The Etsy Blog

Passover: The Jewish Fest for Artists

Story by rafya

Published on Mar 26, 2009 in Read

Photo by rachel is coconut&lime on Flickr

Passover is just around the corner (April 9, 2009!), and Israeli jeweler rafya is here to explain the handmade significance behind the holiday. Her post is in Hebrew and English, so if you’re familiar with both languages you’re in for a treat! First up: Hebrew.

×¤×¡×— – ×—×’ ×™×”×•×“×™ ×œ××•×ž× ×™×.

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×ž××›×œ×™ ×”×—×’ ×”×ž×¡×•×¨×ª×™×™× ×ž×¡×•×“×¨×™× ×¢×œ ×¦×œ×—×ª ×ž×¢×•×¦×‘×ª ×‘×” ×™×© ×ž×§×•× ×œ×›×œ ××—×“ ×ž×”×ž××—×œ×™× ×”×ž×¡×ž×œ×™× ××ª ×”×—×’.

×”×—×’ ×”×™× ×• ×”×–×“×ž× ×•×ª ×˜×•×‘×” ×œ×›×™× ×•×¡ ×ž×©×¤×—×ª×™ ×•××™×Ÿ ×©×ž×—×” ×’×“×•×œ×” ×™×•×ª×¨ ×ž×ž×ª× ×•×ª ×œ×‘× ×™ ×”×ž×©×¤×—×” ×•×›×ž×•×‘×Ÿ ×œ×‘×¢×œ×ª ×”×‘×™×ª ×©×ž××¨×—×ª ××ª ×”×¡×¢×•×“×”. ×”×ª×§×•×¤×” ×©×œ×¤× ×™ ×¤×¡×— ×ž×ª××¤×™×™× ×ª ×‘×—×’×™×’×ª ×§× ×™×•×ª ×©×œ ×ž×ª× ×•×ª ×‘×“×•×ž×” ×œ×—×’×™ ×¡×•×£ ×”×©× ×” ××¦×œ ×”× ×•×¦×¨×™×.

×›××Ÿ ×›×ž×•×‘×Ÿ × ×›× ×¡×™× ×”××•×ž× ×™× ×œ×ª×ž×•× ×” ×©×”×¨×™ ×–×”×• ×’× ×—×’× ×”×’×“×•×œ ×•×™×•×¦××™× ×‘×™×¨×™×“×™× ×•×ž×‘×¦×¢×™ ×ž×›×™×¨×•×ª ×©×œ ×›×œ×™ ×‘×™×ª ×—×¤×¦×™ × ×•×™ ×•×ª×›×©×™×˜×™× ×©×‘×‘×•× ×”×—×’ ×—×œ×™×¤×• ×™×“×™×™× ×‘×™×Ÿ ×× ×œ×‘×™×ª×” – ××—×•×ª ×•×’×™×¡×” – ×›×œ×” ×•×—×ž×” ×•×›×ž×•×‘×Ÿ… ×”×ž××¨×—×ª ×©×˜×¨×—×”.

×‘×ž×”×œ×š ×œ×™×œ ×”×¡×“×¨ ×™×—×¤×©×• ×”×™×œ×“×™× ××ª ×”××¤×™×§×•×ž×Ÿ, ×©×”×•× ×ž×¦×” ×¢×˜×•×¤×” ×©×”×•×—×‘××” ×ž×‘×¢×•×“ ×ž×•×¢×“ ×•×”×™×œ×“ ×©×ž×•×¦× ×™×§×‘×œ… ×›×ž×•×‘×Ÿ ×ž×ª× ×”.

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Photo courtesy of slowlysheturned on Flickr.

And now in English!

Passover is a family-oriented holiday celebrated with a big meal called the Seder. It’s similar to year-end holidays celebrated by Christians, such as Christmas. Passover symbolizes the freedom of the Jewish people from Egyptian slavery and their return to their homeland of Israel.

For most of us, Passover symbolizes a pleasant, happy, and — most of all — tasty evening. According to Jewish customs, everyone should read and talk about the Haggadah, which tells the story of the Exodus. Songs are sung to praise the story, and songs about the coming spring are also welcome. The tradition also encourages us to drink at least four glasses of wine (the more, the better!) and to eat matzos for the following seven holy days. During this time you cannot eat anything made of flour or yeast, including any type of bread. Traditional Seder foods are each served on a plate specifically designed for the type of food.

