Israel is a small, but surprisingly colorful country. Our compatriots go to the promised land of Jerusalem to make a pilgrimage to the Holy places, to Tel Aviv – to plunge into the cycle of nightlife, on the Red Sea coast to enjoy an amazing beach holiday and at the Dead Sea. Before leaving, every tourist thinks about what to bring from Israel as a gift to relatives, friends and colleagues. In any of the cities of the country – Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Eilat or Haifa, there will be an opportunity to buy unique gifts.

Icons

For believing Christians, icons purchased in Jerusalem are considered truly miraculous. Their purchase becomes the goal of numerous pilgrims to heal the sick and tourists as a present from the Holy places to protect the home and God's protection. Icons depicting the Holy Trinity, Jesus Christ, the Mother of God, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and other saints who patronize success in various life situations are in the greatest demand.

To protect the home and household, there is a large selection of house icons: family, nominal and wedding. For people who are passionate about travel, travel icons with prayer and holy water from the Jordan River will be a good gift. You can choose icons painted on canvas and on wood, in silver and gold settings, decorated with semi-precious stones. Buying a simple icon will cost 10-12 shekels, while original handmade icons are more expensive.

Candles

Candles among Christians are an important attribute for conducting sacred rites. Participation in the Divine light and God's grace are 33 candles, which were scorched by the Holy Fire in Jerusalem‘s Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Candles that have touched the Holy Fire are recognized by believers as an invaluable gift, an opportunity through the Holy Light to feel the grace of God and spiritual strength.

You can give your loved ones both 33 candles and one candle at a time. They are lit every day, except for Good Friday, during prayers in the morning and evening. You can buy both thin and thick Jerusalem candles. Here you can buy sets of 33 consecrated candles or with the addition of honey, sets of 3 candles and 1 candle each. Give a piece of the Holy Fire to your dear people.

Menorah

According to biblical traditions, the menorah was made by the Most High for the Jewish people. It represents a lamp of seven stems, which was previously used in Jewish temples during their wanderings in the desert. Later, the menorah became an integral religious attribute of the Jerusalem Temple, one of the main symbols of the Judaic religion and the Jewish state.

In addition to the sacred rites, the menorah among the Kabbalists is considered a sacred object that protects from evil forces and demons. This religious attribute is lovingly decorated by craftsmen with floral decorations. According to your artistic taste, you can choose a menorah with enamel or silver coating. Each of them will become an exquisite souvenir, reminiscent of Israel, which can be used for its intended purpose for a ritual ceremony, as an amulet or to decorate a home.

Holy Peace

Holy Miro is called oil that has been consecrated in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. It is made from oil (olive oil), adding aromas of cinnamon, pomegranate, frankincense, myrrh and other natural materials to it. The aroma of each holy Miro is used for certain religious rituals. Miro with aromas of jasmine and rose is used to anoint God. Miro with incense casts out evil force. There is a legend that the Magi brought Myrrh from the East for the born Jesus Christ as a gift.

Aromatic oils, purchased and illuminated in Israel, serve to strengthen the body's defenses, miraculously improve the state of mind. They have a positive effect on the condition of the skin. Also, with the consecrated oil of Mirra, various inflammations are treated, applying a cross to them on a sore spot. Having brought the consecrated Myrrh oil as a gift, tell us that it should be kept near the icons and filled with it in a home lamp to cleanse the home. In any city in the Holy Land, you can purchase 3 types of consecrated Miro individually or in sets.

Kipa

Kippah or Jewish yarmulke is the traditional headdress of Jewish men. The Jews who put on the kippah recognize the highest position of God over man. The appearance of this headdress also indicates that a person belongs to one of the existing currents of Judaism. You will come across woven, knitted, leather white and black bales, bales with a Star of David or with an ornament along the edge.
Wearing a kippah is a traditional custom, but many men do not wear it all the time. However, they always have it with them to put it on in appropriate situations for the occasion. Kippah can be brought as a gift or a souvenir, which is an integral part of Jewish culture. When buying a kippah, do not forget to purchase a special hairpin for it.

