Creating a Jewish home can take many shapes, and it doesn’t depend on your level of observance. Small choices in décor, light, and symbolism can bring a sense of meaning and connection into any space. Here are a few subtle design elements that can help create a Jewish atmosphere at home.
Among the most common and well-loved elements found in Jewish homes are hamsas, mezuzahs, home blessings, Shabbat candlesticks, and other pieces of cherished Judaica. Each one carries its own meaning and story, shaped by tradition and everyday life. Some are tied to protection or blessing, others to faith and family tradition, and many simply add a personal touch to the space.
Those who begin their journey often discover a special joy in small rituals such as lighting Shabbat candles or saying a blessing, moments that bring warmth and a quiet sense of connection into the home. Jewish art also has a natural place in the home, offering an expressive way to connect through imagery, color, and design, inviting curiosity and personal meaning. Together, these elements reflect the many ways Jewish identity is naturally woven into daily life.
Keeping a Hamsa amulet in one’s home is a Middle Eastern and North African tradition that goes back centuries, and while not exclusively Jewish, it's found in many Jewish homes around the world even today. It's a symbol of Divine protection, and often believed to bring luck, happiness, and harmony into the home while safeguarding from negative energies and the "evil eye."
For many Jews today, the Hamsa is also a symbol of their Jewish identity and connection to their heritage.
The symbol is depicted as an open right hand, often with an eye in the center of the palm. The hand can either be pointing up or down, fingers spread or close together.
The Hamsa is one of the most popular symbols used by Israeli artists on Jewish home décor, beloved by Jews everywhere and hung in homes all over the world!
The Hebrew Bible is our most foundational Jewish text and has therefore always inspired the Jewish imagination, including our artists and designers - and Jews have always loved to adorn our homes with meaningful items that reference powerful Biblical stories, themes, and verses.
From wall art to sculptures to Judaica, there are all kinds of Biblical home décor and Israeli art featuring meaningful themes from our Scriptures with which to decorate a Jewish home - whether featuring beautiful pomegranates or other Biblical Seven Species, the 10 Commandments, the 12 Tribes of Israel, Tree of Life imagery, or other Biblical motifs.
Alongside Biblical art, Israeli artists play a central role in shaping contemporary Jewish and Judaic art. Drawing inspiration from the land of Israel, Jewish history, modern Israeli life, and timeless Biblical themes, Israeli artists create works that feel both deeply rooted and vividly current. Their art often reflects a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern expression, using color, symbolism, and technique to tell stories that resonate across generations. Make sure to explore our selection of original works and limited-edition serigraphs by Israeli artists.
Whether you are looking for a meaningful gift for a loved one or a way to express your own faith and connection to Israel, Biblical décor and Israeli art offer something truly special for the Jewish home.
There is a Jewish tradition of putting up “house blessings” or “home blessings” – works of art featuring a Jewish blessing or quote from Scriptures, calling for Divine protection and for positive attributes to be placed on the home and its inhabitants, such as happiness, success, peace, love, luck, and abundance.
Home blessings may be simple or elaborately artistic, and today they may be written in Hebrew, English, or both. They're often given as housewarming gifts and traditionally hung up upon moving in, but can also be added to one's home décor anytime!
Many Jewish families display Jerusalem-themed art and home décor in their homes, such as a painting of the Old City or the timeless verse from Psalms, “If I Forget Thee O Jerusalem.”
This tradition is a beautiful way to bring a touch of Jerusalem into one’s life, and to always have a reminder of the Land of Israel and the Jewish people’s origins no matter where one lives. And Jerusalem décor also makes for a traditional and unforgettable housewarming or holiday gift for a loved one!
A beautiful tradition found all over Israel, and in some Jewish homes in the diaspora, is a decorated family name plaque or door sign.
These are ceramic or wooden pieces of art hung on a front door or gate, featuring the last name of the family who resides there, or sometimes listing all names of those who live there. They are frequently adorned with Jewish symbolism, such as a Tree of Life or pomegranates, offering a warm and personal expression of heritage and belonging.
Every Jewish home needs mezuzahs on its doors – not just according to tradition but per a Biblical commandment as well. A mezuzah consists of an outer case, often beautifully decorated, and a mezuzah parchment scroll containing Biblical verses. It is also believed that the mezuzah bestows blessing and protection on the home and anyone who passes it.
Beyond its religious purpose, many Jewish families view the placement of mezuzahs as an opportunity to express personal style and a sense of Jewish identity, choosing gorgeous artistic mezuzah cases made by talented artists.
In addition to its ritual significance, a mezuzah can also be a meaningful and lasting element of Jewish home décor, one that a family may cherish for many years.
Last but not least, Jewish homes have always been shaped by the presence of Judaica. When not in use, many families choose to keep their cherished Judaica on display, placing Hanukkah menorahs on shelves or mantelpieces, arranging Passover Seder plates and Rosh Hashanah plates in glass cabinets, or giving Shabbat candlesticks and Kiddush cups a permanent and visible place in the home. In this way, Judaica becomes both a lived tradition and a meaningful element of Jewish home décor, woven naturally into everyday life.
Looking to add meaningful Jewish touches to your home? Explore our collection of Jewish home décor from Israel, and be sure to take a look at our curated best-of guide for inspiration.
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