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Help! I’m Shopping for Judaica for the Very First Time

The best menorahs, dreidels, and more….

Shopping for Judaica is something I’ve never done. Now that Chanukah is around the corner, I’ve been rethinking about what it means to own Judaica, which feels like a step not only into adulthood, but a way for me to tangibly get a grasp of my own spirituality and traditions. The issue here? I’m lacking basic supplies. I don’t have a menorah, as I stopped celebrating the holiday as a child. My relationship with Shabbat is more present but a bit more pathetic. In the past, on the off chance I lit Shabbat candles, they were two random ones I had scavenged from my home, one portly and one slender—both scented!—that had been lying around. Only recently did I pick up modest tea lights from a Hasidic store. As for the plastic mezuzah I have on my door? Well, it’s hanging on by an adhesive thread. (Full disclosure: It fell off…so I used gum to re-stick it.)

So where to start as I intend to upgrade? Luckily, there are a few new labels seeking to modernize traditional wares. Via Maris, by Dana Hollar Schwartz, has created designs that are elevated and streamlined, meaning they can really fit in any home. The brand’s Shabbat candle holder comes inter-connected in soothing colors with names like “Sand,” “Clay,” and “Cloud.” But my favorite offering is a mezuzah which Vogue contributor Lauren Mechling referred to as “a brilliantly conceived mezuzah that looks not unlike a high-design vape pen.” Talk about speaking to my millennial soul. 

Then there’s Judaica Standard Time, the line of Jewish objets d’art ideal for menschy fit gods. It was created out of Los Angeles by an artist trifecta including Michael David, Jesse Kivel, and David Kitz. Their menorahs remind me of an avant-garde pier: The main candle to light, traditionally in the middle, is now at the end. With the “Modular Menorah,” each candle holder is disconnected from the others and can be arranged in a straight line or as a clumped-together square. These pieces come in hues—or what they refer to as glazes—such as “squid ink” and “sparrow.”

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When I ask my friends what they are into, their choices run the gamut. Some of them are obsessed with this new world of cool Judaica. They love these redefined classics which feel a world away from those physically cumbersome old-world metals. Some friends have taken to shopping from Etsy, like one who sent me swirly candles resembling a funky pasta. I did some browsing of menorahs there and was totally taken by an electronic menorah that was described as “proudly techy.” It was decked with circuits and is titled “Model 1.” (It might be a good option for me: My apartment’s smoke detector doesn’t work!) Another featured the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg with a candle sprouting out of her head that read “I Dissent.” (It’s cheeky and surely a fit for someone out there but I’ll admit it gets an “oy vey” from me.)

Despite these evolutions, some of my friends remain into the old-school Judaica, and I get it: Who doesn’t love that familiar gilded, ancient look? “I really like the tacky ones still,” one friend texted me. Another was quick to advise, “Lee Ave in Hasidic Brooklyn. I’ve wanted to go for the tacky stuff!” A fellow editor told me that she was browsing the curated resale site 1stDibs for Judaica. She sent me a sterling silver kiddush cup with filigree on it crafted by Yemenites who are known for their work with silver. I’m still thinking about a retro sterling silver mezuzah with palm trees hugging a temple, but it was going for over $1,000. (Maybe next year.) 

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And while it’s not Judaica per se, I’ve also been looking at Star of Davids. I’m in love with my friend’s jewelry look: She has a tangle of chains clanging around her neck: A gold butterfly mingles with a Star of David from her Moroccan grandmother. New York-based designer Susan Alexandra has been creating a “Star of Susan” necklace made from hand-enameled bronze. You love to see it: The beloved babe of the downtown wearing a fist-sized Star of David—and it looks good!

There’s no doubt the historical beauty of Judaica, which is why I love the older stuff but appreciate the elevated incarnations that have recently emerged. Maybe the makeover has to do with the uncertainty of the world, and a reinvigorated love for traditions which sometimes feel like a gateway into stability. I’m not totally sure what it is, but I’m liking the looks of it. Plus, I’m eyeing that electronic menorah more and more—call it a holy grail. 

