Beyond Blue and White: Color in Judaic Stitchery

by Elizabeth Tarnove

Do needlework projects for Jewish holidays always HAVE to be blue and white? It would seem so, looking at the limited selections in most Judaica and craft stores. Blue and white represent the colors of the flag of Israel which, in turn, was inspired by the colors of a tallit (prayer shawl). However, the Torah and other writings include many reference to bright, happy colors. Even tallit now come in a variety of hues.

If you are tired of blue and white for all your holiday stitching, here are a list of alternatives suggested by the colors of the season and the symbolism of the holidays themselves. These are only my ideas, feel free to use them as a launching pad for your own creativity.

Rosh Hashana

Jewish New Year. Traditionally, apples and honey are eaten to insure a sweet year. Taking my cue from this tradition, I use red and gold for this holiday. For quilting, I have even found apple and bee fabrics. At right, Bonnie Vorspan's Tzedakah box incorporates these colors beautifully.

Sukkot

Fall Harvest Festival. Fall colors go well here, though I take my cue from the decoration of a suukkot booth and use "fruit" colors. For quilting, fruit novelty prints would work well.

Hanukkah

Festival of Lights. Nowhere does pale blue and white look more dismal than in the dead of winter. I use a rich royal blue in combination with hot pink, lime green, bright yellow and other "party" colors. A variety of Hanukkah fabrics are found in quilt stores which use deep blues in combination with metallic gold.

Tu B'Shevat