Photo courtesy of joshbousel on Flickr.

Families in Israel gather during the Seder and exchange presents, with the hostess receiving the most gifts. For me, the days leading up to the Seder are full of shopping, much like Christmas time. This is the high season for artists and sellers who sell their wares at the market. Handmade crafts, jewelry, and pottery are displayed — anything that would be the perfect gift from daughter to mom, sister to sister-in-law, wife to her mother-in-law, and of course, a gift for the lady that hosted the Seder. During the evening, the kids will look for the afikoman, which is a matzo that’s been wrapped and hidden. The child that finds it receives a present!

As you can see, the gift giving tradition is handed down from one generation to another. Handmade craftsmanship is a joy to the Jewish people and the artists they support!

View More Posts on Judaism | Holiday Posts | View More Etsy International Posts | Gifts for Her

Discuss: 108 comments

108 comments

AnitaCraftyCreations says:

This was very informative!! I love learning about other traditions, cultures and religions. Great reads :-)

3 years ago
AmandaSainsbury says:

oh wow! I love it just for the lanuage :)

3 years ago
yaelfran says:

great matza kippah!

3 years ago
ALEALE says:

Chag sameach in advance !!!!!!!!

3 years ago
gloilocksandbody says:

I'm really hungry ... and that giant photo of matzo balls doesn't help! Oh yummmmm!

3 years ago
MagicalPonyFarm says:

yay for Passover!!! Now I want some Haroset!

3 years ago
worksandfinds says:

Matzo balls did it. yummyyyy.

3 years ago
EpicBones says:

yummy!

3 years ago
prettylittle says:

SOUP!!!

3 years ago
downtoearthcreations says:

Shalom and great article! I just realized it was gonna be Passover and made some Haggadical wine rings, tee hee ...

3 years ago
elisasherejewelry says:

I want that soup! Thanks for the article Rafya. I spent one Passover in Israel, and it is so different there. My kibbutz had performances, it was so festive. The Israelis know how to live it up. Anyway, happy holiday to all!

3 years ago
MelissasMelange says:

Pesach sameach! I'll have to get busy on some passover items quick!

3 years ago
AyalaLevinger says:

Oh what have you done with this soup at the top.... I miss it:-) nice article and GREAT holliday gifts!!

3 years ago
LolitaVintage says:

OMIGOSH! That bowl of matzohball soup looks SOOO yummy! I miss having Passover Dinner. My Grandma used to go all out cooking the BEST Passover yummyness, rest her soul.

3 years ago
LaveMeSoapCo says:

oh that looooks gooood!

3 years ago
AutumnLeavesJewelry says:

Good gosh that soup looks yummy!!!

3 years ago
VintageinBohemia says:

I love matzo ball soup

3 years ago
DariaDesign says:

Great rafya!

3 years ago
copperlilly says:

that is the loveliest matzo ball soup I've ever seen!

3 years ago
behappynow says:

ha ha!!!!! what a surprise, to see here Hebrew!!!! :) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!×—×’ ×©×ž×— :):):)

3 years ago
sherrytruitt says:

What a lovely story. I haven't been to Herbrew school for many years, but I'm attempting to read some of the words!

3 years ago
beckyrose says:

I was planning on making some handwoven matzoh covers this year... but ran out of time. Next year! Great article, and I love that you posted it in Hebrew as well as English :) Can't wait to eat some matzoh ball soup.

3 years ago
piscean says:

mmmm....matzo ball soup

3 years ago
vadjutka says:

mmmm, how I miss the matzo ball soup! Chag Sameach!

