Objects

A decorative cloth used to cover the challah (protecting it from drying out) while it awaits blessing and consumption during the Shabbat dinner.

The presented cover is made from a piece of white, rectangular linen fabric. In the center of the cloth, there is a yellow embroidered inscription in Hebrew, accompanied by a colorful floral appliqué. The embroidery was machine-made, and the words are arranged in a rectangular shape. The edges of the fabric are finished with a cotton lace trim.

The inscription reads: זכור את יום השבת לקדשו (Zakhor et yom haShabbat le-kadesho; Hebrew: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy").

The cover was made before World War II by a Jewish woman living in Ostrołęka and was gifted to one of her neighbors, who was also involved in embroidery. However, the donor, who later became the item's next owner, did not know the name of the original creator of the cover.