Kufia

Keffiyeh is a men's headdress commonly used in the Sinai and Arabian Peninsulas since ancient times. This name comes from the city of El-Kufa, where it was first worn. Keffiyeh is a square scarf measuring 100-100 cm or rectangular 100-125 cm, protecting the head and face from the scorching sun, sandstorms, wind and cold. The scarf is folded diagonally, using the options traditional for each region, tied around the head. In some countries, it is fixed on the head with a hoop yigal made from camel hair.

In the market you will find keffis of several colors: white, with white-red and black-and-white ornaments, as well as multi-colored ones. They are made of cotton or wool fabric, which dries quickly from sweat and rain, which allows the head to be always dry. Today keffiyeh is an integral part of the military uniform in the Israeli army. In Europe, keffis are often used as a neck scarf, so this authentic scarf can be an original present.

Hamsa

Hamsa is a talisman in the form of an inverted symmetrical palm, in which the second thumb is in place of the little finger. As on the human hand, here you will see the inscribed lines of fate. Each hamsa has its own pattern – a fish, an eye, the Jews have the stars of David, a crescent moon – the Muslims. It is believed that such images enhance the protective properties of the amulet. The color scheme on the hamsa of blue and blue shades serves as a reflection of the rays that bring evil to a person. The talisman protects from the evil eye, curses, evil people, serving a prosperous and successful life.

The name hamsa is interpreted by Muslims as the “hand of Fatima” – the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, by the Jews – “Hand of Five”, and Christians call it “Hand of the Almighty”. To protect the house from diseases and troubles, amulets with anchovy, decorated with semi-precious stones, are sold, which are usually placed near the entrance. You can buy a souvenir hamsa in the form of a pendant in a car. An original gift that brings good luck to a woman will be a silver pendant with anchovy and Swarovski crystals, complete with a bracelet.

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amulets

At first glance, amulets in the form of earrings, bracelets, rings and pendants may seem like ordinary silver and gold jewelry. However, they are created as talismans carrying ancient mysterious knowledge, which have become symbols of protection from the effects of negativity, attracting good luck on the path of life, and getting rid of financial problems.

In the market you will find many high-quality silver amulets and talismans that serve to protect against evil, attract success, abundance and heal the sick. Their strength lies in the enormous energy of the Holy Land and prayers. For example, the energy of a cabalistic silver amulet to attract success comes from a prayer engraved in Hebrew and giving the patronage of an angel.

It comes with a silver chain. To attract wealth and prosperity, special gold and silver amulets with engravings of the sacred meaning of God and blessing phrases of success and abundance from prayer will help. Buying such an authentic item as a gift is a good option.

Bracelet 72 names of God

One of the unique jewelry with great energy power is considered to be bracelets engraved with 72 names of God. On a magic bracelet made of pure silver of the highest standard with gold plating, each of the names of God has a sacred message. The miraculous 72 names of the Most High are taken from three verses 14, 19 and 21 of the book Exodus (Exodus) and are collectively recognized as the Great Code of the Universe. Each name of God is distinguished by its purpose and special energy.

A correct understanding of the meaning of the names opens the way for a higher level of knowledge and a favorable change in the life of the owner of the bracelet. In addition, the bracelet, being an exquisite decoration for any outfit, will protect you from negativity in public places. Such Kabbalistic talismans are notable for their author's design and are securely fastened to the arm with a special clasp. Every woman will be happy with such an original souvenir.

Red thread from the evil eye

The red thread, consecrated on the grave of the ancestor of the peoples of Rachel, is considered one of the most powerful amulets. Such a thread, tied on the wrist of the left hand with 7 knots, is a powerful means of protection against all kinds of negativity: damage, evil eye, illness and bad energy. The Red Thread should be tied only by people who wish you well. When the thread tied on your hand suddenly breaks, this means that the trouble was close to you, but safely passed thanks to reliable protective power.

