Challah Cover History

Friday night, at sundown, Shabbat (Sabbath) begins in Jewish households around the world. The festive meal includes two loaves of challah (sweet egg bread). Years ago the bread was made using simple braids or larger multiple twists and could be long, circular or wreathlike, usually one to three feet long. Tradition explains: The Israelites gathered a double portion of manna on Friday to last or two days because they were not allowed to work on the Sabbath. This prohibition included gathering manna. The cover on the loaves of challah is a reminder of the dew that covered the manna each morning.

Another reason is that the bread is always the highest and most important of our blessings during a meal. It represents our basic staples and nourishment. But on the Sabbath we begin with the Kiddish blessing over a cup of wine. So as not to "shame" the importance of simple and basic breads, we cover them while the kiddush is being made.

It is customary to practice Hiddur Mitzvah (beautification of a ritual obligation) by acquiring special ritual objects to fulfill a mitzvah. It is in this light Velvet Moonshine Fabric Art challah covers provide exquisite beauty to a sacred ritual.

Matzoh Cover History

Each year, in springtime, Pesach (Passover) arrives and brings Matzoh with it. This unleavened bread is eaten during all eight days of the holiday. Made from only flour and water, the dough is kneaded hastily to prevent it from rising.

The Matzoh symbolizes the haste with which the Israelites had to leave Egypt. Also referred to as Lechem Oni (bread of poverty), it is a reminder of the poverty and affliction of our days as slaves and the obligation to open our Passover Seder to those in need.

Tradition explains the three Matzot on the Seder table represent Kohen (Priest), Levi (Levite) and Yisrael (Israelite), the three groups within the nation of Israel. Hence, the three pockets inside the Matzoh cover.

Two of the three Matzot symbolize the double portion for Sabbath and Holidays. The Israelites gathered a double portion of manna on Friday to last for two days because they were not allowed to work on the Sabbath. The third Matzoh represents Lechem Oni.

It is customary to practice Hiddur Mitzvah (beautification of a ritual obligation) by acquiring special ritual objects to fulfill a mitzvah. This matzoh cover contains the hebrew word matzoh.

Havdalah Spice Bag History

Havdalah is the service marking the end of the Sabbath and the beginning of the rest of the week. Havdalah literally means the separation. Tradition explains that we receive a Neshamah Yitairah (additional soul) on Sabbath to doubly enjoy the gift of the Sabbath.

During Havdalah, we use Besamim (spices) to lift our spirits upon the departure of the Sabbath Queen and our additional soul until the coming Sabbath.

It is customary to practice Hiddur Mitzvah (beautification of a ritual obligation) by acquiring special ritual objects to fulfill a mitzvah.

Velvet Moonshine Fabric Art honors this history by utilizing luxurious velvets, silks and other fine fabrics combining a quilted effect of fine materials interwoven with a Judaic theme. You may view samples of our work in the Products section of our website.