I’m sometimes amused – and sometimes confused – when I read my fortune cookie messages. But I have a friend who’s a true believer. Just days before her wedding, her fiancée bit into his crunchy little tidbit and found the most prophetic words ever: “Change is inevitable.” (He still carries the slip of paper around in his wallet 20 years later.)
If you’ve ever been married, you know that few of life’s milestones turn your world upside down like marriage. Suddenly, you have another person to consider when making decisions. Eating dinner is probably not optional. And suddenly, you have in-laws!
Jewish couples usually have more points of discussion than most when shaping their lives together. Jewish traditions are so varied that individuals’ family customs may not align perfectly. So compromise becomes the order of the day as they sort through what’s important and blend it to find balance and peace in their new lives together.
When Brad and I married, we faced unique challenges. Since our livelihood is in retail, we can’t take extra days off to enjoy my family’s extended holiday celebrations up North. So, we’ve settled on creating our own Jewish traditions that work well for our family.
I love that in the Jewish culture, we have something called shalom bayet, which refers to a peaceful household. Family members are expected to commit themselves to the value of harmony and set aside differences of the good of the family, love and togetherness. Someone was really wise to have thought of that as a guiding principle for married couples.
No matter what traditions they follow, when two people set up a Jewish household, certain basic items can usually be found on their must-have list. At Traditions Jewish Gifts, useful things like Kiddush cups, menorahs, candlesticks, challah boards and covers, and mezuzahs are some of our most popular wedding gifts. Couples also welcome personalized items such as photo frames and bookends.
If you’re looking for the perfect wedding gift, check our online catalog. You’ll find a great selection of items that are sure to become a treasured part of the Jewish family traditions the couple will create in their new life together.