topic Re: Gift for a Rabbi in Among Friends

Gift for a Rabbi

NoTan4Me — Sat, 18 May 2019 00:10:40 GMT

I am a personal trainer who has a rabbi as a client. He is retiring from his congregation next month and will be moving away. I'd like to get him a small gift ($25-50) but I'm rather stumped as to what to get. No books, as he is selling most of his enormous library. Any suggestions?

Re: Gift for a Rabbi

feline groovy — Sat, 18 May 2019 00:40:11 GMT

Amazon.com gift card.

You can place it in a "good luck on your new chapter' - type card with a personal message.

Nice of you to think of him. 8)

Re: Gift for a Rabbi

Q-Checker — Sat, 18 May 2019 00:39:35 GMT

I think that a mezuzah for a door in his new home would be much appreciated. They come in a variety of styles and sizes in a wide price range. Many are within the price range that you quoted. You can buy them on-line or in a Judaica shop. You can also Google this item if you are not already familiar with it to find out more about it. I think it is lovely that you are giving your rabbi client a farewell gift.

Re: Gift for a Rabbi

Snowpuppy — Sat, 18 May 2019 01:46:45 GMT

@Q-Checker not meaning to hijack but would one get a new mezuzah for each new home or would you leave it behind for the new homeowners when leaving your old place?

I am a gentile but I do understand their meaning and significance.

Re: Gift for a Rabbi

GenXmuse — Sat, 18 May 2019 01:59:10 GMT

The family that owned the house before us were Jewish and left the mezuzah behind. We have left it up though we aren’t of the Jewish faith. I don’t know if this is customary or an oversight but we are happy to have the blessing.

Re: Gift for a Rabbi

Q-Checker — Sat, 18 May 2019 02:34:09 GMT

@Snowpuppy: My understanding is that there is no simple answer to your question. The Rabbi could probably always find a place for a new mezuzah in his new home since obsevant Jews place them on interior doorways (with some exceptions) in addition to the main entry. The question of whether to remove a mezuzah when moving should probably best be answered by the Rabbi client himself. In any event, I am sure that the Rabbi willl appreciate any gift that the trainer selects for him. Aside from something in the Judaica area, he might also like a small piece of equipment related to his exercise regimen.

Re: Gift for a Rabbi

Sooner — Sat, 18 May 2019 02:41:31 GMT

My advice is if you are not of that faith, stay far far away from getting someone something related to the faith.

A nice gift card--doesn't need to be much!--and a sweet note and that will be cherished and remembered!

Re: Gift for a Rabbi

hgsuddle — Sat, 18 May 2019 12:20:43 GMT

I am Jewish and I also think you should stay away from anything religious. A mezzuzah is a great gift, but you also need to provide the scroll with the blessing that goes inside. It is written by a scribe on animal skin just like the torah. It is not cheap and costs more than the mezzuzah. Some people just use a photocopy, but I can't see a rabbi doing that.

I think a great gift would be a donation to charity close to the rabbi's heart. Perhaps the synagogue has a fund in his name in order to perpeptuate his legacy. Also, sometimes synagogues that are buying new prayer books will take a donation for one and you can purchase one in his honor. I would contact the synagogue to see what it has going on charity wise. I think those type of gifts mean more to clergy than a gift card.

It is very nice of you to think of him. When a longtime rabbi retires, it is both sad and joyous.

Re: Gift for a Rabbi

Nuttmeg — Sat, 18 May 2019 12:26:56 GMT

@feline groovy wrote:
Amazon.com gift card.
You can place it in a "good luck on your new chapter' - type card with a personal message.

Nice of you to think of him. 8)

Amazon sells give cards, you can send in a box. These are special.

Re: Gift for a Rabbi

chrystaltree — Sat, 18 May 2019 18:11:06 GMT

Stay away from anything religious. Don't doubt that will be covered by his family, friends, congregation . He's retiring, starting the next phase of his life and since he is moving, he doesn't need "stuff". This seems to be a professional relationship so I think, it calls for a gift card. I'd buy a buy a beautiful card...I prefer blank cards....and add a personal note and put the gift card in it.

Re: Gift for a Rabbi

Shelbelle — Sat, 18 May 2019 18:27:06 GMT

I would send a nice donation to the synogogue where he is working now, chances are there is already a donation fund with his synogogue already set up in his name, or just ask him his favorite charity and make a donation in his honor, make sure they are set up to send him an acknowledgement of your gift. You can always make a donation to Jewish National Fund in his name online, and give the info for the acknowledgement, or they will plant trees in Israel in his honor with your gift, whatever you want they will do.

Re: Gift for a Rabbi

Shelbelle — Sat, 18 May 2019 18:25:00 GMT

From what I understand the rule of thumb concerning mezuzahs is that if you sold your house to another Jew than your mezuzahs should remain, if not to another Jew then you should remove them. BTW, they are not just placed at the front door, they are to be placed in every doorway in your home. many people I know have 10 or more in their homes.

Re: Gift for a Rabbi

DREAMON — Sat, 18 May 2019 23:40:59 GMT

I agree...a donation in his name is perfect. IMO

Re: Gift for a Rabbi

NoTan4Me — Sun, 19 May 2019 19:41:04 GMT

Thank you all for your ideas and suggestions!

I am Jewish and feel comfortable getting a religious-themed gift. The only problem with getting a mezuzah (prices run the gamut) is thatI would also have to purchase a kosher scroll, and those are not inexpensive. I'm leaning toward a gift card right now, but I really wanted to get him something personal. We've been working together for over 2 years and we have a very nice, friendly relationship. He told me that he was being honored and that he would love for me to attend (and I felt very honored!!!).

I truly appreciate all the thoughtful ideas!

Re: Gift for a Rabbi

NoTan4Me — Sun, 19 May 2019 22:59:11 GMT

Just wanted to share what I decided upon...

My rabbi client loves to wear funky patterned socks and I always comment on them. I found on etsy some Jewish-themed socks. I think he will really like them!

Re: Gift for a Rabbi

hennypenny — Mon, 20 May 2019 00:14:06 GMT

@NoTan4Me ---Perfect!

Things like that mean the most. It shows that you took the time to know him and his quirky ways.

My father was a Rabbi and would have been thrilled by your gift!

Re: Gift for a Rabbi

NoTan4Me — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 00:08:42 GMT

Just a follow-up:

The socks I bought for my rabbi clients were a HUGE hit! It's such a joy to find just the right personal gift, and I'm so glad I took the time and effort to do just that!

Thank you all for your thoughtful suggestions!!!