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According to the Bratislava Jewish Community Museum, this challah cover was probably made in the 1920s or 1930s, but probably came to light only after the War.  The fabric color is certainly unusual, compared to today's challah covers, and the letter embroidery, the opening line of Eishes Chayil, is also a bit of a departure. I was curious to see if burgundy hues used to be more common. When I searched online I came across this burgundy challah cover from around the same period. According to the letter embroidery, which includes the name of the owner, Lev Glaser, it was made in 5668 (1908). The...

Barbara Shaw, a well-known Judaica designer in Israel, has about a half dozen challah cover designs, which could probably be described as "modern," and certainly be described as "original." Indeed, the former Australian writes that her work has "an international feel, yet with a look that says it could only have been produced in Israel." One of her aims is to be "among the most innovative Judaica designers in the world." Most of them feature pomegranate motifs, employing very vibrant colors. My favorites among Barbara Shaw's challah covers are the blue paisley and the olive branch challah covers.  What do you think?...

Close to a hundred different styles of Netilat Yadayim cups are listed on Amazon. You can find everything from simple plastic negel vasser cups for under $10 to many stainless steel, aluminum and acrylic (lucite) washing cups in the $25-$50 range, and at the upper end, some fabulous handmade ceramic washing cups priced over $70. Amazon washing cups: Word to the wise Many of the Netilat Yadayim washing cups for sale are Amazon are not such great finds, and are available elsewhere for less, even if you factor in the shipping. However, for those diehard Amazon buyers, I suggest you...

We have always had cheap plastic netilat yadayim washing cups around the house in a variety of colors. Most synagogues, religious schools and yeshivas in Israel have them, and if they are not chained to the sink, they are invariably "borrowed" by kids, who make off with them for use in all types of pressing endeavors.But then one day I happened to be in the lobby of an upscale hotel in Mamilla, a few blocks from the Old City, and while I was waiting for one of the hotel guests to come down, I stepped into the men's room. Alongside was a fabulous sink...