When was the last time you told your pastor how much they mean to you? Pastors pray for their people every week, and they stand beside families in the hardest moments of their lives. October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and the second Sunday of October is Pastor Appreciation Day.
A card and a kind word are always welcome. If you want to give something your pastor will keep for years, a gift from the Land of the Bible is a beautiful choice. Here are eight gifts from Israel that pastors love, with ideas for every budget.
1. A real shofar from Israel
The shofar is one of the most powerful sounds in the Bible. It sounded at Mount Sinai when God gave the Ten Commandments, and it sounded when the walls of Jericho fell. Many pastors use a shofar during worship, at special services and at the start of the High Holy Days.
Our Ram's Horn Shofar made in Israel is a good size for a first shofar, and it is easy to hold and blow. For a pastor who wants a statement piece for the platform, the Kudu Shofar from Israel has a long spiral shape that the whole congregation can see. See our shofar collection.
2. Anointing oil from Jerusalem
Pastors pray over the sick and anoint them with oil. A bottle of anointing oil from the Holy Land is a gift they will use in ministry. The Lion of Judah Anointing Oil and the Frankincense and Myrrh Anointing Oil are both small enough to keep in a jacket pocket. You can give two different scents together for a fuller gift. See our anointing oil collection.
3. A prayer shawl from Israel
The tallit, or prayer shawl, is worn by Jewish men during prayer, and many Christian leaders use one in personal prayer as a way to connect with the roots of their faith. Our Premium Wool Prayer Shawl in White and Gold is made in Israel from pure wool. It is a gift that feels personal and serious, which is right for someone who leads others in prayer. See our prayer shawl collection
4. A Temple coin minted in Israel
Pastors who love biblical history will appreciate a coin that tells a story from Scripture. The King David's Victory Temple Coin is minted in Israel with a proof finish. It shows the story of David, from his battle with Goliath to the founding of Jerusalem as the royal city. It looks beautiful on a desk and it often starts a conversation with visitors to the pastor's office. See our Temple Coin collection.
5. A model of the Ark of the Covenant
Preachers teach about the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant many times a year. Our Ark of the Covenant Model helps pastors show their congregation what the Bible describes in Exodus 25. It is a useful teaching tool for children's ministry as well. Shop Ark of the Covenant
6. Olive wood from the Holy Land
Olive wood carvings from Israel are a traditional gift from the Holy Land. The Handcrafted Olive Wood Praying Hands is a meaningful piece for a pastor's study, and it reminds them that their church is praying for them too. Shop olive wood art
7. A hat or shirt with a verse for Israel
For a younger pastor or a youth leader, a piece of clothing with a Bible verse is a fun and practical gift. The Psalm 122:6 Embroidered Dad Hat carries the call to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and it is easy to wear every day. Shop our hats collection.
If you are giving the gift alone, write a short note that explains why you chose it. A sentence about how your pastor helped you during a hard time will mean more than the gift itself. Many of our Judaica items ship from Israel, so order soon to have your gift arrive while October is still here. And remember, a thank you is never late. Your pastor will treasure it any month of the year. Your pastor gives so much to the church every week. This October, give them something from the land of the Bible that they will keep for many years. Shop gifts from Israel at The Israel Store.