3 years ago
Ribbonzella says:

×•×•××•, ×”×§× ×™×™×“×œ×¢×š × ×¨××™× ×˜×•×‘. ××™×Ÿ ×”×¨×‘×” ×“×‘×¨×™× ×©×× ×™ ××•×”×‘×ª ×™×•×ª×¨ ×ž×§× ×™×™×œ×¢×“ (×¤×¨×˜ ×›×ž×•×‘×Ÿ ×œ×§×¨×¤×œ×¢×š, ×™××ž×™). ×—×’ ×©×ž×— ×œ×›×•×œ× Happy Passover Etsy :o)

3 years ago
akane says:

mmmmm... that looks sooooo good! www.akanedesigns.blogspot.com

3 years ago
limitz says:

What a great article Alona! and that soup image- amazing! Happy Passover!

3 years ago
LemonLollipop says:

Wonderful article! I attended a Seder at my church (actually) that was hosted by two Jewish friends for 200 people. It was an incredible experience. Everything in Jewish tradition points to the Messiah. I felt like a very valued guest at this dinner. I count it as one of my most favorite lifetime events. Blessings on Israel!

3 years ago
WoollyWonka says:

Very interesting article!

3 years ago
Blubeary says:

Very interesting work! If you are interested in Jewish art, you may check www.daraalter.com

3 years ago
ThreeFive18 says:

if you are in ohio come to the columbus torah academy craft show!! (http://www.torahacademy.org/craftstravaganza.html)

3 years ago
FrouFrouFido says:

can't wait for Passover! The kippah is HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!

3 years ago
TheShabbyQueen says:

The soup looks so good....Its been awhile sence I have made it...I wanted to know...did you make it? and if so..what do you put in the matza balls? I have always made them from the box...and never put anything in them.. of course...I make my soup and matzas like my moms!!! lol Just wondering...if Iam missing out on a better taste!!Thanks Shonna XOXO

3 years ago
missmosh says:

Great article, so very interesting! Rafya was kind enough to write in Hebrew on my Christmas purchases ...we all enjoyed it so much, and it added a special touch to our gift giving. It was great to see such a beautiful language again. Happy Passover!! :0)

3 years ago
BareTree says:

In the next few days I am going to have some awesome new passover inspired belts!

3 years ago
pengpengs says:

my jewish grandma (alav hashalom) would make me vegetarian Matzo ball soup.. she was such a sweetheart :)

3 years ago
poppyswickedgarden says:

I love passover! It is such a wonderful tradition, even though We are not Jewish we celebrate the holiday every year! I try to enlighten my boys with as many different traditions as I can to make them more well rounded humans and this is one of their favorites!

3 years ago
shellieartist says:

I am not Jewish but I worked at my Local Jewish Community Center for many many years. I have a great bond with the Jewish community and had the pleasure of being invited to attend several Passover Seders. All I can say is it is a beautiful tradition and oh so yummy! Lovely article :)

3 years ago
Waterrose says:

Oh...I just made that soup today! Yummy!

3 years ago
sheenajewellery says:

Great article! My husband is Jewish and I have had the joy to spend many holidays with his family back in Israel...oh the food!!

3 years ago
Beadz2Pleaz says:

I am not Jewish but I love the Jewish people. Great article and a Blessed Passover :)

3 years ago
mixedspecies says:

We've already put the lambs blood on our door! When I was kid we'd spend most pesach seeing which of us could eat more Grampa's homemade horse radish. I always got the first nose bleed. Have Fun! Hairy

3 years ago
jenniferdennispotter says:

Great article! Love the Matza Kippah!

3 years ago
JoyandWhimsy says:

Gift books for Passover (and nice for Easter too) Hebrew stories illustrated by the great DeAngeli: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18541214 Isaac Basehvis Singer FIRST Printing: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22844980 Antique Hebrew stories art book by illustrator Piet Worm: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22844980

3 years ago
LoucheLab says:

happy pesach everyone!

3 years ago
sandali says:

I've been living in Israel for the past year & honestly they have the most amazing holidays -- not being Jewish myself, I was amazed as to how rich & amazing the culture is here !! Yummy, can't wait for Pesah ... hoera !! Moroccan Cous Cous HANDMADE ;) Happy Holidays to everyone !!

3 years ago
buttonholeproduction says:

chag sameach!

3 years ago
AdornMeJewelry says:

How's about the recipe for that delicious-looking matzo ball soup? :c) Have a wonderful holiday!

