Laura Cowan Modern Judaica

Inspiration for Rosh Hashanah and a Discount Coupon for You From Israel’s Top Judaica Designers

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Poalot Judaica - Judaica Workers
I recently joined forces with three of Israel’s leading modern Judaica designers to form a creative collaborative group which we named “Poalot Judaica” (Judaica workers). The group comprises Marit Meisler, owner and designer of CeMMent, and Anat Stein and Hadas Kruk, the duo behind Armadillo Judaica Lovers and myself, Laura Cowan Modern Judaica.

This exciting partnership began after some chance meetings between us at various Judaica exhibitions. We discovered that we were all like-minded in our business outlook with a passion for sharing. So we decided to come together both to push each other forward and also to help and inspire all our customers.

While each of us found our path to Judaica in a different way we have much in common. We’re all Tel Aviv based, career-driven woman (and mothers) with a passion for modernity and contemporary design; and additionally, with a deep connection to ancient Jewish rituals and traditions. It’s an unusual combination on the Israeli Judaica landscape.

Rosh Hashanah Table Setting
Our first collaboration is a presentation of a Rosh Hashanah table setting. We each specialize in different materials, including cement, stainless steel and ceramics. And together, we’ve created an exciting and diverse festive table display which we hope will provide you with inspiration for the New Year and fresh ideas for decorating your festive table.

Rosh Hashanah Table Modern Judaica
In addition to that, to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, this month you can enjoy 15% off designs from all three of our leading modern Judaica design houses with this discount coupon: JUDAICAWORKERS15

So why not browse our sites and treat yourself to something new for your Rosh Hashanah table?

The Story of the Rocket Chess Set – and 7 Jewish Chess Connections

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Rocket Chess Set designed by Laura Cowan

The challenge to design custom-made pieces for clients is one area of my work I particularly enjoy. So when I was commissioned by an Australian customer and private collector to design a chess set, I jumped at the chance. I’ve had thoughts to design one for a long while, and being given a blank slate with regards to the design concept made the idea even more appealing.

From concept to production, the project took eight months. And at every stage along the way, I updated my client with sketches and models of its progress. It was gratifying that she agreed with almost every aspect.

Laura Cowan Modern Judaica Designer

The result was the Rocket Chess Set, inspired by my favourite design elements, which include rockets, discs and cones inspired by the moon landings.

The material used for the chess board was tempered and sandblasted glass and the assorted chess pieces include anodized aluminium, stainless steel, sterling silver, black and white cubic zirconium stones.

Rocket Chess Set pieces

Featured elements include the Bishop’s collar, which was inspired by the planet Saturn’s rings, placed at a diagonal angle, as a reminder of which chess piece moves diagonally.

The shape of the Knight was inspired by several elements including a medieval knight’s helmet as well as a traditional blacksmiths anvil that is used to shape horseshoes.

As a Judaica designer, it was apt to include a Jewish element which you can see on the Star of David inspired the queen’s crown. It includes six diamond cut cubic zirconia which can also be seen in the King’s crown. The stones were set upside down – with the point upward – to echo the cone shapes.

However, in addition to the Star of David on the crown of the chess queen, the segue from designing modern Judaica gifts to a chess game is quite an apt one, as the game has several fascinating Jewish connections.

Here are seven interesting facts you may not know:

  1. The city with the most chess grandmasters in the world is Beersheva in southern Israel.
  2. The very two undisputed world champions — William Steinitz and Emanuel Lasker — were Jewish.
  3. The oldest list of chess rules in existence is attributed to a poem by Ibn Ezra — a famous 11th Rabbi and philosopher who lived in Spain. “First in battle comes the foot-soldier, fighting on the highway, always marching straight before him, while moving sideways to capture. The Queen directs her moving as she wants to in any direction. She backs the elephant or advances …” (An interesting detail about the history of chess: the game is said to have originated from northwest India in the 6th century, hence the possible reason for the mention of an elephant.)
  4. David Ben Gurion, first prime minister of Israel, was said to have secretly played chess behind the plenum in the Knesset (parliament) when he was bored with the needless government debates.
  5. Hungarian-born Judit Polgár, who is also Jewish, is considered to be the strongest female chess player of all time and only woman ever to qualify for a World Championship tournament.
  6. References to the game of chess have been made by many famous Rabbis including Rashi from France and the Rambam (Maimonides) from Spain.
  7. Natan Sharansky, the famous Russian human rights activist and now Israeli politician, credited the ability imagine playing games of chess with keeping him sane while jailed in solitary confinement in a Siberian prison.

If you would like your very own Rocket Chess Set, or for more information, check it out on my website here.

How I Did My First Live TV Interview (With Help From My Children)

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A few weeks ago I did something I never thought I’d be brave enough to do: I was interviewed on Israeli TV about my modern Judaica designs.

Appearing on TV is something I’ve wanted to do for years. Except I didn’t think I’d have the nerve to do it because I had a lifelong fear of public speaking.

Then, earlier this year, my son’s Bar Mitzvah took place and I was compelled to make a speech. I was nervous but determined to do it. It took a lot of courage but I succeeded. And not only did it go really well, but I finally overcame my anxiety of speaking in public too.

So when I got a call out of the blue from the producer of a talk show inviting me to talk about my designs, although I was surprised and slightly hesitant, I agreed to take part. After all, if I could give a speech at my son’s Bar Mitzvah party – why not appear on TV?

The program had a Jewish / religious slant and the focus would be about a selection of my best-selling designs, in particular, my Apollo Mezuzah, which was the first mezuzah ever to be taken into space.

The interview was to be conducted all in Hebrew. However, that was the least daunting aspect of the experience. I’ve now lived in Israel for over 20 years, so feel comfortable speaking in Hebrew.

Rather, the most challenging aspects were talking about my work. To try and express my feelings, thoughts and instincts through my designs. In addition, the program was to be filmed as a live show – unedited. (Even though it was broadcast later.)

In addition, apart from a short five-minute telephone interview a week before, I had no idea what questions they would ask me.

It was here that my daughter came to my assistance, as she practised interviewing me about my work. I found that this helped me immensely and I got used to the idea of being able to give spontaneous answers to any questions about my designs.

I can’t say I wasn’t nervous, but in the end, I think it went quite well. And part of the credit for that must go to my children too for their roles which gave me the confidence to do it.
Check out the short interview – with English subtitles – and see for yourself.