About Ohr Judaica
We're a small, three-person Judaica business dedicated to all-natural, sustainable Judaica. We operate from the heart of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, where our small business has found its home in the living room of a cozy, one-bedroom apartment in a pre-war building on Eastern Parkway. Our passion lies in crafting exquisite Judaica items that embody the essence of hiddur mitzvah, the timeless Jewish principle of beautifying the performance of mitzvahs.
Our journey began with a simple idea – to create Jewish ritual items that not only fulfill their intended purpose but also resonate with beauty and natural elegance. Inspired by Jewish tradition and mysticism, we sought to infuse our creations with the essence of light, making every piece radiate with spiritual significance.
One of our primary focal points is our selection of handcrafted beeswax candles, which we sell individually and as components in our Travel Kits. We firmly believe that the act of kindling light for Shabbat and other special occasions should be more than just a ritual; it should be a moment of divine connection and reflection. By using pure beeswax instead of paraffin or other petroleum products in our candles, we ensure that the light they emanate is not only aesthetically pleasing but also represents a commitment to eco-friendliness and natural purity.
At Ohr Judaica, we invite you to explore our handcrafted creations, each carefully designed to enhance your mitzvah observance and elevate the spiritual ambiance of your home. Thank you for being a part of our journey to spread light, beauty, and holiness through our artistry and dedication to the timeless traditions of Judaism. Join us in embracing the spirit of hiddur mitzvah as we continue to illuminate hearts and homes, one creation at a time.
Shalom and welcome to our world of radiant Judaica,
Jared, Founder
Our Name
In the Jewish tradition, the name "Ohr" holds profound significance. In Hebrew, "Ohr" translates to "light." This name is imbued with multiple layers of meaning, each drawing from the rich tapestry of Jewish heritage.
Central to our exploration of light is the mystical concept of "Ohr Ein Sof" from Kabbalah. "Ein Sof" refers to the infinite and boundless nature of the Divine, while "Ohr" represents the Divine light that emanates from this infinite source. This ethereal illumination is beyond human comprehension, & yet, in our pursuit of spiritual connection, we seek to capture a glimpse of this transcendent light in every piece we create.
The Shabbat candles, in particular, hold a prominent place in Jewish mysticism. They are not merely candles for illumination; they embody a profound spiritual significance. According to Kabbalah, the act of kindling the Shabbat lights draws down the supernal light from the spiritual realms into the physical world, infusing our homes with divine energy. As the sun sets & the sacred day of rest begins, a mystical portal opens, connecting our reality with higher dimensions. By lighting the Shabbat candles, we join a cosmic dance between the earthly & heavenly realms, uniting the material & the spiritual in a sublime union. In this mystical moment, the flames of the Shabbat candles become more than just a symbol of illumination; they become conduits of divine energy. Each candle represents one of the ten holy emanations, known as the sefirot, through which the Divine interacts with creation. As we light the candles, we invoke the blessings of these sefirot & welcome their transformative influence into our lives. Moreover, the candles themselves hold deep symbolism. The dual flames mirror the duality within each of us – the physical & the spiritual, the material & the divine. The light that emanates from the candles represents the inner light of the soul, the spark of the Divine that resides within each individual. Through our carefully crafted Shabbat candles, both full size & in our Travel Kits, we honor & celebrate this sacred tradition, making each Shabbat a truly luminous & soulful experience. Our aim is to create items that not only radiate beauty but also serve as vessels for divine connection, facilitating the elevation of consciousness & the manifestation of spiritual blessings. As you explore our creations at Ohr Judaica, we invite you to embrace the profound spiritual significance of "Ohr" – the light that illuminates not only our homes but also our hearts & souls. May these candles kindle a deep connection to the Divine light within you, & may their presence bring peace, joy, & spiritual fulfillment into your life.
May the light of Ohr Judaica shine brightly in your life and inspire you to embrace the essence of Jewish traditions with renewed joy & mystical insight. Thank you for joining us on this journey of illumination & spiritual discovery.
Jared
Jared is a graduate student in philosophy in Manhattan, a part-time barista, and the founder of Ohr Judaica. He lives in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Chavah & Adiva
Chavah is a journalist, writer, poet, yoga teacher, and editor. She lives in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. She assists with product design and social media management at Ohr Judaica. She is Adiva's older sister.
Adiva is a swim instructor and part-time barista. She lives in the Ridgewood area. She assists with woodworking and typography at Ohr Judaica. She is Chavah's younger sister.