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See the best Judaica (and other tchotchkes), below.

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Fashion

Rihanna’s Paris Fashion Week Ensemble Ignites Social Media Frenzy

Rihanna

Earlier this week, the fashion world buzzed with excitement as ASAP Rocky and Rihanna graced the AWGE Menswear Spring/Summer 2025 Paris Fashion Week runway show with their presence. The duo’s impeccable style was on full display—Rocky in a gray and black jacket over a white shirt with jeans, and Rihanna turning heads in a maroon jacket, a white dress, and striking heels. However, Rihanna’s outfit has sparked a spirited debate online.

The Shade Room’s comments section lit up with divided opinions. One Instagram user quipped, “She dressed for the summer spring and fall,” while another bluntly stated, “Idc who this is, that outfit is terrible.” Despite the criticism, many fans rushed to defend the fashion icon, insisting her look was on point.

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“I think this fit is cute. The shoes are fab. What are y’all talking about?” one commenter argued. Another added, “If you understand the theme she ATE!!” The consensus among supporters is clear: Rihanna can pull off just about anything with style and grace.

Rihanna’s sartorial choices aren’t the only reason her fans are buzzing with excitement. She’s finally gearing up to work on her highly anticipated ninth album. Speaking at a Fenty Hair event, she revealed to Entertainment Tonight, “Now I’m prepared to go back in the studio, so now I’m gonna start,” sparking joy among her followers.

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ASAP Rocky also has big news for his fans. At the runway show, he announced that his album “Don’t Be Dumb” will drop on August 30, adding to the anticipation.

What do you think of Rihanna’s fashion-forward look at ASAP Rocky’s recent Paris show? Are you loving it or not feeling the vibe? Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned to Honk Magazine for the latest updates.

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Mike Amiri’s Fashion Empire, Unveiling the 2024 Net Worth of the Trendsetting Designer

Mike Amiri

Mike Amiri’s Fashion Empire, Unveiling the 2024 Net Worth of the Trendsetting Designer

 

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In the ever-changing realm of fashion, some designers rise above the rest, embodying style, opulence, and innovation. Mike Amiri, a luminary in his own right, has woven a tale of success from obscurity to acclaim. Discover the 2024 net worth of the visionary behind Amiri, a designer whose passion and creativity have elevated him to the pinnacle of the fashion world.

Mike Amiri’s journey commenced in the heart of Los Angeles, where his love for fashion and design sprouted from humble beginnings. From his early years, his keen eye for aesthetics drew inspiration from the vibrant street culture that enveloped him, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.

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In 2014, Amiri boldly launched his eponymous fashion label, Amiri, with a distinctive vision to redefine luxury streetwear. Melding high-end craftsmanship with urban aesthetics, his debut collection garnered widespread acclaim, captivating fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. The Amiri brand gained momentum, solidifying its position as a formidable force in contemporary fashion.

Cultivating his brand meticulously, Mike Amiri earned a fan base among Hollywood’s elite. Expanding beyond clothing, signature denim and leather jackets became staples, while statement footwear and accessories exuded an effortless coolness and sophistication. Ventures into collaborations with notable artists and musicians further elevated Amiri’s status as a cultural phenomenon.

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Capitalizing on business opportunities, Amiri showcased a knack for staying ahead in the ever-changing fashion landscape. Exclusive partnerships, limited-edition releases, pop-up shops, and international expansion became integral parts of the brand’s success.

Reflecting on Mike Amiri’s net worth in 2024, estimated at $15 million by Idol Net Worth, his journey from a budding designer to a revered fashion icon is nothing short of extraordinary. Through determination, talent, and a pursuit of excellence, he carved a niche in a cutthroat industry. With a finger on the pulse of contemporary culture, Mike Amiri continues to push boundaries, inspiring individuals globally to embrace their unique style and self-expression. As fashion evolves, one certainty prevails: Mike Amiri’s influence and legacy will endure for years to come.

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