Who doesn’t love angels, those ethereal creatures who mediate between heaven and earth –between the spiritual and physical worlds. Angel imagery in Jewish needle crafts goes all the way back to the first official Jewish sewing project: the Tabernacle that the Israelites built to house the Ark of the Covenant. In front of the Holy … 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
The latest Sew Jewish pattern is the Shalom Shadow Box, a mini quilt that highlights 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 olive branch Hamsa, also known … Continue reading
Among Jewish symbols, the Tree of Life —Etz Hayim— stands tall. Its roots stretch back to the Garden of Eden. Here’s the Torah passage where we first encounter it: And from the ground the Lord God caused to grow every tree that was pleasing to the sight and good for food, with the tree of … Continue reading
Within the constellation of Jewish symbols, the Star of David shines the brightest. It serves as the most well-known symbol of Judaism and Jewish identity. The Star of David’s wide popularity in Jewish design is a modern development –it replaced the menorah as the leading symbol of Jewish identity only about two hundred years ago. … 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
The autumn weather has me dreaming of figs. Warm, honey-glazed figs, specifically (the blog for Huppahs.com, Backyard Huppah, has a recipe). One of the simple pleasures of the season. Figs have long been a popular motif in Jewish design, often in combination with pomegranates and other members of the seven species — the seven fruits … Continue reading
The dove that carried an olive branch to Noah on the ark, signifying the end to the great flood, has become a symbol of peace and spiritual renewal that crosses religious boundaries. In the Torah, the dove often symbolizes the Jewish people, especially in imagery that expresses spiritual yearning or calls to God for protection. … Continue reading
When you’re writing a book about sewing, you get some of the most insightful questions from editors who don’t do a lot of sewing. And if you’re writing a book that touches on Judaism, you get some of the best questions from editors who don’t know a lot about Judaism. Enter my friend Ann, who … Continue reading
​ I first became aware of the fish as a Jewish symbol when I visited the Tunisian island of Djerba and saw fish painted on the walls of Jewish homes. They were stick figures, hand painted in Mediterranean blue and swimming against bright whitewashed walls. Since then, fish seem to be everywhere, and they’ve become … Continue reading
One of the cool things about the new school year is that my daughters are bringing home some really interesting books, like my oldest daughter’s art history book. It includes a photograph of a frieze from the Arch of Titus in Rome, pictured above. My youngest daughter said that when one of her day school … Continue reading
The pomegranate motif, around which the Jewish community has developed a world of symbolic and spiritual meaning, took root early in the history of Jewish design, even going back to the years the Israelites wandered in the dessert after leaving ancient Egypt. God specified that the High Priest’s robe be decorated with pomegranates, though commentators … Continue reading
Even as we employ symbols in the creation of Judaica, remembering the words of Abraham Joshua Heschel, the twentieth century theologian and civil rights activist, reminds us of their limitations: The use of symbols whether in the form of things or in the form of actions is required by custom and convention; the fulfillment of … Continue reading
Add the bright, peaceful energy of this applique dove to your home. Perfect for a pillow, baby blanket, or wall hanging. We framed ours. The dove pattern is only about 4 inches (10cm) square, so you can complete this project in less than an hour. If you want to brush up on your machine applique … Continue reading
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