I’m not sure what I did to get on Mesorah Publications’ mailing list, but boy, am I glad I did it! Back in December, I reviewed Kosher By Design Lightens Up! and shortly after that I received a new book from them, Crafting Jewish. It’s a lovely book and I have had a great time looking through it.

I’m not Jewish and I have to admit that many of the holidays and celebrations in this book are completely unfamiliar to me. I had never heard of a succot, but now I have a great menu if I need to bring something to a potluck Succah Hop. I was similarly unfamiliar with Tu B’Shevat, but if you are planning a party to celebrate this spring holiday, the book includes recipes for linzer flower cookes and directions for making a beautiful decoupaged fruit tray to serve them on.

There are lots of projects for kids in this book – a lulav and etrog wall hanging, an “I (heart) Pesach” painted trivet, a beautiful mezuzah covered in stained glass shards, and popsicle stick flowers for Shavuot. The introduction includes special instructions for kids, as well as a list of all the craft supplies and tools you may need. There are costumes for Purim, recipes for Chanukah and lovely handmade items for gift-giving and everyday use. Making your own gifts is a great way to both save money and give an extra measure of love to the people closest to you.

My favorite project in the book was a Glowing Glass Menorah – it’s very different from other menorahs I have seen, and I think it would look beautiful on a holiday table or sideboard:

And now the Giveaway:

I want to be able to pass these books on to others who will be able to really use them, so I am having a very special giveaway. I will be giving away my hardcover copies of Kosher by Design Lightens Up and Crafting Jewish. Unfortunately, due to shipping costs, I can only open this contest to readers in the United States. To enter, leave a comment (make sure I have your email address) after this review. You don’t have to be Jewish to enter, you just have to enjoy crafting and cooking! Entries are open until Friday, January 30th at midnight EST, and I will announce the winner Saturday morning. Good luck!