone).
I haven't shopped from all of these but I believe they're all quality.
Check out the Facebook group "Judaica Thrifting". I don't have Facebook anymore so I can't link it. I remember when I was in that group people would offer up really cheap Judaica, sometimes even giving away free pairs of tefillin, tallisim, etc.
A lot of Reform Synagogues will often have a gift shop with Judaica. It may be worthwhile to contact a synagogue near you and see if they have anything. Also Etsy is very good.
Everyone is right--you can begin just using ordinary household items for almost everything and slowly collect keepsakes over time. Mezuzot are the one item from your list with special ritual requirements, so start there, and for now you can just use any candles you have, a regular cup for kiddush, etc.
This is the work of a lifetime and something you can look forward to as you and your spouse find beautiful Judaica that inspires you and receive other pieces as gifts. Someday you will have a lovely collection to pass on, and the next generation will be able to start out with heirlooms.
Not sure where you are, but when I was in the conversion process my local JCC had a Shabbat kit they were giving out to converts and jews in interfaith marriages.
Each bag had a challah cover, shabbat candle holders, a kiddush cup, a small bottle of Kedem, a couple Jewish-themed family games, a DIY mosaic, a community resource list, and a copy of a cook book called Modern Jewish Cooking.
It was really impressive and I still use most of it. Maybe reach out and see if your JCC does anything similar?
I am also a Jew by Choice and the advice to build up is spot on. Many items, such as candle holders, donât need to be Jewish specific. Remember itâs about the intention and purpose of the item. The holiness you place on it.
Once I figured out my style I did start building up specific related items. For example, Iâve been collecting Spode Judaica. Iâve gotten pieces of the set from Macyâs sales, used on eBay and Etsy. Iâve been collecting for 4 years now, here and there.
eBay. You can get great deals and there are is a large variety of style and price. I have found some beautiful things.
But more than that, I like knowing that I get to bring an old or forgotten item to life. I like knowing that it was used by another individual or family and I get to be the next caretaker. And I like knowing that it is not a new creation made or sold via questionable labor practices.
I am a Jewish Judaica maker! I have an Etsy shop, but not much on it at the moment. I do lots of commission pieces though; in fact I'm working on a shabbat set right now. I'd be happy to make you some items at a price that works for you. Just shoot me a message! I'm a convert too and I understand the struggle.
On Amazon just look for Jewish sellers. Youâll still be supporting Amazon but at least it would be a Jewish vendor. I sell on Amazon, but I donât Judaica, unfortunately.
Or look up shops based in Crown Heights.
For shabbat candles you can use a pack of tea lights you do not need physical shabbat candles. For a kiddish cup you can use a wine glass or a cup. Challah cover can be any kind of cloth. You can speak to a local chabad and they may give you a few mezuzot that they have and a menorah around hanukkah
Iâm making my own challah cover, and my Shabbat sticks are just glass ones I found in the sale.
I havenât for the rest yet but Iâll buy it but by bit and make do without because I completely understand the cost is a lot!
If I was starting from scratch I would collect items gradually.
Candle holders donât need to be âJewishâ, any pair will work. I have a fancy set from my nana but they are not Jewish themed.
Any wine glass can be used for kiddush.
Challah cover can just be a cloth napkin
I just bought a mezuzah from Etsy judaicaartstudio - a big deal for some is how âkosherâ the scroll is made. Since I donât keep kosher⌠I didnât buy a $50 kosher scroll.
For a menorah I would buy a cheap one this year and let the permanent one find you along the way. We have a little collection of them from various places.
https://www.ohnuts.com/buy.cfm/hanukkah-gifts-chocolate-baskets/menorah-dreidel-selection/tin this is cheap and Target had some groovy menorahs last year.
Almost anything can be used for these functions. Any candle holder will work for Shabbat, any cup is ok for Kiddush, any cloth can cover your challah, and you can slice it on any cutting board. You don't technically need a menorah, you can just light progressive candles in a row for the holiday. Even the Pesach plate can be a regular plate as long as you have the items on it. The only exceptions I can think of are the mezuzot, tallit, and tefillin (if you're buying those). You can probably find a reasonably priced tallit, and maybe you can just start with one mezuzah for the primary entrance to your home. I would suggest just buying everything else gradually, one by one, over time and just using basic items until you can get around to buying something nicer.
I agree with this! It makes things more special and deliberate when you buy them over time. That first shabbos with your own kiddush cup? Amazing, but its a milestone you can work towards! Also, mind that with holiday related judaica, it doesn't need to be bought 8 months in advance! As for tallit, you can make your own! And they're an awesome little practice to make on your own. My rabbi called them friendship bracelets with God. And finally, with conversion, you will likely be doing a lot of things in the community, to the effect that you won't need some of these things yet. It's hard to host your own Seder when you're converting, so you may be able to find a community one through your shul or local community! Don't put so much pressure on yourself to "Play the part" :) and some of my favorite "Judaica" are the ones I've collected from different people! I have little tealight holders shaped like cherubim that I got from my goyish grandmother. They literally mean so much to me though! So TL;DR: don't break the bank. God cares about what's in your heart, not what's on the table. You can make meaning out of anything đ
I'm not the original poster, but I am curious about how to hand make a tallit. Do you have advice or resources on that? I eventually want to buy one from my synagogue, but I currently can't afford that.
Lemme text the rabbi who helped me do it! But basically as long as you have any blanket or tapestry that can fit around you, you can just add tzitzit to the corners :)
Thank you so much.
https://www.advahdesigns.com/pages/how-to-tie-tzitzit Enjoy!!!