Magic Red Threads are made from wool. They are sold in sets of 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10 threads. Today, this magical amulet has earned immense popularity in the world due to the increased interest of celebrities in practical Kabbalah and the fashion for such talismans. It will be an authentic gift for relatives, friends and colleagues.

Cosmetics

The fame of Israeli cosmetics has long crossed the borders of the country. Due to the unique properties of the Dead Sea salts, aromatic oils and biblical plants from which it is produced, its application achieves amazing effects. The best cosmetic brands are Anava, Ein Gedi, Sea of SPA, DSM, Aroma. Their natural products are of excellent quality. For the manufacture of cosmetics, natural citrus essential oils, biologically active seaweeds and extracts of medicinal plants are used.

The “highlight” of DSM Dead Sea cosmetics is a series with black caviar for face, body, hair care for women, men and children. Aroma offers exclusive medical cosmetics for the face, body and hair based on vanilla, lavender, coconut and grape seed aromas. The products are effective in the treatment of skin diseases, hair loss and allergies.

As souvenirs, you can buy Dead Sea salts and mud for home spa treatments, a variety of therapeutic mud-mineral shampoos and soaps. Ein Gedi products have gained popularity with the quality of the Golden and Snow White collections containing antioxidants and a complex of vitamins. Cosmetics will be a great gift for both women and men.

Hummus

Hummus is the name of a traditional snack made from chickpeas processed into a puree, to which olive oil, sesame paste, paprika, a little lemon juice and garlic are added. Thanks to this composition, this product contains a lot of vegetable protein, vitamins and trace elements. Due to its nutritional content, hummus is an indispensable product during fasting. They eat it like a sandwich, spreading it on bread, with chips and nuts. Hummus is sold in plastic jars of 500 grams.

In Russia, this product is not common, so it will be interesting for your family and friends to try the taste of hummus. When going on a trip, it should be noted that such a product deteriorates quickly, so it should be bought just before leaving the country. When buying hummus, pay attention to its production time indicated on the package. The shelf life of this product is 1 month.

Wine

Israeli wine is rare in Russia, so it will be a good present, giving you the opportunity to taste the gifts of the Holy Land. More than 150 wineries in the country, competing with each other, produce unique grape and fruit wines. Wine brands Flam Wineri, Sas Wineri, Yatir Wineri, Barkan, engaged in the production of kosher wine, are listed in all countries. It is worth bringing the drinks that tourists liked as a present: King David wine, Rimon pomegranate wine, currant wine.

The premium wine brands Yarden Katzrin have an amazing taste – purely grape and having an apple, pear, lemon bouquet, with hints of tropical fruits and various spices. The taste of local liqueurs from the Sabra series made from kumquats soaked in three-year-old brandy will amaze any wine gourmet. It is not for nothing that the liqueurs of this brand received 3 gold medals at the London wine competition. Sabra liqueur is added to cocktails and coffee, giving them a unique taste.

Dates and date honey

Dates brought from the Holy Land will be a great gift for everyone without exception. Large and juicy varieties are grown here, selling them both in their natural form and pitted, stuffed with nuts. When buying dates, you should give preference to varieties: Deglet Nur and Majkhol, which improve the health of bones, teeth, intestines, skin, and heart. They lower blood cholesterol levels and help restore potency. Dates are sold packaged in bags of 500 grams.

Also please your relatives with an exotic sweet present – natural date honey. It is made from concentrated date syrup (silane), which has all the beneficial properties found in dates. Date honey has become a great alternative to sugar. Tourists should be aware that natural honey is made by squeezing the juice from ripe dates without adding sugar. Such honey is usually sold in jars with a capacity of 300 grams.

Halva

In Israel, you will be amazed by the variety of halvah. This local oriental sweet is not at all like Russian halva, it is more delicate and less sweet in taste. The classic tahini halva is made from ground sesame seeds without adding sugar. Thanks to the beneficial substances contained in sesame seeds, this halvah has numerous medicinal properties and helps to remove toxins from the body.