3 years ago
AndrosCreationsToo says:

Gotta watch those matzo ball mixes... would you believe some have leavening in them??? Happy Passover

3 years ago
AndrosCreations says:

Yup, I'm well aware of that "Andros"... :/

3 years ago
lindab142 says:

I added some Star of David earrings to my shop to dress for the Seders. If you go to 2 different places, they'll be new to each host. Got part of my Passover shopping today. Chag v'kasher sameach!

3 years ago
megustadana says:

OMG where can I find the recipe for that soup?? ANYONE? It looks delicious! Lucky me, I just bought some great soup bowls on ETSY.com.

3 years ago
HauteIndiscretion says:

Nice article, thanks Etsy! Our Seder is planned for the evening of April 8th - so I'd better start shopping! I didn't realize there were so many beautiful items for Passover on Etsy.

3 years ago
talchen says:

Very nice. Pesach (passover) is my favorite holiday

3 years ago
galit says:

Great article thank you Alona!

3 years ago
mullishmuse says:

wow, i was just dreaming of matzo bowl soup and here it is. cool. love it.

3 years ago
Bohemianwhimsey says:

Born and raised in Israel, one of the things I miss most during pesach is eating matsot with nutella - meod taim !!! after that my favorite is sofganiot - no one makes them better than the ones made in Israel ! ×—×’ ×©×ž×—

3 years ago
funkyhooker says:

Happy Passover day! that soup! yum!!

3 years ago
Yoola says:

Wonderful article Alona, well done and thanks !!!! :):):)

3 years ago
SouthwestFlower says:

such good food... nummy. And I love the Cake Server gorgeous!

3 years ago
StickyKitten says:

That soup looks delicious!!

3 years ago
Iammie says:

Nice stuffs!

3 years ago
littlenovelties says:

amazing looking soup!!! pls, someone send me a recipe!!! and this article was really interesting, thank you :)

3 years ago
SpringColors says:

lovely. now what shall I buy my mom and the rest of the family?

3 years ago
SundraSandrusi says:

I am really excited for this beautiful Article The PESAH . Products you have selected a very special Love them very much I wish you everyone a happy PESAH holiday ×—×’ ×›×©×¨ ×•×©×ž×—

3 years ago
pipapiep says:

I miss this soup with the knydelach yummy!

3 years ago
ScottieinaCanoe says:

Would LOVE a bowl of that soup :)

3 years ago
BayMoonDesign says:

Thank you for the informative article. I love the photo of the handcrafted eggs. They are just beautiful.

3 years ago
NaomiKimhi says:

Really great article ! make me miss home :) That it ! Im going to make this soup... Thank you Rafya

3 years ago
thestapeliacompany says:

Interesting article.

3 years ago
prettypeardesigns says:

Oh,what I great story and such wonderful items. Passover has always been one of my most favorite holidays. Sittiing around the very long Sedar table growing up with family always brings back such great memories for me. Thank you for sharing this!

3 years ago
veroque says:

Great article Alona! happy pesach

3 years ago
sapeterapi says:

Oh that soup has me remembering my grandma's soup! What a great article & lovely items.

3 years ago
FluteTeacher says:

I enjoyed reading this. Thanks!

3 years ago
silverdotjewelry says:

I loved this article! Thank you. Passover is absolutely my favorite holiday.

3 years ago
prettycheap says:

Hmmm gift giving was NOT part of my childhood Seders except for the Afikomen. Please DO NOT commercialize this holiday.

3 years ago
WildWillow says:

I'm not Jewish but I like to understand other religious traditions. I didn't realize the Passover celebration was so elaborate. Thanks for sharing.

3 years ago
Lahavit says:

×ª×•×“×” ××œ×•× ×”, ×—×’ ×©×ž×— ×•×‘×¨×™××•×ª ×•×©×ž×—×” ×ª×ž×™×“. ××¦×œ×™× ×• ×ª×ž×™×“ ×”×ž×ª× ×•×ª ×”×™×• ×—×œ×§ ×ž×”×—×’.

