The Force is Strong With This ‘Star Wars’ Hanukkah Gift Guide
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(JTA) — In the nearly 40 years since the breakout success of the first “Star Wars” film, the franchise has raked in $37 billion, mostly from branded toys and other merchandise. (In the words of Mel Brooks: “Merchandising! Merchandising!”)
Ahead of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” — the latest reboot of the films, by director J.J. Abrams — there’s a whole new generation of intergalactic gear to spend your money on. And some of it’s even Jewish!
With the Force awakening just after Hanukkah, on Dec. 18, here are the 5 best Jewish-themed “Star Wars” gifts money can buy.
1) Yoda Lego mezuzah
“A hoot, these Yoda Mezuzahs are,” reads a product description, in appropriate Yoda syntax, on the Modern Tribe Judaica website. The company notes that Lego has not officially authorized the mezuzah, but Yoda likely would – because let’s be honest, he’s pretty much a wise old rabbi.
2) Lightsaber candle stick
This recreation of Darth Vader’s lightsaber handle is billed as “perfect for breakfast on Bespin,” a fictional planet in the “Star Wars” universe – but it would work equally well as a shamash holder. The candlestick comes with three red candles (the color of Darth Vader’s weapon). Warning: It may lead to an impromptu lightsaber duel at the family Hanukkah table.
3) The “droidel”
Everyone’s favorite astromech droid, the lovable R2-D2, has been transformed into everyone’s favorite Hanukkah toy. However, the product, which can be made out of a paper printout and a pencil or straw, is much less hi-tech than its robot subject.
4) “Star Wars” kippah
When it comes to “Star Wars” yarmulkes, committed fans have a decent array of choices on websites like Etsy. They are guaranteed to look better than Anakin Skywalker’s humorous hair braid seen in the prequel films.
5) Kosher R2-D2 cookies
These kosher cookies would fit in equally well at a Hanukkah party or a “Star Wars” movie marathon. But it might take a strong connection to the force to find them, as they are not available to order online.
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