It is sold in packs of 275 grams in the amount of 11 bars or packaged in 400 grams. Nut halva with sesame and peanut halva are also popular here. For gourmets, you can bring halva, which is not found in Russia: chocolate, lemon, pear, as well as exotic varieties with mango, pepper and whiskey. The more unusual halva tastes, the more original your present will be.

Spices and seasonings

Cultivated in the Judean Desert, far from industrial enterprises, Israeli herbs retain all their beneficial properties in the manufacture of spices and seasonings. In the market you will find at least 40 types of seasonings and spices. Pay attention to the main oriental seasoning Baharat, consisting of a mixture of spices – cloves, cinnamon, black and allspice. Sometimes it is sold with the addition of nutmeg, cardamom, anise and cilantro seeds. The spice cumin or zira, which tastes like parsley and cilantro, is sold in the form of grains or powder.

The spice palette will certainly contain coriander in seeds and ground form, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, black, white and allspice. The seasoning with the name – Sumac is a purple-red color with a sour taste. Green seasoning Zaatar will conquer with its juiciness, aroma and inimitable taste. Brought spices, added daily to dishes, will long remind you of your stay on the Sacred Land, adding health.

Baby food “Materna”

Materna is Israel's leading manufacturer of baby food. Milk formulas and baby food of the Materna brand have proven themselves well for feeding children from 0 to 12 months and from 1 year to 6 years. The advantage of “Materna” milk formulas is that it is as close as possible to breast milk. They contain all the necessary substances for the healthy development of children, proper digestion of food and strong immunity.

For children aged 0 to 6 months, here you can buy branded pure milk and milk-vegetable mixtures, for babies from 6 to 12 months, nutritious vegetable and fruit mixtures, dry milk porridges. Children from 1 to 3 years of age benefit from children's rice cookies and dry dairy-free cereals: corn, rice and oatmeal, which can be fed to children up to 6 years old. Baby food “Materna” will be a useful present for families with small children.

Kosher Foods

In Israel, great importance is attached to kosher products grown in ecologically clean areas without using fertilizers and chemicals. Such products are certified, have excellent natural taste and quality. We list what you can bring home from the range of kosher products. Here you will find a large selection of high-quality olive oil and olives, fragrant spices, vegetable pastes.

Kosher products include many varieties of honey obtained from the best apiaries in the country, as well as honey with ginger and made from dates. To this list we add healthy baby food, chocolate, many types of confectionery and candied fruits from exotic fruits, date paste. Wonderful presents will be a variety of teas with fruit additives, aromatic coffee and healthy cocoa.

Ceramic products

Beautiful ceramic products will become a magnificent souvenir from the Holy Land. The variety of their types and paintings will amaze you in the shops of the Armenian quarter in Jerusalem. You will see numerous tiles, vases, flowerpots and dishes in a wide range of plates, jugs, cups, teapots, salad bowls, painted in traditional blue and white tones, as well as in bright colors.

Tourists are in high demand for decorative plates depicting biblical scenes, the sights of the country and the symbols of Jesus Christ in the form of fish. Handmade ceramic jewelry will certainly arouse interest – pendants and earrings in the form of anchovy and Star of David, necklaces, beads. Ceramic products, except for the Armenian quarter, can be purchased in shops and in the market.

National Games

Original sets of games are liked by children and adults. An authentic game popular with the local population is Makot. The game set includes a rubber ball with two rackets. The game can be called an analogue of badminton or ping-pong, but it is played without a net and a tennis table. You can do makot everywhere, but most often adults and children play on a beach holiday. The game set can be bought in any supermarket.

A good gift for a child will be themed biblical construction sets with the Tower of David, the Temple of Solomon or Noah's Ark. They serve the child's intellectual development and design skills. Souvenir sets of chess and backgammon are often brought from the country as a gift. Beautiful packaging, exquisite tortoiseshell, marble and ceramic figurines with national colors look luxurious and will be a good gift for people who are fond of intellectual games.