Make crafts to symbolize customs and traditions of a Jewish wedding.
Whether a couple is devoutly Othodox or simply members of the Jewish faith, a Jewish wedding is often filled with customs and traditions just like the Jewish life. When brainstorming a gift for your family to give the soon-to-be wedded couple, consider creating a personal gift that can help them with the ceremony, begin their new life together or allow them to remember their special day. Unique gifts may be made via craft projects your family can do together, letting you and your children express yourselves creatively, while reflecting on the special traditions of the Jewish culture.
Mezuzah
A mezuzah is a small, rectangular object that Jews place on the doorframes of all entrances to their homes---both inside and out. The mezuzah is actually two parts; the outer shell and the inside scroll, which is in Hebrew and blessed by a rabbi. Mezuzah may be purchased through a variety of online retailers and at Jewish shops, but making one can be a fun craft for children. For non-religious homes that don't need a scroll, you may use any rectangular piece of wood, plastic or metal. Kids can decorate the mezuzah by embellishing it with paint, stickers, glitter and markers, by drawing designs, such as animals, flowers and smiley faces, by writing the new couples' names or initials, or by adding a special message. Since the newly wedded couple will need mezuzahs for their entire home, kids can make several, then wrap them in a nice bag or box, and give them as a wedding gift.
Wine Glass
At the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony, the groom stomps on a wine glass (encased in a protective bag so he does not harm himself) to symbolize a remembrance of the destruction of Jerusalem temples and to show dedication of keeping traditions close to his heart. Children can make decorative wine glasses as gifts, not to be used in the stomping ceremony, but to be enjoyed at home. Purchase inexpensive, plain clear glasses at dollar stores or in bulk, then gather craft supplies, such as specialty paints, feathers and stick-on jewels. Let kids decorate the glasses; ideas include drawing the couples' initials, painting the stems to match the home decor, writing inspirational passages around the base or just creating designs, such as paisley or polka dot. Each time the couple uses the glasses, they will be reminded of their wedding ceremony and their special day.
Yarmulke
When men enter the synagogue or location for the wedding, they will cover the top of their heads with a small, felt circle called a yarmulke or a kippah to show their religious piety. Most Jewish functions will have a basket of kippot near the entrance to the event. Children in the wedding party or related to the couple can make yarmulkes as a craft prior to the wedding, using cardboard, felt, silk or other materials (tradition dictates that the head covering must not be attached to the body, such as a hand or arm). Consider using blue and white fabric to support national Jewish colors or use colors to match the wedding theme. Kids who are skilled at embroidery may even embroider the couples' names, initials, wedding date or location onto the kippot, which can serve as keepsakes after the ceremony. Names and details may also be painted or calligraphed on as well.
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