The
Middle East is a multicultural society: It is considered the homeland for Christmas,
Muslims, and Jews. The Jewish people of Israel are proud of their heritage and
often bring with them time-honored traditions of Europe, and of the other cultures
where they have lived over many centuries. Jews worldwide share a weekly observation
of the Sabbath, called Shabbat, which begins at sundown of Friday evening.
To begin, the greeting "Shabbat Shalom" Which means "Sabbath
of peace"? is sung. The terms present on the Sabbath table are: two candles
(the twisted kinds are often favored); grape juice (or wine); a braided bread
called Challah, and spices! This festive occasion marks the end of the work
week: All five senses are engaged. Candles are usually lit by household women.
It is a time of joy, rest, and peace.
Among the most lovely of ceremonial Sabbath objects is the spice container.
It is part of Havdalah, the close of the Sabbath on Saturday night. Havdalah
is separate from the ceremony and bring its sweetness with them into the following
days. Shabbat ends when the second candle is lit and when, some say, three stars
appear in the evening sky.
Spice containers are beautiful to see, smell, touch, and experience for they
may contain nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. They most often appear as medieval
towers, due to the European influence! Fish, flowers, windmills, houses, and
animals are also included as long as there is filigree (or other openings) for
spicy aromas to be enjoyed. You don't have to be Jewish to love the spice and
sweetness of life!
Materials
- Crayolaâ Model Magicä·
- Scissors
- Rolling pins (see Teacher Preparation)
- Sequins
- Caps from small markers
- White glue
- Gold tempera paint (optional)
- Spices or potpourri
- 4" x 7" rectangular template (optional- see Teacher Preparation)
Teacher Preparation
The amount of Crayolaâ Model Magicä needed per student will depend upon the size of the spice box you plan to make. They may be only two inches tall or as large as eight (larger is unwieldy). You may wish to have a rectangular template available in the desired size for the cylinder section of the spice box. Make a sample to decide on amount of clay needed and the size of the template. If rolling pins are used, be sure they are clean. Crayolaâ Model Magicä is so pliable that large markers could even be used as rolling pins for smaller spice boxes.
A variety of pictorial (or dimensional) references that represent ideas for spice box shapes may be gathered- from castle tower to seated lions that roar!
Directions
- Distribute materials. Roll Crayolaâ Model Magicä on a clean surface into an oblong shape. Place rectangular template on top of clay and cut out rectangular shape. Ask students to decide on the form their spice box will be and imagine the basic form.
- Lay the clay flat and use caps for small markers to press into clay to create circular openings into the rectangle. (This will allow the aroma of the spices to escape.)
- Roll thin coils of clay and press around opening in a coiling or spiraling manner. This enhances the filigree.
- When the coil designs are in place take the rectangle and curve it together into a cylinder shape by pressing short edges together.
- To make a bottom on the cylinder, place the cylinder on another piece of clay and trace around the bottom (circle shape). Cut out this circle with scissors and press onto the bottom of the cylinder.
- To make the stand (or stem), form clay into a stem shape and press onto bottom of cylinder.
- The top is made by forming a small pinch pot that is slightly larger than the opening of the cylinder. Do not place on top of the cylinder until it has dried.
- Paint with gold tempera paint and glue on sequins with white glue, if desired. Complete with potpourri or large spices and enjoy the aroma. All your senses will be pleased!
Spice Container Picture Gallery
Here is a picture gallery of several neat and interesting spice containers. This will give students some ideas of how creative they can be and how they should look.
These are examples of spice containers, which are all made of ebony, purpleheart, rosewood, and silver.
