Passover Matzah Vase

You can buy handmade Judaica to celebrate the Passover holiday, or sometimes it’s just fun to make things!  I’m always up for an arts & crafts project, so check out this handmade matzah vase I made yesterday.  I would have shown it off yesterday, but it was rainy and windy all day here in New York, so I couldn’t take an outdoor photo.   Now – I can’t take credit for the idea.  I was at my sister-in-law, Elaine’s house, last year for Passover, and saw this awesome vase.  I was sure she bought a glass matzah vase.  Then she showed me how simple it was – 4 pieces of matzah glued together with a real vase placed inside holding the flowers.  Isn’t that clever?

Since it’s a little bit more difficult than it seems to put together, here are some guidelines:

1. Use very straight matzah with no curves in it.
2. Glue together 2 pieces at a time with Elmer’s glue.  Do not attempt to glue all 4 pieces together at the same time.  It will collapse over and over again until you give up.
3. After the 2 sections dry, then combine them to form the box.

HAVE A VERY HAPPY PASSOVER!!!!

And the Winner is….And any Passover Menus to Share?

Marjorie!!!

Thank you to all who left comments on the blog with your Passover traditions.  It was great hearing from you and having you participate in this fun contest.  We’ll have to do another contest soon.

Preparations are underway here for Passover.  I’m coordinating with my mom and sister to make an awesome meal.  I’m making meatloaf.  My sister is making a roast beef and a couple of farfal puddings,  and my mom is making chicken soup and bringing some chickens.  My 5 year-old, Ben, will be making the matzah balls, and my cousin Peter loves my broccoli salad (I got the recipe from my sister-in-law Elaine, who got it from someone else).  As a matter of fact, I should share it with you because it is so good.  Even people who don’t like broccoli like it.

Is it cheating if I got creamed spinach from BJ’s?  I’m making string beans and homemade split pea soup.  I’m buying the gefilte fish and not the Mrs. Adler’s kind but the kind that’s really good (and expensive – $15 a loaf?!!).

So, if anyone wants to share their Passover menu, please do.

Win a FREE Miriam’s Cup – Tell Us Your Passover Traditions

WIN THIS MIRIAM’S CUP BY EMILY ROSENFELD

A COMMENT ON THE BLOG ENTERS YOUR NAME TO WIN

I’m very excited about introducing a new tradition at my Passover Seder this year (which I’m hosting for the first time) that’s not really a tradition at all – the Miriam’s Cup. I wanted to make this new tradition fun for the kids and special for adults, so I did research on Miriam and learned how to incorporate the Miriam’s Cup into my Seder. What started as a curiosity turned into an article, complete with gorgeous pictures and rituals for honoring Miriam, called “Miriam’s Cup – A New Tradition That Brings Women Into The Heart Of Judaism.” I know you’ll enjoy it. Here is an excerpt:

“Miriam’s Cup brings honor to a heroic woman of the Bible.  It was her faith, confidence, and wisdom that gave comfort to the Hebrews and helped them overcome the hardships of the desert during their Exodus from Egypt. She stood side by side with Moses and Aaron as they passed through the Red Sea, and she is heralded for her strength. The “Miriam’s Cup” is symbolic because it is the first time a women is so honored at one of the most important Jewish celebrations of the year. It serves as a reminder that there were many unheralded woman of the Bible whose contributions helped define and nourish Jewish culture.”

WIN A FREE MIRIAM’S CUP!  ADD A COMMENT ABOUT YOUR PASSOVER TRADITIONS BELOW TO ENTER

While the Miriam’s Cup is a new tradition, there are many traditions that have been passed down for generations. We would love to hear about your favorite traditions – new or old, playful or solemn. I’ve been to Seders where gummi worms were locusts, and mini-marshmallows were given to each guest to throw at each other for hail. I’ve eaten red jello when water turned into blood and had lots of fun while celebrating Passover. Share with us your favorite traditions in the comment section below and we will enter you in a drawing for a FREE Emily Rosenfeld Miriam’s Cup worth $90!  We are excited to hear from you!  And let your friends know, too.

And don’t miss, “Miriam’s Cup – A New Tradition That Brings Women Into The Heart Of Judaism.”

Passover – A Feast for the Senses!

Last week, I was in Whole Foods and saw the first signs that Passover is upon us. A trip to any supermarket at this time of year will yield rows and rows of artfully arranged and colorful boxes of matzahs, gefilte fish and, of course, my perennial favorite, jelly rings! Passover in New York!

