Havurah’s Annual Je-Wish List
The season of infinite joy and fried foods has arrived. Each year, we present a list of the top Jew-ish (actually… very Jewish) gifts for all the characters in your life. Although it’s the holiday season, this list can be used year-round for birthdays, housewarmings and everything in between.
Asparagus Menorah - Susan Alexandra
Before you ask… Yes it’s kosher & so very coquette. I’ve had my eye on this Menorah for some time now: the ultimate decoration piece. Buy this for someone who wants their guests to wonder “where could they possibly have gotten that?” It is, after all, a ceramic asparagus tied with a ribbon (and currently on sale).
Moscot was originally founded in 1899 by a Mr. Hyman Mushcot. Today, it is still run by the same family on the Lower East Side. A true marker of the everpresent Jewish culture in lower Manhattan, Moscot glasses are for your friend looking for something trendy that isn’t screaming “Jewish”, but singing it.
Nowadays, you can find post cards with the most gorgeous designs. An example of this are these designed post cards from ATA, a Tel Aviv based clothing brand. These are tiny pieces of art, which can be stored, framed, or shipped to a friend. Buy these for someone who values the small things in life.
This year’s staff pick goes to Troye Sivan’s perfume brand. Named after the Yiddish phrase “to long years”, the lifestyle brand remains ahead of the curve. This perfume, with its truly intoxicating scent, remains a prime example of “if you know, you know”. Buy this for someone who can’t move past The Sweat Tour, or just needs a bit of a freshening up.
Food Explorers Club - Zingerman’s
For gift lovers, subscription boxes are the ultimate joy– months and months of surprises at your door?! Goodbye seasonal depression. Zingerman’s also happens to be a cornerstone of the Jewish Delicatessen scene and prides itself on maintaining their original small-town business model. Buy this for someone who levitates towards words like “small-batch”, “local”, and "artisanal".
Our annual cookbook pick goes to none other than Brooklyn’s very own, Leah Koenig. This cookbook transported me back to my exploration of the Roman Jewish Ghetto on my Bat Mitzvah Trip (circa 2010’s). Koenig masterfully captures the cooking of a special Jewish sub-culture that deserves our attention. Buy this cookbook for your friend who appreciates history & has an appetite.
As mentioned in last year's list, we support Jewish artists here at Havurah. This year, we’re highlighting the incredible Anita Stein. Verklempt!’s Editor-in-Chief, Yoni, sat down with Anita a few months ago to learn more about her artistic process. These gorgeous linoleum block prints are an unbeatable addition to any living room or home office.
As someone who’s had these delectable instant matzah ball soup cups ~3 times per week since finding out about them– you don’t want to miss out. Whichever team member decided three matzah balls was the lucky number was indeed correct, two is never enough. Gift this to a friend who wants a home cooked meal without cooking it at home.
Channel your inner babushka with this chic take on a traditional headscarf. Heads will turn as you strut down the street wearing the ultimate winter accessory. An added bonus: it’s also a modern take on the vintage rain bonnet- truly perfect for weather of any kind. Buy this for someone who values functionality or wants an alternative tichel.
