The Jewish Force awakens: A ‘Star Wars’ Chanukah gift guide

IMAGE DISTRIBUTED FOR DISNEY CONSUMER PRODUCTS - In celebration of Force Friday, guests were delighted by one of the largest collections of exclusive Star Wars: The Force Awakens merchandise at the Stockton Street Disney Store in San Francisco at midnight Friday, Sept. 4, 2015. (Photo by George Nikitin/Invision for Disney Consumer Products/AP Images)

By Gabe Friedman (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.

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 Chanukah, 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 Chanukah table.

3. The “droidel”

Everyone’s favorite astromech droid, the lovable R2-D2, has been transformed into everyone’s favorite Chanukah 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 Chanukah 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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