There’s a new challah cover pattern in the shop: “Almond Blossoms.” Almond trees are the first trees of the year to blossom in Israel. They produce flowers even before the leaves appear. In late winter, as the days grow longer, the almond trees come into bloom, a welcome sign of renewal and a promise of … Continue reading
Shabbat candles, and the candles we light for Jewish holidays, are a fixture of Jewish life and Jewish design. They feature especially prominently on challah covers, and are used here for a tzedakah jar. But why do we light Shabbat candles? Early rabbinic teachers derived the practice from the prophet Isaiah’s call to make Shabbat … Continue reading
Here’s the newest PDF pattern in the Etsy shop: an atarah and corner pieces for a tallit (tallis) featuring a Jerusalem cityscape. It’s called the King David’s Jerusalem Atarah Pattern. It’s a machine applique pattern and includes instructions for sewing the atarah and corner pieces to your tallit as well as instructions for how to … Continue reading
The eye appears in Jewish art, especially Jewish folk art, going back centuries. It suggests the eye of God that is always watching over the world, and represents divine protection. Fish, with their eyes that never close, also represent divine protection. Hamsa designs often incorporate eyes. I like the idea of combining folk symbols of … Continue reading
The latest Sew Jewish pattern is a mini quilt with traditional Jewish folk symbols of peace and divine protection. The five symbols on the quilt are drawn from Jewish popular culture, the Torah, and Judaism’s mystical tradition: · The Hebrew word “shalom,” for peace · Dove with an olive branch · Hamsa, also known as … Continue reading
Shalom! The Hebrew letter that starts the word shalom, shin, often appears in Jewish design, particularly on ritual objects like tefillin boxes and mezuzah scroll covers. When used in Judaica, it traditionally stands for one of the names of God, Shaddai, which means Almighty. Shalom, Shin! [Image: Detail from mezuzah scroll cover project in Sew … Continue reading
Almond trees blossom in late winter, in the middle of Israel’s rainy season. They’re the first trees to blossom in Israel, making them an ancient Jewish symbol of renewal, hope, and diligence. The almond tree appears a number of times in the Torah. When Jacob sends Benjamin with his other sons to Egypt for food, … Continue reading