This year, Passover begins at sundown on Monday, March 29th. After a long, cold, and snowy winter in the Northeast, Passover is joyfully anticipated. Always a feast for the senses — Passover heralds the sights and smells of spring flowers and an assortment of delicious traditional dishes on a beautifully decorated Seder table. Stemware glistening by candlelight, Grandma’s china that she brought over from Europe, and Shabbat candlesticks that will be passed down to a loving child. The scene is set for the retelling of the Passover story through traditional Jewish food and drink set amidst a gorgeous landscape of handmade serving pieces. What a beautiful Passover memory!

At Jewish Gift Place, you will find that special piece that will create these Passover Seder memories for you and your family. Our pieces are not mass produced but each is handmade with love and will stand the test of time for many generations. Just in time for Passover, we have added several new pieces to our Passover collection. Gary Rosenthal has created some incredible Passover Seder plates and centerpieces that are sure to be an awe-inspiring presence on any Seder table. Filled with meaning and Jewish symbolism, these pieces add to the story of Jewish Passover unfolding at the feast. Tamara Baskin, a new artist to Jewish Gift Place, has also created some gorgeous Passover items that we have just added to the site. (We’ll tell you more about Tamara in an upcoming newsletter).

Take a moment to scan through our exquisite Passover collection and please use coupon code PASSOVER10 now through 3/19/10 to save with free shipping on any purchase. Take this opportunity to add to your collection or start a new one for a friend. What better way to carry on the beautiful traditions of Passover than by using and handing down meaningful, handmade holiday serving pieces that can grace the tables of your family for generations to come? Our Passover collection is the work of Jewish artisans who lovingly preserve the traditions of our faith in each of their beautiful pieces.

Jewish Symbolism of the Pomegranate and Pomegranate Gifts!

I’ve always been fascinated with the pomegranate. It is such a mysterious and unique fruit. When my daughter was in first grade, her teacher had the class examine a pomegranate that she had cut open for them. Luckily, I was helping out in the classroom that day and it was such a delight to watch as the children clamored around this mystical fruit – ooh-ing and aah-ing, as though she had unlocked the secrets of the universe!

Of course we all know that, to a young child, the world is a magical place and this first encounter with the pomegranate was no different! But it seems as though this amazement at the wonders of the pomegranate has caught on worldwide. The pomegranate is currently enjoying a little bit of celebrity. It’s being hailed as a miracle fruit for its many health benefits, as well as being enjoyed in pomegranate martinis and chef inspired recipes in the finest kitchens.

Jewish history shows that the pomegranate has been revered for thousands of years and its symbolism can be found in many facets of Judaism. Lisa just wrote a great article called the Symbolism of the Jewish Pomegranate, and we’ve added a new pomegranate gifts category to the site. Jewish artists have always turned to the symbol of the pomegranate as a beautiful and meaningful way to infuse a sense of joy and abundance into their work. The artists of Jewish Gift Place are no different! Emily Rosenfeld and Angie Olami are among a number of artists that we carry who love to use the pomegranate in their designs. Take a look – I’m certain that a visit to our new pomegranate gifts page will inspire you to learn a little more about this beguiling little fruit!

The Ayala Bar Spring 2010 Collection Arrives & The Ayala Bar Interview

Winter is almost over and spring has arrived at Jewish Gift Place in a big, bold, beautiful way!  The only word to describe Ayala Bar’s Spring 2010 collection is breathtaking.  In fact, words cannot do this collection justice.  You really have to  see the pieces in the  Ayala Bar Spring 2010 Collection for yourself.  The colors are vibrant and fresh, the crystals are sparkling and clear, and the designs are truly inspired and utterly unique in every way.  Learn just what inspires  Ayala in the Ayala Bar interview with Risa.  Here’s an excerpt from the interview:

Where do you get your inspiration?

From everything and anything. From day to day life: A random composition of food on a plate, a film I saw the other night, stuff scattered around the room, and so on. The list can be endless… But of course, above all, matter and material from which creativity becomes possible. Read the entire Ayala Bar interview.

Do I sound like a fan?  Well, I am and you will be, too, once you take a look at this amazing collection.  What I really love about Ayala Bar’s necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, is that they can be worn day or night, with just about anything.  The designs in the Ayala Bar collection can be worn to dress up jeans and a t-shirt for an incredible pop of color and flair, or with a simple cocktail dress to infuse your own personal style.  I can 100% guarantee the compliments you receive on your jewelry will be plentiful!

Whether your style is classic or hip, Ayala Bar’s Spring Collection has something that will appeal to everyone.  Many of the pieces coordinate, but surely no one can fault you if you want to mix and match.  It’s important to note that Ayala Bar limits her collection run to six months, so start choosing your favorites from this collection now.  Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth, full of color and life.  Celebrate spring, celebrate life!