Judaica

Five-foot tall cherry wood Tzedakah box on granite base designed for Congregation Shir Ha-Ma'alot in Irvine, CA. The upward spiral shape represents the "Song of Ascent," which is the name of the synagogue in English. Five lines of pigmented resin inlays represent the five lines of a musical staff, with musical notes representing the word Tzedakah. For more about the making of this piece, see "Process Notes: Tzedakah Box."

Sterling silver, 18k yellow gold. Forged, formed, fused, and fabricated. A mezuzah is a parchment scroll contained inside a decorative case, like the one above, that is attached to a doorpost. The parchment is inscribed in Hebrew with The Ten Commandments. 5" tall x 3" wide

Cherry wood, Argentium silver, and art glass Tzedakah box created for Congregation Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa, CA. This piece was created to honor and commemorate Rabbi George Gittelman's 18 years of leading the congregation. This piece involved a collaboration between metalsmith/designer Linda Weiss, woodworker Greg Zall, and glass artisan Dr. Charlie Catlett. Both left and right sides of the box have six silver-framed art glass rectangles that represent the gemstones associated with the twelve tribes of Israel. The front of the box shows the Hebrew letters for the word Tzedakah cut from silver with blue art glass backing, representing the blue on the Israeli flag. The front of the box also has 18 silver olive leaves, a symbol of peace and a tribute to the olive tree growing at the entry to the synagogue.