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Frequent Contributor
Posts: 89
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

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?

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,199
Registered: ‎07-29-2014

Re: Gift for a Rabbi

[ Edited ]

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)

Super Contributor
Posts: 305
Registered: ‎05-09-2010

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.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,513
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

@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.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,432
Registered: ‎05-15-2016

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. 

Super Contributor
Posts: 305
Registered: ‎05-09-2010

@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. 

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 32,486
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

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!   

Regular Contributor
Posts: 159
Registered: ‎07-02-2010

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.

 

 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,419
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

@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.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 30,918
Registered: ‎05-10-2010

Re: Gift for a Rabbi

[ Edited ]

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.