Color for 2014: Sachlav – Good for the Jews?

Goodbye Emerald Green, Tangerine Tango, Honeysuckle, and Turquoise, Pantone’s colors of the year for 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The color for 2014 is radiant orchid, a purple’y purple, or perhaps sachlav in Hebrew.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®, said, “Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination. An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society. An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.” Eiseman has been with Pantone for three decades.

The multifaceted hue is seductive when combined with red and pairs well with its sister shades of lavender, purple and pink, which provides an assortment of and options. Radiant Orchid’s exuberance also acts as a brilliant finishing touch to nails.

But what about the Jews? Is it good for the Jews?

Well, it can’t be bad. This shade of purple is akin to the purple/blue dies of priests and royalty and tzitzit. It reminds one of the doctoral dissertation of Rabbi Isaac Herzog (a Chief Rabbi of Israel), who studied the color purple in Hebrew writings. 2014 will be a color-filled year, with fashions, appliances, and the luggage on Ben Gurion Airport carousels being clored in shades or pinkish orchid purple