3 years ago
racheltreasures says:

Todah Rabah for such a wonderful article on my favorite Holiday! I also appreciate your selecting my matzah mug rugs :-) I can't wait to make matzah ball soup ( your's looks incredible) and get together with my family and friends. Happy Pesach to you and yours. L'Shalom, Rachel

3 years ago
littlepancakes says:

This is my "challah back" necklace http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20947042 I thought the play on words was cute...

3 years ago
novadesigns says:

Thank you so much for sharing. I really enjoyed reading your article and learning about passover!

3 years ago
papertreats says:

We are not Jewish, but LOVE matzo ball soup! My kids have fun making the balls!

3 years ago
hanginmoon says:

Yummy

3 years ago
Indiscretion says:

prettycheap- we didn't give gifts over Pesach growing up. But when my husband and I lived with family friends in Israel for a few years, giving gifts over Pesach was part of their tradition. However during Hannukah in Israel, we gave out gifts and they didn't understand what we were doing! They don't do that over Hannukah.

3 years ago
dorijenn says:

This is such a great article! Kol Ha Kvod! You are amazing Alona! Thank you for this! I'm so glad you pointed out that Passover is very much a holiday for GIFT GIVING!!

3 years ago
dafnadagan says:

happy holiday :)

3 years ago
retrothreadz says:

Great article, I love reading about different cultures. And that soup look so delish'

3 years ago
FeltFusion says:

Chag Pesach Samech! Todah rabah. That's given me some great sellers to add to my favourites for future festivals :) My husband is an Israeli Jew, gifts weren't part of his upbringing for Pesach, but they were for Channukah and that's what I saw on the Kibbutz I lived in for 3yrs too. I've not witnessed it the other way around.

3 years ago
maclancy says:

Passover explained.. I love it! I have so many relatives that are Jewish and I never knew what tradition passover brought. My favorite is that the hostess who has the sader gets a gift.. lovely tradition! thanks for sharing..

3 years ago
maclancy says:

ps that soup looks deee licious!!

3 years ago
botodesigns says:

wow! etsy in Hebrew! I love it! Can't wait to eat my momma's delicious matzah ball soup. mmm. !×—×’ ×©×ž×—

3 years ago
Blubeary says:

Chag Sameach!!!! Lets start cooking!!!

3 years ago
sweetpea4kids says:

Chag Sameach! Lovely article. I'm looking forward to the Plava baking... and eating!

3 years ago
setenta says:

Etsy, you rock! seeing Hebrew here is very exciting :) ×× ×™ ×—×•×©×‘×ª ×©× ×ª×™× ×ª ×”×ž×ª× ×•×ª ×ž×›×•×•× ×ª ×œ×ž×ª× ×•×ª ×©×”×ž×ª××¨×—×™× ×§×•× ×™× ×œ×ž××¨×—×™× ×•×–×” ×ž×©×”×• ×©×ª×ž×™×“ ×”×™×” ×ž×§×•×‘×œ.

3 years ago
messicakes says:

matzo ball soup is my fav. my boyfriend made it one night a couple of years ago for dinner and we are hooked. its so scrumptious! I couldnt believe i had gone so long without trying it.

3 years ago
Bunnys says:

Hag Sameach to all one Passover arrives. My partner is not Jewish, but as above (messicakes) i made him kneidelach and he can't get enough...

3 years ago
artisanlook says:

hag sameach!

3 years ago
VintageEmbellishment says:

Thank You so much for sharing this traditional special day with us :)

3 years ago
tuttistudio says:

Wow Hebrew on Etsy! This is so exciting. And a great article! That soup looks so yummy, I can't wait till Seder night! Hag Sameach! ×©×ž×— ×—×’!

3 years ago
BareTree says:

My new Passover Belts are Live! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23100467 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23100964 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23100210

3 years ago
dafnadagan says:

×”×™ ×¨×¤×™×” ×©× ×”×™×” ×›×•×œ× ×• ×›××™×œ×• ×™×¦×× ×• ×ž×ž×¦×¨×™×, ×©×™×”×™×” ×œ×š ×—×’ ×—×¨×•×ª ×•×©×—×¨×•×¨ ×›×œ ×”×¢×‘×“×™×, ×ž×“×¤× ×” ×“×’×Ÿ

3 years ago
toolisjewelry says:

Great article Alona! Happy Passover :)

3 years ago

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