Judaism is known for having numerous esoteric items that are used in various rituals. One of these items that is actually quite useful and is not limited to a religious ceremony is the book stand, also known in Yiddish as a “Shtender”.
Bookstands and Shtenders take a few different forms, including a simple book rest that is placed on a desk and a full-size lectern that may be covered with a heavily decorated felt cover. Looking for a Bar Mitzvah or Hanukkah gift? Consider a gift an olive wood bookstand that is painted with scenes of Jerusalem and the name of the young man entering adulthood. If you would like to give a more ornate stand, consider a stand made from Mahogany, Pine or Oak that is overlaid with strips of 925 sterling silver and engraved with names or verses relating to the study of Torah.
Bookstands and Shtenders
Judaism is known for having numerous esoteric items that are used in various rituals. One of these items that is actually quite useful and is not limited to a religious ceremony is the book stand, also known in Yiddish as a “Shtender”.
Bookstands and Shtenders take a few different forms, including a simple book rest that is placed on a desk and a full-size lectern that may be covered with a heavily decorated felt cover. Looking for a Bar Mitzvah or Hanukkah gift? Consider a gift an olive wood bookstand that is painted with scenes of Jerusalem and the name of the young man entering adulthood. If you would like to give a more ornate stand, consider a stand made from Mahogany, Pine or Oak that is overlaid with strips of 925 sterling silver and engraved with names or verses relating to the study of Torah.
World of Judaica also has an extensive collection of full-size Shtenders. These podiums may be made completely from wood or be made from metal with a wooden book rest. These bookstands are perfect gifts for a wedding or housewarming gift as they will be used consistently and will have a prominent place in the new home.
If you would like to decorate a Shtender or bookstand, consider a velvet cover that is decorated with names, floral patterns or other traditional Judaica themes that are embroidered into the cloth such as Jerusalem or scenes from the bible. These decorations are a great idea if you wish to memorialise a loved one or special occasion.
We at World of Judaica invites you to browse our collection of bookstand, Shtenders and bookstand covers. If you have any concerns, contact us via email, phone or live chat and we will be more than happy to address your concerns.
Prayer Books & Covers Guide
In Judaism, the synagogue plays a prominent role, with many items being used during the course of services. One of the essential items used during prayer service in addition to the Tallit and Tefillin is the prayer book.
What are Prayer Books and Covers?
The prayer book, also known as Siddur in Hebrew, contains all of the prayer said during weekday prayer services, Shabbat and important Jewish holidays such as Passover and Sukkot. However, there are also other books that also fit under this category, such as the Book of Psalms composed by King David and books that are used for specific holidays, such as the Machzor that contains prayers said in Synagogue during Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur as well as those used during Passover Seder and the Rosh HaShana meal.
Prayer Book covers care usually made of sterling silver or cloth and fit atop hardcover prayer covers and serve as a practical protection for the bidning and book itself in addition to being a decorative item that shows honour to G-d.
Decorations
Prayer books covers are often decorated with traditional depictions of Jerusalem and often have Hebrew text in the centre, usually with the word “Siddur” or “Tehillim”, which are the Hebrew words for “Prayer Book” and “Book of Psalms”.
Other common decorations on Siddur and Machzor prayer books include floral patterns, crowns, the Luchot or Tablets supported by lions with engravings of the Ten Commandments or Hebrew letters, crowns and the seven species. Many prayer books are also decorate with verses from the Torah and Rabbinical literature, such as “Know before whom you stand” or “G-d is always present”.
Other types of prayer books, such as those used during the Rosh HaShana meal are decorated with items used on Rosh HaShana such as a Shofar or a pomegranate with severeal seeds. These prayers usually have the Hebrew text “Seder Rosh HaShana” - “Rosh HaShana Order” in English - that refers to the different foods eaten at the beginning of the meal.
Personalisation
Prayer books and their covers are often personalized with names that are engraved into sterling silver or painted gold on the front. These items may also be personalized with important dates, such as a Bar Mitzvah or wedding anniversary.
For More Information
For more information on Prayer Books & Covers or other Synagogue items, feel free to contact our Judaica experts with any questions or concerns.
