Cover, Matzah
Object number2019.153.1
MediumFabric; Thread
Credit LineGift of Jane Berkey
DescriptionMatza or Matzah cover. Nearly square cover has four layers of white fabric that are sewn together along three sides leaving one side open with three interior sleeves. Front/top of cover has embroidered polychrome decoration in purple, green, light brown, and gold; decoration includes grapevines along the perimeter, an inset brown square border framing purple Hebrew text above grapes and grape leaves above gold bowl or candelabra shape. Reverse/bottom of cover is undecorated.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 12.75 x 12.25 x 0.375 in. (32.4 x 31.1 x 1 cm)InscriptionsFront/top of cover has embroidered purple text "Kishinev-Pittsburg 5759 / [Hebrew]".
Historical NotesA matza cover is a central component of the Passover Seder, used to contain and conceal the three matzos used during the service and at other events throughout the weeklong springtime holiday. The city of Kishinev, in present-day Moldova, was the site of an infamous pogrom in 1903, leading to condemnation throughout the Jewish world, including Pittsburgh. A group of survivors settled in Pittsburgh, starting Beth David Congregation. The United Jewish Federation (now the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh) renewed its relationship with the Jewish community of Kishinev in the 1990s, leading to a visit to the city in 1999. The community gave this matza cover to the delegation during that trip.
Related institution
Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh
Related institution
Beth David Congregation
On View
Not on view
1977
L.E. Smith Glass Company