Tonight is the first night of Passover. Passover is a special holiday, a festival where we celebrate our freedom from slavery. Today’s Seder is much like the Seder I attended as a child. The prayers are the same. We still drink wine and eat matzoh. The youngest child (or at least the one who goes to Hebrew school) says the Four Questions and gets lots of praise for saying them so well. The excitement of searching for the Afikomen and wondering what the prize will be (it was a dollar when I was little and that was a treasure). Singing Dayenu at the table didn’t make sense to me then, and come to think of it, still doesn’t, but that’s OK, it’s traditional.
To my friends and family who celebrate, Chag Sameach and don’t eat too much matzoh. Have a Joyva gel for me, the chocolate covered ones, of course. Think of freedom and how, “with a strong hand and an outstretched arm” the Lord brought us forth from Egypt.
L’Chayim!
Ah spring, when a young man’s fancy turns to romance, or something like that. What about us crafters? Our fancy turns to what we are planning to create to make our homes look wonderful after our winter cave-like existence. As soon as the temperature approaches 60 my windows and doors open and the fresh air and sunlight come pouring in. In my Jewish home Passover it means I thinking and planning the Seder, the new tablecloth, what napkins to put out, what pillows to set out. I would think the home getting ready for Easter isn’t much different, except maybe for the pillows. What outfit will look good for church, what to bring to Easter dinner, and so on.
When I hold a Seder I invite friends who always ask what they can bring to the Seder. Since many are not Jewish they often are not familiar with Jewish traditions. Because the foods of the Seder are traditional, I make sure to prepare them. A loaf of bread, artisan or other, is out, and I got the wine. Cheese? Not after meat at the Seder. What to bring? I bet quite a few people go through the same thing. You don’t want to go empty handed but want a gift that is appropriate, useful, and beautiful.
Well, that line of thought got me to sewing patterns (yeah, I know, it usually does. I am surrounded by them). I found this pattern from 1996, Simplicity 9877, for book carriers, covers, pillows, and wine bottle covers. What a wonderful gift for Passover a bible cover or Haggadah cover would be! A basket cover with maybe some fresh fruit or Passover candy? A cute pillow for the Seder? GoofingOff even has the Judaic fabrics to make the wine bottle cover or pillow look totally appropriate.
Don’t have the time to sew for Passover but still want to bring a gift? No problem. Team EtsyChai has talented artists creating the most beautiful artwork and gifts at price points meets everyone’s needs. Jewelry, glassware, ceramics, cards, everything!
Passover Round Israeli Platter by YafitGlass
Pewter Judaic Wine Charms by anjalicreations
Creation Greeting card by AnotherCreation
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Don’t worry, I got your back. Or, rather, EtsyChai’s got your back. Your host or hostess will be amazed by your insight and knowledge of Jewish tradition. All it takes is a little help from Team EtsyChai, and a little time for Goofing Off.
Post by GoofingOff of GoofingOff.etsy and GoofingOff.artfire.
