What is Judaica? The Meaning, Origins & Timeless Beauty of Jewish Art

When we say the word Judaica, what we are usually talking about are things that pertain to Jewish life, tradition, and culture. It might be something that we see every day in a Jewish home, like a mezuzah on the door, or something we notice only during holidays, like a menorah burning on Hanukkah.

The word itself has Latin origins, meaning "things of the Jews" or "Jewish affairs." It became the common term for all the items-large and small-which have Jewish meaning, history, and religion.

The term "Judaica" originally was an academic one. Historians, museums, and collectors used it when they spoke about Jewish ritual pieces, artwork and manuscripts. But now, it is not only for museums or scholars. Judaica is a part of everyday life for Jewish people and it tells us how Jewish tradition has been passed from generation to generation.

Judaism is the religion, the faith itself. Judaica is the collection of items which enable you to carry that religion into daily life. Jewish law teaches about the mitzvah of mezuzah, for example; the mezuzah scroll and case are the pieces of Judaica that enable you to carry out the observance. That is, Judaism is the belief and the teaching-Judaica is the way it translates into your home, your prayer and your life.

Almost anything with a use in Jewish holiday, ritual, or tradition can be part of Judaica. Some are extremely religious; others are cultural or ornamented but significant to Judaism.

Look at the Shabbat table: candlesticks holding lighted lights, a kiddush cup filled with wine and a challah cover draped over the bread. Each of these is Judaica. They are not practical items-they create beauty and richness for sacred moments.

Not everything that is Judaica is used for a ritual purpose. Jewish sculpture, painting in Hebrew letters, or other sculpture on biblical stories are also Judaica. These are instances of conveying Jewish identity in artistic ways and, where feasible, marrying tradition with modern design.

Judaica is a rich and fascinating one. It's ancient and modern-tradition and yet always in some new shape.

Antique Judaica are old ritual objects, manuscripts, or pieces of art from past generations. A centuries-old Torah pointer or a hand-carved spice box, for example, can tell us about the communities that created and used them. Museums and collectors often retain these treasures because they hold history, skill, and deep spiritual meaning.

Judaica today is also produced in modern styles. You might notice mezuzah cases with crisp lines, menorahs made out of strange materials, or pieces of jewelry that combine Jewish iconic symbols and modern styling. Modern Judaica proves that tradition lives-on and continuously changes to inspire generations to come.

Not all Judaica resides on a shelf or in a cabinet. Some are made to be worn everyday, close to the heart. That's where Judaica jewelry enters the picture. It takes the timeless symbols of Jewish life and turns them into individual heirlooms.