Judaica
Light in the Darkness (Hanukah menorah)
hand-carved walnut, cast glass, sterling silver; 10" x 6" x 1 1/2"
photographed by Doug Yaple
2009
Jewish ritual objects hold the essence of Jewish life and culture. Creating contemporary Judaica allows me to examine contemporary issues through the Jewish tradition. It is not a religious interest that draws me towards making Judaica, but a cultural interest and an interest as a silversmith in creating work that has a ritual function. I am drawn to functional objects because of their interactive qualities. The people who use these objects, understand them both visually and tactilely, and relate to them on a personal level. I enjoy searching for the psychological "why" of religious practices.
This menorah is part of the permanent collection of The Jewish Museum in New York, NY.