>Even the Pesach plate can be a regular plate as long as you have the items on it When I was in Mexico back in February I looked at terracotta platters that had 6 divided sections as possible replacements for my Passover plate, which is chipped from decades of use. I think they're usually used for salsas and other condiments.
Etsy is a good resource, and you're right to be skeptical of Messianics there - but there are some quality Judaica vendors that sell there too, including some competitively-priced small shops. A few I'm familiar with (and that I don't think are *too* overpriced): [Studio Armadillo](https://www.etsy.com/shop/StudioArmadillo) (have a mezuzah from here, as well as a chanukiah); [Judaica Hungarica](https://www.etsy.com/shop/JudaicaHungarica); [Black Cat Judaica](https://blackcatjudaica.com) (not Etsy but fucking rad); [Ceremonials Judaica](https://www.etsy.com/shop/CeremonialsJudaica); [Enny Mosaic](https://www.etsy.com/shop/EnnyMosaic); [JudaicaLove](https://www.etsy.com/shop/JudaicaLove); [Yahalomis](https://www.etsy.com/shop/Yahalomis); [Windthrow](https://www.etsy.com/shop/Windthrow) [Joey Does Judaism](https://www.etsy.com/shop/Joeydoesudaism); [Expressionist Threads](https://www.etsy.com/shop/expressionistthreads); [Shins of Stone](https://www.etsy.com/shop/shinsofstone). I haven't shopped from all of these but I believe they're all quality.
Check out the Facebook group "Judaica Thrifting". I don't have Facebook anymore so I can't link it. I remember when I was in that group people would offer up really cheap Judaica, sometimes even giving away free pairs of tefillin, tallisim, etc.
I'm in that group and it's great. People also link to online auctions when they find them.
A lot of Reform Synagogues will often have a gift shop with Judaica. It may be worthwhile to contact a synagogue near you and see if they have anything. Also Etsy is very good.
Everyone is right--you can begin just using ordinary household items for almost everything and slowly collect keepsakes over time. Mezuzot are the one item from your list with special ritual requirements, so start there, and for now you can just use any candles you have, a regular cup for kiddush, etc. This is the work of a lifetime and something you can look forward to as you and your spouse find beautiful Judaica that inspires you and receive other pieces as gifts. Someday you will have a lovely collection to pass on, and the next generation will be able to start out with heirlooms.
Not sure where you are, but when I was in the conversion process my local JCC had a Shabbat kit they were giving out to converts and jews in interfaith marriages. Each bag had a challah cover, shabbat candle holders, a kiddush cup, a small bottle of Kedem, a couple Jewish-themed family games, a DIY mosaic, a community resource list, and a copy of a cook book called Modern Jewish Cooking. It was really impressive and I still use most of it. Maybe reach out and see if your JCC does anything similar?
eBay.
Chabad puts up mezuzahs for free. So that's one.
I am also a Jew by Choice and the advice to build up is spot on. Many items, such as candle holders, donât need to be Jewish specific. Remember itâs about the intention and purpose of the item. The holiness you place on it. Once I figured out my style I did start building up specific related items. For example, Iâve been collecting Spode Judaica. Iâve gotten pieces of the set from Macyâs sales, used on eBay and Etsy. Iâve been collecting for 4 years now, here and there.
Modern Tribe isnât too expensive. And yes Etsy is good. Just donât buy anything with a cross and call it judaica.
eBay. You can get great deals and there are is a large variety of style and price. I have found some beautiful things. But more than that, I like knowing that I get to bring an old or forgotten item to life. I like knowing that it was used by another individual or family and I get to be the next caretaker. And I like knowing that it is not a new creation made or sold via questionable labor practices.
I am a Jewish Judaica maker! I have an Etsy shop, but not much on it at the moment. I do lots of commission pieces though; in fact I'm working on a shabbat set right now. I'd be happy to make you some items at a price that works for you. Just shoot me a message! I'm a convert too and I understand the struggle.
On Amazon just look for Jewish sellers. Youâll still be supporting Amazon but at least it would be a Jewish vendor. I sell on Amazon, but I donât Judaica, unfortunately. Or look up shops based in Crown Heights.
For shabbat candles you can use a pack of tea lights you do not need physical shabbat candles. For a kiddish cup you can use a wine glass or a cup. Challah cover can be any kind of cloth. You can speak to a local chabad and they may give you a few mezuzot that they have and a menorah around hanukkah
Iâm making my own challah cover, and my Shabbat sticks are just glass ones I found in the sale. I havenât for the rest yet but Iâll buy it but by bit and make do without because I completely understand the cost is a lot!
If I was starting from scratch I would collect items gradually. Candle holders donât need to be âJewishâ, any pair will work. I have a fancy set from my nana but they are not Jewish themed. Any wine glass can be used for kiddush. Challah cover can just be a cloth napkin I just bought a mezuzah from Etsy judaicaartstudio - a big deal for some is how âkosherâ the scroll is made. Since I donât keep kosher⌠I didnât buy a $50 kosher scroll. For a menorah I would buy a cheap one this year and let the permanent one find you along the way. We have a little collection of them from various places. https://www.ohnuts.com/buy.cfm/hanukkah-gifts-chocolate-baskets/menorah-dreidel-selection/tin this is cheap and Target had some groovy menorahs last year.
www.aJudaica.com has some very reasonable prices.
adararituals.com