“Judaica,” as defined byMerriam Webster Dictionary, refers to “literary or historical materials relating to Jews or Judaism.” However, the term is typically used to describe the material culture of Judaism — physical objects that enhance Jewish practice and identity.
My introduction to the term, “Judaica” was in my grandparents’ bookshelves, which were lined with volume upon volume of Encyclopedia Judaica when I was a child. I loved perusing the photos and entries in the large hardbound books as a way of learning about Jewish history and culture through obscure facts and figures, all arranged alphabetically by subject. Due to the titles of those many volumes, the term “Judaica” conjured up the idea of a richly textured landscape of miscellaneous Jewish knowledge.
However, I now think of the term in a more specific way, as encompassing material culture -- physical objects that facilitate the practice of Judaism and/or the expression of Jewish identity. When I hear the word “Judaica,” I envision a seemingly infinite number of Jewish objects, from mezuzot, challah covers, and tallit bags, to menorahs and havdalah spice holders, and so much more. These objects are integral to celebrating Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and synagogue traditions, as well as living in a Jewish home.
The Evolving Definition of Judaica
Dictionary.com suggests that the historical evolution of the term “Judaica” parallels the shift in my own understanding of the term. Historically, “Judaica” referred broadly to Judaism, Jewish history, and Jewish culture. Today it focuses more specifically on Jewish objects.
“things pertaining to Jewish life and customs, especially when of a historical, literary, or artistic nature, as books or ritual objects.”
While the current definition refers to Jewish objects, the origins of the word is attributed to early 20th century as the plural form of the word “Judaic,” a 17th century term, meaning “of or relating to Judaism” or “of or relating to the Jews.”
So while “Judaica” now refers to physical objects relating to Judaism and Jewish culture, it originally meant something closer to “Jewish.”
Hiddur Mitzvah: Elevating Jewish Rituals with Beauty
How did the term “Judaica” come to mean physical objects? I don’t have the answer to this. (I am a sociologist, not an etymologist.) However, I do know that the material culture of Judaism is highly important to Jewish practice. The ritual objects we use are meant to be beautiful to enhance Jewish observance. This concept is called “hiddur mitzvah.”
“Hiddur mitzvah” means amplifying a Jewish practice by adding beauty to it. It’s like adorning a mitzvah. You can light Shabbat candles by melting the candles onto a disposable aluminum foil pan (yes, I’ve seen this done before!). However, if you place your Shabbat candles in candlesticks – especially those that you find aesthetically pleasing – you are elevating the mitzvah. You are giving more honor to the mitzvah of hadlikat nerot by putting care into the act.
Perhaps this is why Shabbat candlesticks often carry deep sentimental meaning. They were frequently among the few treasured objects that Jewish women brought with them from the old country. In my family, Shabbat candlesticks have been passed down for three or four generations and are proudly displayed, by my relatives, as decorative objects along with being used to usher in Shabbat.
I was raised to value the idea of hiddur mitzvah and to treasure the kiddush cups, candle sticks, spice holders, and other Jewish objects that were passed down through the generations. They now adorn my home and are part of my family’s rituals.
As an artist, hiddur mitzvah deeply resonates with me. I want to share the act of hiddur mitzvah with others, which is why Dina Judaica sells not only Jewish art but also tallit bags, challah covers, challah boards, and other items to beautify your Jewish observances.
