Passover preps. I'm up to elbows in planning and thought I would share how to make a Matzah Tash since there is not one included in the beginner's kit that I recommended to you earlier. It is so very simple and costs hardly anything.
A Matzah Tash is a three-pocketed bag that the matzahs (unleavened bread) are placed in. The ceremonial part of this makes me feel weepy just thinking about it, the symbolism of the Messiah being hidden in the ground for three days as part of our redemption. Powerful.
For this very simple and plain linen bag, I bought four cloth napkins from the Dollar store (though if you are making a nicer one you might want a better quality linen) and used some blanket ribbon I already had. The ribbon is not necessary, but I think it helps make it more classy without a lot of cost. I used black for the pictures here to make it more visible, but I certainly wouldn't want black on my matzah tash for use.
First, take the napkins and open them up. Lay two on the table with the inside facing up. Then put the other two on top but gouing the opposite way. This ensures that you have a pretty surface all the way around your bag.
Next, pin three sides of your napkins in preparation for sewing them together. This stitching job is so easy, it can be done by a beginner (hence the Barbie sewing machine). Using a very thin stitch (maybe over the napkin seam if you don't want another row of stitches), sew the three edges. Remove the pins.
Now, open the top of the bag and hold just the outside napkin while you pin the blanket ribbon to the top edge. You want to be sure not to sew the whole bag shut! When you have this pinned, sew the blanket ribbon in place. If you have talent at a magnitude beyone mine, you might want to do some embroidery on the blanket ribbon or bag. Mine is plain until I meet a friend with such talents!
Your matzah tash is done. Slip your hand into each pocket to make sure the seams are strong. I would hand-wash this, not only because it is not used very frequently, but also to keep it as sturdy as possible to hand down to future generations. Everyone loves and heirloom, and one with spiritual significance to it is the best!
5 comments:
How cool! Thank you for sharing this step-by-step tutorial.
This is off topic, sorry. This will be our first Passover observance. We don't celebrate firstfruits/ressurection until next Sunday?? How does that work??
Laurie,
I am planning to do a longer post on the preps and carrying out of Passover, inlcuding my days of unleavened bread menu. For tonight, the quick answer is that Passover is a moveable date (April 3 last year, April 20th this year, April 9th next). It is followed by the days of unleavened bread. Passover can fall of Friday, but it can also fall on another day. That is part of the confusion about the gospel accounts of Jesus being crucified on a Wednesday or a Friday, because there would be two Sabbaths that week.
Passover can be a very personalized affair. There are things that are directed, and things that have come about as part of tradition. The mandated food was the passover lamb, but since Yeshua is our passover, we will be having poultry. We also do not use a shank bone on the platter, but a cross, since we celebrate the fulfillment of the symbolic blood in our lives. With the sacrifice of the Messiah once for all, there is not more need of a lamb.
Thanks! Looking forward to your prep/info post.
Great tutorial!!!
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