Bequeathal is a very interesting word. It comes from the Middle English biquethen, which comes from the Old English becwethan, which is formed with the root be and the verb cwethan. Cwethan means to say, and it also gives us the word “quote,” from “quoth”. The prefix be can mean one of three things: thoroughly, to make or seem, and to provide with. So literally the word bequeathal means to make said, or to provide with saying. This makes...

In addition to the gorgeous cast bronze plaques, Tree of Life walls, and memorial walls that Judaica Engraving is famous for, they have a new, fantastic item: The Jewish Computerized J-Calendar. Get your synagogue on the cutting edge with one of these gorgeous calendars. If you haven’t seen one of these you’re in for a treat. The Computerized J-Calendar features a fully automated LCD message board. You can keep your congregation up to...

If you’ve ever wanted to know more about engraving, here’s some information to pique your interest. Engraving is the practice of cutting grooves into metals including gold, silver, brass, steel or glass, and is used to personalize everything from jewelry, trophies, bronze plaques and memorial plaques to knives, firearms and pet tags.Metal engraving dates back to the 5th century B.C. and was particularly prevalent in ancient Greece...

Honoring someone who has done something great is a time-honored tradition in history. It is truly a great way to show your respect for someone who has done something for others. Things like bronze plaques, memorial walls, and donor plaque awards not only serve as a visual reminder for the recipient, but serves as a reminder for every who views it that service is a feasible thing. These visual reminders can also be a great inspiration to...

The tree of life is a common symbol in religious art of all denominations. Perhaps it is such a common motif in religious art, because of the deep meaning it implies. Its roots are in heaven, and the branches and leaves spread out and bring prosperity to the earth. The tree of life works well for donor walls because the donors, or the branches of the tree, spread and bring prosperity to the earth, and their good works are no doubt rooted...

Philanthropy is more than just a kind act of charity. It is also a way of preserving for future generations a hope and possibility that has been envisioned by a benefactor. Hope for the future is one of the most characteristic human traits. It is a way of attempting to shape future consciousnesses. Memorial plaques and donor walls commemorate the plans for the future from the perspective of the present, reminding the future generations...

(Prometheus Bound, Jacob Jordaens 1593-1678)Philanthropy is a time honored tradition of giving and receiving. The word’s origins are from Prometheus Bound, thought to be written by Aeschylus in about 500 B.C.E. Prometheus’ name comes from philanthropos tropos and means a character of humanity loving . This is because the Titan gave humans optimism and fire, two gifts that allow us to distinguish ourselves from the beasts. Today, the word...

Acts of kindness are fundamental to human nature. If they were not, humans would be satisfied living in solitude, which for most of us is not the case. Communities are founded on giving back. This notion can be seen in all walks of life. From learning to share as a child to giving back to the community the excess of one’s life savings, the same fundamental sentiment is demonstrated. But the same thanks given after playing with a friend’s...

Memorial walls and donor plaques can be found everywhere – I’ve even seen them in bars. You may commonly associate them with resplendent acts of generosity, which can be memorialized with a Tree of Life quite nicely, but your benefactors don’t have to give millions to feel appreciated. Judaica Engraving International has options aplenty for your desire to show your gratitude. Let’s take a look at a few:Tree of Life: This is one of our more...

When I see donor walls and the dozens of names enshrined on them, I think of the past beneficence and virtue that has long been intrinsic to mankind. There is new evidence that along with the most simple pleasures of eating and procreating, the same parts of the brain triggered during these acts are engaged when we participate in magnanimous acts. If you find this strange or incredible, just think about it. Giving back is something that...

Groups and organizations of all kinds know just how important it is to have the support of their community, be it financial, emotional, or physical. It’s time to show recognition and gratitude to the individuals that have given their time, energy, and money to make your cause great, with donor plaques, memorial plaques, and donor walls.Cast bronze plaques are an excellent, and relatively inexpensive way of showing your appreciation to an...

Yup, it’s true, we are capable of being very selfish as human beings, but we are also capable of the most selfless actions and of being able to live up to the high ideals we often fall short of achieving. Bronze plaques are an excellent way to remember the brave and giving actions of the individuals and groups who have given so much to be an example to us all. Cast bronze plaques are as durable as the effects of the selfless or extraordinary...

Philanthropy has long been a necessary and widely recognized virtue. Giving time, energy and financial backing to a cause or an organization that one believes in is a way for individuals to selflessly show just how much they believe in and care about that cause. It is important to recognize the individuals that keep the spirit of giving alive, and one excellent way of doing so is by creating donor plaques or donor walls to honor their contributions....

Don’t let the name fool you – you can use custom engraved donor plaques for much more than just honoring benefactors. Because, let’s face it, not every business is privy to hospital wings, libraries, and other big-time donations.At my business, I like to order a beautiful wooden plaque to honor each employee of the month. I have it engraved with the worker’s name, his or her time at the company, and the current month and year. The finished...

As you walk into the lobby of a hospital, you see this beautiful tree with golden leaves. As you get closer to the tree, you notice that on each gold leaf there is the name of a person, with a date engraved on it. Not knowing what it is exactly that you are looking at; you find a small donor plaque on the wall that states, “On this tree of life are the names of the very generous people who sacrificed for others.” Donor walls and trees of...

My experience with the community relations office of our local domestic violence shelter taught me a few things about large-scale fundraising. When it comes to going after the really big donations, showing appreciation takes on a whole new meaning. Extreme donors are motivated by seeing their names prominently placed on a donor wall, a permanent donor plaque, or a leaf on a Tree of Life. Their generous friends are equally motivated by...