subject: Obscure Judaica [print this page] With the significant drop in Anti-Semitism and the popularity of multiculturalism and globalization, the appearance of Judaica has become rather commonplace. Some of the most common types of Judaica include those related to Hanukkah, such as Menorahs and Dreidels, also known in Hebrew as a Sevivon, which literally means that which spins but is a top. Some other well-known Judaica are those associated with Passover, such as the Seder Plate and Kiddush Cups. Those who have been to any sort of synagogue will recognize Judaica such as Prayer Books, Tallits and the various decorations on the walls in the form of painted glass. However, there are Judaica items that are quite obscure and outside of certain circles are practically unheard of. Below is a short list and description of some of those items, most of which are probably familiar to Orthodox circles only.
Gartel. Gartel is a Yiddish word for a belt. It actually refers to a specific belt that many Orthodox Jews, especially those belonging to various Chassidic sects, wearing during prayer services, known in Yiddish as davening. This piece of Judaica is rooted in the Code of Jewish Law, which rules that a person is supposed to have some sort of separation between the upper and lower halves of the body during prayers. While most experts say a belt will suffice, some people buy this piece of Judaica as a way of being strict on the commandments, or Mitzvot. It is basically a really long belt that is wrapped around the waist several times and looped on the sides with the ends hanging through the loops. They are usually white or black and some people have two sets, one for the Sabbath and holidays and another for the rest of the year.
Shtender. A Shtender, even though it sounds like some kind of magical item from which someone could recite incantations is actually nothing more than your average lectern. People usually dont think of a lectern as being a piece of Judaica unless you consider the fact that there is a large percentage of Jews who spend their days studying the Torah. For this reason, a Shtender has become a piece of Judaica, albeit quite obscure. It is generally fancier than the average lectern and is usually made of some kind of hardwood, such as Cherry or Mahogany, to name a few.
Shtreimel. These are the round furry hats that PETA utterly despises and are worn by Chassidim pretty much all the time unless they are studying Torah or are at home. Yes, they are made from the fur of some animal, usually a rabbit or some small critter. These items are definitely considered piece of Judaica because they are not worn often and generally are quite a novelty to those who have never seen a Chassid or a Shtreimel before.
Shabbat Sponges. These are probably some of the most obscure Judaica items one can find other than Yahrzeit Candles which are lit on the day that someone passed away, known as a Yahrzeit in Yiddish. Regardless, Shabbat sponges developed as a Judaica item because of a ruling in Jewish law that Jews may not squeeze fruit or milk animals on the Sabbath or holidays as it a productive action and such actions are prohibited on those days. Because Jews could not use a regular sponge, they started using these specialty Judaica items which essentially do not store any water but get wet enough that they can be used to scrub dishes clean after a meal.
