Number 32: On Pesach each year Ida’s, z”l, Matza Cover is taken out and given pride of place in the centre of the Table to be “managed” by the Seder Leader.

On Seder night, three whole pieces of Matza are placed, one in each Pocket, in the Matza Cover. The middle piece of Matza is broken in “half” and the larger piece put aside as the Afikoman for later in the Seder proceedings.

The Pesach Seder is such a deeply meaningful and distinctive experience that we had the privilege of starting to host, in our garage at 24 Quo Vadis Road, in the year that Fanny z”l injured her shoulder and couldn’t do it! In our home readings from the Haggadah are interspersed with relevant readings, discussion, questions and debate – relevant to us and our modern day lives! The integration of the stories passed down through the generations with those that have occurred recently – all related to the themes of Pesach, shared amongst family and close friends, midst plentiful energetic singing of the familiar songs, instil the experience with depth and meaning that contribute to making it such a special Festival.

Sheryl prepares the distinctive Pesach food, made primarily by herself but also by guests who contribute parts of the meal. She also beautifully decorates the festive Pesach table.

Sheryl’s maternal grandmother, Ida Sirkin, previously Paradisgarten, ‘nee Schneider painstakingly, lovingly, in cross-stitch, embroidered an exquisitely beautiful Three Pocket Matza Cover in 1925 (Jewish Calendar equivalent of the year 5685): The words translated into English read: “This is the bread of our affliction. So that you remember the day of your leaving the land of Egypt all the days of your life. To next year in Jerusalem and a blessed beginning”. In the centre are the words: “Z’man Cheiruteinu” meaning the time of our Freedom. On the underside of the Cover is crocheted: “SS 1925” (Ida’s second husband’s name was Selig Sirkin). There are three pockets, one each for Cohen, Levi and Yisrael.